Tips on Buying Cars: Taking delivery of vehicle, paperwork, invoice

Question
Hi,

I went to the dealership on Tues and bought a car.  I have my own financing but I did not have a check from the bank at the time.  They said that I could get the car when I brought the check.  I signed alot of paperwork including the buyers order/invoice and a form called a vehicle order form.  I initialed on the vehicle order form that I took delivery of the vehicle, but I did not leave the dealership with the vehicle.  So, no money changed hands and I did not take the vehicle off the lot.  Was it legal for them to do that.  If I did not take the vehicle, or pay for the car, can I void the contract?  Thank you.

Answer
S,

Thanks for your question.  You have not taken delivery, therefore you do not own the vehicle and can not be held liable for it.  They had you sign that paperwork, because it is standard practice, as in all dealerships.  Was it Legal, yes, was it right, yes, do you own the car....NO!  You do not own the car until you pay for it, sign all the paperwork, and take delivery of that vehicle.  All three things have to happen in order for you to legally own the car.  There isn't really a contract for you to void until you have taken delivery of that vehicle, but yes you can void the paperwork that you signed.

Hope this helps.

Thanks - JB