Can an auto dealership hold money owed on a car they bought from you?

I sold my car 3.5 months ago to a Ford dealership in Washington. They told me they d have the check to me in three days. About three weeks later, I called after not getting anything. They said I had filled out a form wrong and the bank did not have the title. I filled out more paperwork, including the title documents and waited again.

A month later, they had me sign another form related to the title. I was confused and they say California wanted it. I researched the title process and sent them every required document. I finally got angry at sales rep and he gave me the finance manager, who likes to avoid my calls.

When I finally talked to the finance manager, he said that he'd sold my car and that he still didn't have the title. Apparently the bank that financed the sale of my car to the new owner was holding his money on my car and 10 other vehicles until they got my title.

I researched Washington law and it seems you can't even sell a car in this state without having a title. I've reached out to Ford and they have no regulatory departments on dealerships. What should I do. It's $1100. Not a large amount of money, but I'd like it back.

Yeah I don't think you can sell a car in ANY state without the title. Sounds like another excuse.

Have your attorney contact them, after you cosult them and give them all the proper paper work and the information the agency gave you

Until they get the title they keep your money. Someone f'd up even taking the car from you without the title.

This dealer is screwing you over. You need a lawyer.

I think I see the problem, you are listening to all these stories. Unless I'm missing something, you sell car and hand over title then a few days later dealer mails you a check.
Anything else that happens does not matter, as for messing up the title, I mean they are a dealer, they should know how to fill out a title, if you say signed it on the wrong line, then say… No thanks, go get a replacement and come back.
Send them a letter via certified mail, it needs to simply say pay me for the car I sold you.
Call the department that deals with dealer complaints, usually part of the secretary of state.
Call EVERY SINGLE day. Do not swear or make threats, where is my check, get Mr Smith on the phone now, etc. Call different people, the parts guys, secretary, anyone.
Sign up for G+, use your real name, write a FACTUAL, simple negative review,
Go to DMV, ask them to look up your title, is it still in your name or the dealer's. A manager at the DMV might call the dealer and just say, there's a confusing issue here, do you want to clear it up As soon as possible or should I open a complaint?
In a week file a claim in small claims court.

Contact your attorney general and dealer regulatory agency.

And become a thorn in the dealers side. Call the general manager every single day until you get paid.