Q: I purchased a Used Car from Carmax. I was told on Monday that they could not get the title and had to turn in the car to the aucti

asked by on July 26, 2017

I purchased a Used Car from Carmax. I was told on Monday that they could not get the title and had to turn in the car to the auctioneer. On Tuesday another car hit me. Carmax said I need to get the car fixed. I'm at a loss. If this is not my car then why do I need to get it fixed and why don't I have a title? And isn't it illegal to sell a car without a title. I've had the car since the end of may.

Hello, thank you for writing in. This is a legal issue that is above the advice and services that we can give. You should check with your local courthouse and see if there are any legal advisers you can speak with. Most states offer some kind of free legal advise hotline. A horrid situation like this involves the person who hit you, their insurance company, Carmax, you, and the insurance policy covering "your" vehicle. Carmax is putting it onto you to figure out, which may or may not be legal. Carmax may be at fault for allowing the vehicle to remain in your possession, and they are going to try to avoid responsibility for that to the fullest extent. Seek legal help, and good luck!

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What causes sensors to be damaged or get dirty?
Modern vehicles are equipped with dozens of different sensors. Sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-your-ecu-uses-sensor-data) are small electrical components, typically housed in plastic, that provide readings to different computers in a vehicle. While their role is big, the sensors themselves and the wires that...
Car gears won't move
Hi. Looking at my repair database, I don't see that your van was offered with a manual transmission. Therefore, I am going to assume your vehicle is equipped with the 4T65E automatic transmission. It sounds like your problem may be...
Clunking noise that chages relative to changes in speed
Noises are best diagnosed firsthand, however, I can provide some guesses in regard to your noise. The first thing that comes to mind is a failed CV axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-an-axle-cv-shaft-assembly-last), which will often make a clunking noise upon acceleration. A worn...
Ac blows warm unless in motion
This is because when you are at a stop, there is less air flow across the A/C condenser (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ac-condenser) and engine to cool it down. If you have a condenser that is clogged with bugs and dirt, then clean it...
my power steering blocks each time I have to maneuver in a parking, not when I'm just driving
If by "blocks", you mean the wheel turns smoothly then at some point in turning it, the wheel suddenly goes stiff and is hard to turn, it it a common symptom of GM products of that era having a bad...
Check engine light came on and it sounds like one or two cylinders are not running.
Hello. If the Check Engine Light is on, then the first thing I would do is retrieve the trouble codes. The Check Engine Light is likely related to your performance issues and retrieving the trouble codes may reveal some information...
Driving, then engine/oil light turns on, steering locks up, car dies; but just fine after turning off than on.
Any time loss of steering, or power assist to the steering is lost, it can be a safety issue and should be looked into as soon as possible. If the oil light and/or check engine light are flashing before it...
I need to get the front splash guard off. It is destroyed and dragging on the ground. Can I do it without jacking it up? 1998 Honda Accord
Hi there, sounds like this may require you to at least jack up that side of the car to gain enough access to remove this. Be sure to set the parking brake, block the wheels, and leave the transmission in...
IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN THE EPS LIGHT BIS ON??
I really can't tell you that YES it is or NO it is not safe to drive. But I would say that if the steering does not feel right, it would be a safer option to have it towed.

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Photographer
If If you are a photographer, and you’re considering buying a used car, the big thing to consider is the type of photography you do. Thanks to the advances in digital photography, chances are you’re not hauling around a lot...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have a Tiny Parking Space
In In many cities parking spaces come at a premium, so you only want to purchase one small space. This small space will end up dictating what vehicle you purchase, so we’ve rounded up some great candidates. Must-haves Arm yourself...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Vet
The The best car for a vet to own largely depends on the type of practice he or she has. Large animal vets are probably going to want something that delivers a fair bit of power, and possibly even towing...