I'm willing to bet that vehicle was bought thru GL or GP and the previous owner never did the SF-97(?) paperwork to get a title in his name....or he bought the truck without a title...or he stole the friggin thing. ALSO, you said "I paid the previous owner $325.00 to change the title/paperwork over to me". Does that mean the previous owner is a dealer....or did you know he didn't currently have a title right then and paid him to get one??
At any rate after a year he either can't get a title for some reason or he just has no intention of doing so....and neither is acceptable.
Since you said "He keeps giving me the run around" and it's been about a year, It's time for you to either get serious or just scrap the truck.
I know you probably trusted the guy to come thru with the title and even paid him to produce one but the fact remains....you accepted the truck and moved it to another state that requires a title, WITHOUT ONE. As a few have stated above, that COULD cause you all kinds of heartaches!
If the previous owner is a member of SS I recommend you tactfully name him right here in this thread and notify him that you've done so for two reasons. First, he will know that you are serious and plan to bring this issue to and end and SECOND, it will give him an opportunity to give his side of the story....YES, THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES.
ALSO.....Send that certified letter informing him that you intend to begin legal proceedings and follow thru.
I would advise having an attorney licensed to practice in NC. to DEMAND the feller produce a title within 90 days OR return your full purchase price along with any attorney fees, court/admin fees and any other costs related to your transaction.
If the individual is an active member of SS, send him a PM and ask him to read this thread.