Atlanta car dealership closes after news station exposé — but some customers out of luck. Don't make their mistake
Multiple unhappy customers reported paying thousands in cash for vehicles but never receiving their titles, leaving them unable to drive their cars once temporary tags expired.
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It's an ongoing issue in the Peach State that's leaving countless shoppers angry at unreliable dealers more interested in 'making paper' than legal paperwork. But what can you do to avoid falling for the same mistakes?
After all, without a title, you don't legally own the vehicle you're paying for.
Buyers can't prove ownership
Willie Lowe, a Marietta sanitation employee, told reporters he paid $8,900 cash for a 2012 Hyundai Equus in June but never received his title.
Since then, Alliance has dragged its heels on transferring the title to Lowe — something Georgia law requires to be done within 30 days of purchase and forcing him into getting a temporary extension.
'There's no way you should have 60 days without your title,' Lowe's friend and coworker, Kellie Kindle, said.
But Lowe isn't alone in his complaints against the dealer.
Nick Jones drove 70 miles from Jefferson, Georgia, and paid cash for a 2017 Honda Pilot, but faced the same issue with an expired temporary tag and no title.
'I feel kind of betrayed. It's not fair. It's frustrating,' said Jones.
Reporters confronted Dan Sherrer, owner of Alliance Automotive Group, about Lowe's case. Sherrer claimed Lowe had moved and failed to complete the required notarized form to process the title. In fact, he had handed over the paperwork himself — something Lowe disputes.
A laundry list of complaints against the dealer
Sherrer's company is accused of failing to process tag and title paperwork for multiple customers.
In June, the Georgia Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Board fined the dealership $2,500 after it failed an inspection, in part over title issues. In early July, the Secretary of State's Office suspended Alliance Automotive Group's broker's license, pending a hearing scheduled in October.
The dealership's license suspension means it can no longer access the state system needed to process car sales, leaving affected customers in limbo with vehicles they purchased but cannot legally drive.
Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you're not a millionaire.
What to do when you don't get your title tags
In Georgia, dealers typically apply for vehicle titles within 30 days of sale. However, some dealers fail to do this before the 45-day temporary operating permit expires, creating problems for buyers.
When dealers can't provide titles, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) recommends that wronged buyers take the following steps:
Apply for a 30-day temporary permit from your county tag office
Consider applying for a bonded title (a document that establishes ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost, stolen, or unavailable)
Consult an attorney
File a civil suit against the dealer
File a claim against the dealer's surety bond
That's because the DOR can only issue titles under three conditions:
If the dealer applies with the required documentation
If you have the original title signed over to you
If you obtain a bonded title
Additionally, Georgia law states that dealers cannot extend the original permit.
But proving a dealership is closed can be tricky. This requires sending a certified letter to the seller and waiting for it to be returned to the sender. The new owner can then return the unopened letter and potentially get another extension.
The Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association said there is no statewide system to help car buyers who are stuck with cars they cannot drive.
Before buying a car, ask who processes the paperwork and check for complaints online. At a minimum, ask to see a copy of the title before you pay.
What to read next
Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now
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Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead
Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
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Atlanta car dealership closes after news station exposé — but some customers out of luck. Don't make their mistake
Alliance Automotive Group, a Marietta, Georgia, used car dealership, has closed following an Atlanta News First investigation that uncovered numerous customer complaints and a suspended dealer's license. Multiple unhappy customers reported paying thousands in cash for vehicles but never receiving their titles, leaving them unable to drive their cars once temporary tags expired. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it It's an ongoing issue in the Peach State that's leaving countless shoppers angry at unreliable dealers more interested in 'making paper' than legal paperwork. But what can you do to avoid falling for the same mistakes? After all, without a title, you don't legally own the vehicle you're paying for. Buyers can't prove ownership Willie Lowe, a Marietta sanitation employee, told reporters he paid $8,900 cash for a 2012 Hyundai Equus in June but never received his title. Since then, Alliance has dragged its heels on transferring the title to Lowe — something Georgia law requires to be done within 30 days of purchase and forcing him into getting a temporary extension. 'There's no way you should have 60 days without your title,' Lowe's friend and coworker, Kellie Kindle, said. But Lowe isn't alone in his complaints against the dealer. Nick Jones drove 70 miles from Jefferson, Georgia, and paid cash for a 2017 Honda Pilot, but faced the same issue with an expired temporary tag and no title. 'I feel kind of betrayed. It's not fair. It's frustrating,' said Jones. Reporters confronted Dan Sherrer, owner of Alliance Automotive Group, about Lowe's case. Sherrer claimed Lowe had moved and failed to complete the required notarized form to process the title. In fact, he had handed over the paperwork himself — something Lowe disputes. A laundry list of complaints against the dealer Sherrer's company is accused of failing to process tag and title paperwork for multiple customers. In June, the Georgia Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Board fined the dealership $2,500 after it failed an inspection, in part over title issues. In early July, the Secretary of State's Office suspended Alliance Automotive Group's broker's license, pending a hearing scheduled in October. The dealership's license suspension means it can no longer access the state system needed to process car sales, leaving affected customers in limbo with vehicles they purchased but cannot legally drive. Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you're not a millionaire. What to do when you don't get your title tags In Georgia, dealers typically apply for vehicle titles within 30 days of sale. However, some dealers fail to do this before the 45-day temporary operating permit expires, creating problems for buyers. When dealers can't provide titles, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) recommends that wronged buyers take the following steps: Apply for a 30-day temporary permit from your county tag office Consider applying for a bonded title (a document that establishes ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost, stolen, or unavailable) Consult an attorney File a civil suit against the dealer File a claim against the dealer's surety bond That's because the DOR can only issue titles under three conditions: If the dealer applies with the required documentation If you have the original title signed over to you If you obtain a bonded title Additionally, Georgia law states that dealers cannot extend the original permit. But proving a dealership is closed can be tricky. This requires sending a certified letter to the seller and waiting for it to be returned to the sender. The new owner can then return the unopened letter and potentially get another extension. The Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association said there is no statewide system to help car buyers who are stuck with cars they cannot drive. Before buying a car, ask who processes the paperwork and check for complaints online. At a minimum, ask to see a copy of the title before you pay. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 simple ways to grow rich with real estate if you don't want to play landlord. And you can even start with as little as $10 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
