Someone sold me a car that wasn't registered in his name...isn't that illegal?

Question

I bought the car almost 3 weeks ago.

and theyre are penalties and payments still due towards the car and the dmv will not allow me to register it into my name until he has had that other person's name transfered into his.
I asked him about it. and he told me that the dmv forgot to transfer the files.
YEAH RIGHT!!!

can i sue him?can he be prosecuted?
because now the car he sold me broke down, the engine blew . He said that it's my fault and i caused the damages. thats ridiculous!!! He's the one who was giving false advertisement. And he doesnt want to refund my money. $5000

I dont think he was honest with me from the start. And If the car was registered in my name it would be a different story. I would take care of the repairs ect.... i really feel like he betrayede me. And i dont think that i am responsable for the way the car is acting. he told me it was in SUPERB condition!

how can i go about handeling this??? and taking this to a superior court?


HELP!

ok thanks!!

i mean he told me he lost the pink slip...but either way i still coudn't register.

IN OTHER WORDS...HE NEVER HAD IT AND TRIED TO COVER FOR IT.

where's the liscnece bureau?

ans what should i go up there and say?

however I DID insure the car.

i just couldnt register it because of the car wasn't in his name i filled out the paper ect...that he gave to me. but it just didnt go thru because the teller told me that its not even in his name. and i cant register it once that is resoved between him and the other person.

I HAVE NO IDEA WHO THE REGISTERED PERSON IS THATS MY PROBLEM....

THE REGISTRATION PLACE WOULDN'T GIVE ME HIS NAME. I KNOW IT'S MALE. THATS ABOUT ALL THE TELLER TOLD ME. FOR CONFIDENTIALITY REASONS OF COURSE. BUT IT WOULD REALLY HELP ME OUT WITH MY CASE IF I COULD GET THE GUYS NAME. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?

Answer 1

why on earth would you pay $5000 for a car that the person selling it didnt have a title for?.....regardless of who the car is registered to when you buy it you cant switch to your name without a title signed by previous owner. also you said the engine blew....meaning you were driving it without it being in your name and more than likely no insurance that would cover you as a driver if you were in an accident......i say chalk this one up to a lesson learned, you may be entitled to a settlement of some type for fraud but your first concern should be contacting the registered owner of that car and letting them know because if he sold it without their permission you have possession of a stolen car.

Answer 2

Ok the real question is whether you knew the car was not registered in his name at the time you made the purchase. I assume you did not. In that event, yes, you do have a cause of action against him. You can sue him for fraud. Depending on where you live, you may be able to sue in a small claims court, in which case you would not need a lawyer. Check your court to see what maximum damage you can recover in a small claims court. At this point, the car you have in your possesion belongs to someone else. What I would suggest is that you take some reasonable care in making sure the car it not damaged further or is not stolen. You have some responsibility to look after it even though it really isn't yours.

Before you actually sue, you should clearly and explicitly demand a refund from him and tell him that you will sue otherwise. Do this in writing.

Answer 3

Report it to the DA's office. There probably is a statute in your state that provides that vehicular fraud is illegal. Also, the car may have been stolen from the owner of title. Thus, the guy could be charged with grand theft auto, as well. It certainly merits an investigation.

Also, every DA's office has a "Bunko Unit" that deals specifically with parasites preying on unsuspecting victims.

A far as small claims court, the guy's assets are probably hidden, or he has nothing; you may obtain a judgment against him, but might not be able to enforce the judgment. He may have even skipped town; thus, you would not be able to serve him.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You have paid $5000. for your class on how the world works. sorry, try small claims in your city and if that don't work get a restraining order then invite this person to your house and call the cops for the violation. they will get a fine and slapped around in jail. and I appreciate you ladies who wear tops like that one thank you.

Answer 5

Keep visiting him at his house at all times of day and night. Bring a big friend. Your goal is to get your money back. Forget about owning this car.

Answer 6

Report the title with the license bureau, report it to your insurer too.......Never buy a messed up car , it could be stolen, used in a crime or any other sketchy thing.......Always ask for a clear title.......

Answer 7

You didn't have the title to the car but you paid for it and you were driving it. Bad decision.

Answer 8

rules selection from state to state, yet so a great way as i understand, to sign in a motor vehicle, the guy registering might desire to be the owner, or be the guy listed on the indoors maximum loan. in case you sign in the motor vehicle and get the tags, then sell it to somebody else, they might desire to sign in the motor vehicle of their very own call.

Answer 9

Take him to small claim court

Answer 10

yes you can file a lawsuit. hopefully you learned that you NEVER buy a car w/o a title in hand.