I bought a car from a private owner. They refused to send title after I

mom

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made final paymt. What can I do? November 2008 I bought a car. I needed it to work and didn't have really any extra money. I found a 1991 Ford Explorer on a Yahoo group. The owner was really nice, and sold it to me for only $300 on payments. I thought she was a saint. Now, I'm wondering if she maybe just saw me coming, and sold it so cheaply because it was actually unsellable. I really hope I'm wrong about her, I liked her.
I finally got it paid off about a month ago. I've been using tags from another car. I had insurance but couldn't get the title to get new tags b/c I was making payments. The tags I was using expired, but I was able to get temp tags that are good for 30 days.
The problem: Now that it is paid off, the previous owner refuses to send the title. I found the dealer she bought it from (she wouldn't tell me who they were, I had to research). I contacted the dealer and they said they have the title, but she never signed the back and they won't send it to her until she does. I've asked her if she will do that, then send it to me, but she just tells me she's tried, but when she goes to the car lot, no one is there to help her. She doesn't seem willing to do anything about the situation at all. She doesn't answer my phone calls or emails.
I need this car for work. When the tag expires, I can't drive it. Also, things are starting to break down and I will need to sell it soon so I can get another car, but without a title, what can I do?
What legal recourse do I have, so I can obtain the title? Thanks in advance for any help.
 
I think you can go down to the office where you get your license plates and give them the info on the car and they might be able to help you get the title! Im not sure on this but its worth a shot! Let them know that you paid of the car and the owner will not give you the title, if that doesnt work let the previous owner know you are taking it to court!
 
I think the title is still in her name, unless she signed it for you. Did you or she send the required paper work to the DMV. If not the car is still registered in her name. If it is still registered in her name then all accidents that happen to the car are in her name. So you may want to tell her that unless she sends the title you're going to get into an "accident" and her insurance will not be happy. Just a thought, and use the air bags please.
 
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