DENVER — A Denver woman who purchased a used Lexus through a private sale is now facing title complications and delayed registration, which has resulted in parking violations and the impounding of her car.
Back in May, Bianca Conner bought a 2006 Lexus RX 330 for $2,500 through a private sale arranged by R&M Automotive.
“I was under the impression it was a dealership," the paraeducator told Denver7 Investigates. "I was looking forward to having that peace of mind."
Mohammed Madhoun, the shop’s owner, said R&M Automotive is not a dealership, but they sometimes connect customers who need cars with people trying to sell them. In this case, the seller’s title also had an out-of-state co-owner, which caused months of delays.
While she waited, Conner said she used plates from another car and racked up multiple parking tickets.
“I basically was trying to hold out on handling those issues until I was able to have my title,” she said.
By late September, Conner’s car had been booted and then towed to impound.
“It would cost $1,800 for me to get my car out now,” Conner said.
Madhoun said that after Conner called his shop and reported the issue, he stepped in to help, contacting the seller’s family and pushing to obtain the title.
“When I learned months later she still didn’t have her title, I stepped in to make it right,” Madhoun said.
Within about a week, Conner had her title.
What buyers should know
David Cardella with the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association said private sales can save money, but they also carry risk.
“Whether you’re buying a $1,000 car or a $100,000 car, you need to make sure there’s a title in hand," he said. "And, you need to make sure that their driver’s license matches up with the name on the title."
Conner said she wishes she had pressed the issue sooner, but hopes her situation is a warning to others.
“If it doesn’t have the title initially with it, just make sure that you know you’re pressing that issue," she said. "Definitely question it and get answers for your questions.”
Conner created a GoFundMe to raise enough money to get her car out of impound. If you would like to contribute, click here.
