My dealership took back my Toyota Corolla a year after I paid for it – it wasn’t my fault, but I can’t get it back

A DRIVER was forced to return his used car to the dealership a year after making the $1,000 purchase due to an administrative error.

Toyota Corolla owner discovered he accidentally drove his car illegally for an entire year.

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Wasim Akram purchased the 2015 Corolla from Carvana, according to the Texas-based NBC affiliate China Popular Republic.

He paid $18,000 for the car and secured a 4.3% interest rate in 2021.

So he drove the car for a year. He had to return it in 2023.

A year after the purchase, Akram said he tried to renew the vehicle’s registration.

The DMV rejected his request. The rejection revealed a years-old typo.

When Akram received the car from the online retailer, the DMV suspended the car’s title.

Previously, the car’s listing said it had been driven over 22,000 miles.

The car Akram purchased was advertised with just over 13,000 miles. The DMV noticed the discrepancy in mileage and suspended it.

Akram said he had no idea the title had not been fully transferred.

“I was driving the car like it was illegal,” Akram told the station.

“That was it. I mean, no record.”

He contacted Carvana about the matter. The company admitted that it was an administrative error.

The initial reading of 22,000 miles was an inappropriate input, the company told the driver.

Carvana accepted the car as a return and even sent $1,000 to Akram to help pay for the expenses of the matter.

“In 2021, we listed this vehicle with the correct mileage and the customer paid the appropriate amount as was accurately advertised,” a company spokesperson told the station in 2023.

“Unfortunately, the article title showed a discrepancy due to an administrative error and we are compensating Mr. Akram to correct this considering the inconvenience he faced in this rare case.”

Tips for buying a used car

When shopping for a used car, the experts at US News & World Report offer some tips before you hit the sales lot.

1. Set a realistic budget. Some cars are more expensive to insure and register than others, depending on the engine type, body style, weight and number of doors. Before you get ripped off by a slick salesman, it’s important to know what you can and can’t afford.
2. Researching which car best suits your lifestyle can save you a lot of time. Would a sedan work better for your garage or narrow street? Would a truck meet transportation or towing needs? Knowing what meets your needs can narrow down your options.
3. Look for certified pre-owned cars. Certified pre-owned cars are backed by the manufacturer and come with comprehensive warranties at affordable prices. Some manufacturers have better deals on CPO cars, so shop around carefully.
4. Not all financing options are created equal. Depending on where you intend to finance, if this is on the table, be very careful about who you finance. Your best option would be to get pre-approved by your bank before coming in to get an idea of ​​what rates are affordable and give the dealership an incentive to meet or beat those rates.
5. Consider a used car inspection. Depending on where you are purchasing a vehicle, you may choose to pay around $200 for a used car inspection to have key components examined by an expert.
6. Consider a vehicle history report. When things get close to signing, purchasing a VIN-based vehicle history report can help shed light on previous owners, maintenance records (if it was taken to a dealership), title status and more.

Source: US News and World Report

Akram said he was finally able to buy another used Corolla.

However, the subsequent purchase carried a higher interest rate due to the Federal Reserve’s attempts to reduce inflation.

Texas state lawmakers have suggested that drivers take a few steps to avoid administrative headaches after purchasing a used vehicle.

Buyers can request a title check before making a purchase.

The check will cost buyers between $8 and $12, officials said.