Tips on Buying Cars: Title and Power of Attorney, automobile title, power of attorney

Question
I recently backed away from the purchase of a new vehicle after starting the process for reasons I would rather not go into.  They do not have my automobile title, but do have a power of attorney for transfer of the title signed by both my wife and I.  Though the dealer is 'reputable', I am worried that they could take my automobile.  I don't believe they can because they do not have the title.  I just want to get a better understanding of how this works for my relief.  I believe the purpose of the power of attorney is so that once they have the title, they can sign it without me, or transfer it without me.

Answer
LEGAL DISCLAIMER!  I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY!  MY ADVICE IS WORTH WHAT YOU'VE PAID FOR IT!

Having got that out of the way, I believe you're absolutely correct.  Without the title itself, the dealer has no claim to your car.  The power of attorney would allow them to sign the title over to themselves once they have it, but I don't believe it gives them any legal claim to your car in and of itself.  Only a lawyer can answer that question positively, so that's who you need to talk to (or at least some sort of legal self-help website).

Did I mention I'm not an attorney, by the way?  :-)