Pennsylvania MB Dealer claiming they don't have title yet -& delaying purchase/pickup
 

This is funny. My parents were shopping for an E class at the end of December and I found that one, but it looked like it sold before they could take a look at it (around Dec 30). They ended up with a loaded 2017 E300. I liked that car with the desgno interior and ttV6. I think my dad my have seen evidence that one was in a wreck or had a car-fax issue, but they were looking at 5-6 so I could be confusing them. I'd double check.

I wouldn't worry about the title. I've bough new and CPO from both MB of Pitt, as well as Rahal (sister dealer in Wexford), and never gotten a title immediately at time of purchase (paying cash/check). The only time it bothered me was when the manager was giving me static about a check from an "out of state bank" which was really only 60 miles away with branches in PA, and they didn't even have the title. Dealers don't usually have titles for these cars, and probably don't process them until the transaction is complete. You will get your title.

Thanks rediesel , I appreciate it. They've actually stated that I would only be able to test drive but not actually purchase until they receive the title, which is what I believe to be a lie. They've indicated the bumper cover was replaced and that did show on the carfax. I've put down the deposit and all of that good stuff, but have been very honest that I'll scrutinize the car heavily in person and not to expect me to not walk away just because I'm driving 300+ miles to get there. I think they've decided that the potential for hassle is not worth the small margins on a used car. If the car's in junk shape, I've dodged a bullet, but it is a nice looking car and CPO'd, so I was hoping it would be good enough for 34K. Getting a little pissed that I arranged a trip with hotel, paid a deposit and had someone give up their weekend to ride with me all to have them pull the rug out from under me at the last minute. I'll likely be lighting up any sort of online reviews I can find if I can verify they're just screwing with me.

nice car...
Title thing is weird but maybe MBUSA has it ince lease turn in?

good luck and the E400 are great cars as loaded with options
I like mine!

I agree it is a bit of a wait but title should clear. As long as they are giving you the 30/45/60 day temporary tag and your insurance is contacted to add vehicle don't panic too much yet. I would definitely ask them if the title is holding up the deal as in financing. It shouldn't be a big deal. The financing will get approved and the PA title department will send it. Also remember and state governments to a lesser extent but GVVMNT SHUTDWN...….

I am confused....Your purchasing from MB PIT but they are purchasing out of state? is it one of their sister, brother, cousin who looks at your children way too long at family reunion dealerships? Uncle who for some reason is not allowed at the public pool during the summer dealerships?

12/13 makes is right at 42 days today. Deduct 12 days for weekends, Xmas, New Years plus possibility of personnel probably taking off Monday of both holidays that makes four more days, and MLK Birthday that makes it 17 days. Factor in the football purists that probably called in either Sick or Dead after losing seasons....Except for Cleveland...they are used to it....TOO SOON? Add in the sick calls or possible no shows for the Clemson fans, plus the Houston, Seattle, Baltimore and Chicago fans after Wild Card Weekend....Especially the Bears Kicker, he probably wanted to cut his toe off after that....Again too soon??

Now add in the Colts, Cowboy's Chargers and Eagles fans after Divisional rounds....and add Kansas City and New Orleans fans after last weekend....divide by the title department staffing and adjust for Cold/Flu, season, snow, fires, other life's mayhem events and in perspective six weeks isn't overly long.


Sorry I know your frustrated just trying to break the tension. One quick lesson from my time living in PA....Pittsburgh area ironically. If you are purchasing out of state Check two items. 1. Vehicle is factory equipped with CA Emissions,, trust me it should say it on window sticker or VIN search. As a exemption to rule 1....there is always some trick, and this one is believe it or not totally legal and in fact the PA DMV procedure for registration of NON California Emissions vehicles in PA. Part 2 If previously sold or registered in a state with NON California emissions make sure it is 7501 Miles or above. I guess they figure most engines, exhaust and emissions control systems are broke in by then. The other scenario and they will help you, believe it or not.... They will issue and renew/extend the Temporary Tag to get the vehicle above the 7500 mile threshold. I am sure they won't renew indefinite but I would say probably once if necessary. If you get bored check out some of the dealer websites for dealers along the Ohio/PA border. Window sticker check will probably show California Emissions. They don't sell every one but keep a few representative models of each fleet for exactly this scenario. Purchasing used even if was a executive/dealer demo it should have close to the 7500 mile minimum.

What part of OHIO? I lived in PA, purchased in Columbus (2014 Taurus SHO) but registered in TX. CA emissions not required because by the time the OH temp tag expired (45 days I believe for OH at the time) I was able to get a TX Temporary tag and extend once until I could afford the new vehicle TX sales tax and fees.

Thanks 2011E350,

Sorry for the confusion. I live in Virginia and would be traveling to Pitt purchase the car. I'd be putting around 50% down and financing the rest with MB of Pitt, which shouldn't have any problem clearing with my FICO score (and they've already run it as per my credit report). The car will ultimately be registered in an area of VA with no emissions inspections and it now has 28K miles, so I should be OK with any emissions stuff. MB of Pitt did not purchase the car, it's a lease return and looks like it was always registered in Pennsylvania.

The car is pretty loaded and sort of rare-ish, but I'm paranoid about buying it basically sight unseen.

Not saying they aren't BS'ing you, but I could see how a dealer might be required to have the title to sell to a buyer out of state who will be registering the car themselves. If the car was being sold in PA, then the dealer would file the paperwork on the buyer's behalf for the title transfer in PA. But since you're not registering it in PA, you may need the title to register in Virginia. If this car were new, then there wouldn't be the same issue.

If you want to know for sure, why not call another dealer in PA like in Philly and talk to the finance department and ask about title delays as an out of state buyer if you to buy one of their CPO cars.

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'm going to give them the benefit of doubt for now and see where this whole thing takes me. I'm sure everyone understands the anxiousness when awaiting a car that you've been searching for for a while.

Oh I get it. Given the scarcity of certain options, when you get the right combo of price, miles, color and options you better act quick.

Yes I understand anxiety, but also patience. Funny how purchasing a car even used can turn the most hardened person into a little school girl isn't it?

If you finance then it is MBFINANACE problem of getting title as they will hold it until note paid in full.

so this should all be non issue for dealership - unless they lost title etc and have nothing to turn in once you do the paperwork.

DO they know you are financing?

I bought a car from a dealer in AZ a few years back. Since AZ has electronic titles, I was given a 90 day temporary tag and got the title only after about 70 days. PA also has electronic titles, and since the car is a CPO car, I think everything will work out fine.

I did exactly the same 3 months ago. It was small dealership thought.
I think the above situation calls for serious talk with dealership owner.

Trying to help, I check the availability and dealer responded.
Are you aware the car has reported accident?
Also it is listed as factory certified, not CPO
Lot of money for something that doesn't have fresh smell.

Thanks Kajtek, I appreciate it! Dealer told me it was a low speed collision (no other vehicles involved) that required replacing the front bumper, but that was all. Are you able to pull a MB VIN report or something that showed more detail, or did they provide more detail? Also, their website shows it under their CPO listings , so I assumed that was just how they referred to it : https://www.mercedesbenzofpittsburgh...anchor-model-5

As far as I know car with collision can't be CPO, but I don't buy CPO, so don't take my word for it.
small or big, accidents can be excuse for voiding the warranty, so would I be in your shoes, I would really work on my homework.
Dealer send me package, who included Carfax

It appears to be de-badged. That always makes me nervous when looking at a car. It could be paint work or just a previous owner who didn't care for emblems. The car is very well optioned and that is great. A unicorn.

Thanks again, any chance you could DM me that one? I'm wondering why I never received that, do you have a dealer's license or something else that allows you to retrieve that info?

Exactly, I'm hoping given the options that the owner just liked the look of that. There's a nearly identical 2016 in Florida that I would prefer ( https://www.mercedesbenzoforangepark...a71532c828.htm ) but I'm not sure it's 7K better.

They are both really nice. The '16 has about the same original warranty left and since they are CPO, I think the '15 is the way to go. You could shoot the Florida car an offer and see if you can close the gap.

May continue to monitor the FL car. Your 550 is the one I originally started looking for, but they're old enough now that finding low mileage examples with CPO is near impossible. There's only about a dozen for sale in the entire country currently.