Can a car dealership charge you after the sale if they miscalculated the vehicle registration cost?

Question

We purchased a new truck at a California dealership. We signed the contract and paid for the vehicle. Eight months later we get a form letter stating that they miscalculated the vehicle registration cost and that we owe them $211. They have sent me a second notice in less than a month. Is this legal? The sale is complete. Can they demand payment for their own mistake? We are going to talk to DMV this week. I believe, from watching The People's Court that it is a done deal,they signedthe contract and they can't come back 8 months later and say they charged us wrong- so pay up. I am not sure if this is a legally correct theroy. We looked at the contract to see if there was a loop hole in there for that, but they gave us the Spanish version and we can't read it. I will take them to small claims court if they try and send it to collections. Any thoughts? Thanks..-Cindy

Answer 1

Its legal.

It's one thing to walk away laughing if they make a mistake and don't notice it. But taking them to court when YOU owe money and are relying on simply "because they made a mistake" sounds like someone has big b*lls.

.If you SIGNED a contract in spanish.. well..

.

Answer 2

I am suprised it took them 8 months to send you a bill. But then again, they may not have received a bill from the state until recently. Regardless, you owe them the money. If it cost them more than what you were charged originally, it may have been their mistake, but you are still responsible for any titling and registration and taxes charged to the vehicle. They have already paid the state, and you owe them that money period. And they can take you to court for it.
When you go to pay this extra charge, ask to see the original bill from the state, or a receipt that they payed this extra charge. Although it is illegal to charge you more than what they should, dealers sometimes try to sneak one over on their customers. Don't fall for it and ask to see where they were charged this extra money. If they prove they were charged, then pay it and avoid any problems from them, and get a receipt for your payment!

Answer 3

Yes they can. The deal is for the cost of the car. The taxes and registration are separate. If you do not pay them, they will file with DMV and you will end up paying it when they put a hold on the title. These are state taxes owed to the state.

Answer 4

Don't worry about it and don't pay it. It's their mistake. They can't charge you after the fact. If they try to collect on it, it isn't something that will hurt your credit rating.

And if you take them to small claims, you'll end up paying more than they say you owe them (in court costs). Just ignore the notices.

Answer 5

no way. they are off the title and out of the transaction