Overhaulin'

I need to sue an old friend I guess, any advice?

I sold a car to a friend a little over a year ago now and we are still in a fight about it. He took possession of the car in September of 2007 and found every reason why he couldn't sign a bill of sale. We agreed on $2,500 and he paid me $250 the first night, but nothing since. He tried lying to me and telling me that he had to replace a part on the car that I had just replaced. I called the shop and they said he had dropped it off to have performance parts put on it. I finally took it back in January of 08 and caught a ton of crap. His mom called and threatened me, he called the cops saying I stole the car (I still had the title). So it sat and rotted in my yard until April when I wanted to sell it again. I had very little interest since he had torn the interior out, and took many of the useful parts off. I offered to let him have it back if he resumed payments, and that night he came and took it out of the drive. Again no payments and I took it back again. The problem now is that I ended up selling the car for $500 to get rid of it, the tax value is $3,700 and the KBB value is about $4,100. I'm asking him to pay me for $3,000 in damages and losses to the car and $500 for all the driving around and trailering I had to do to recover the car. His mom agrees that he owes the debt but wants pictures of the damage before she'll consider paying me. I've offered to let them pay me $3,000 or I'll sue for the KBB value plus my expenses and court fees. Should I send her the pictures or is she up to something? This woman calimed that they had a signed bill of sale showing that the car was paid in full, and is a crook. The second time around he came and got the car without my permission, he had made copies of the keys while he had it in his posession. He is an adult, 22. His dad owns a roofing business and he claimed to be part owner and promised that the company would pay the total if he missed even one payment, turns out he is not an owner.

Public Comments

1. Never do any sort of business with friends! But why did you give the keys if you hadnt recieved all the money up front? It seems kinda stupid as it wasnt as if it was "stolen" as you willingly gave up the keys in exchange for the cash... I dunno though. Its probably worth a shot. Stu xxx
2. Send her copies of the pictures what can that hurt. Take the case to small claims court if he doesn't come up the cash. Let that be a lesson to you, never trust a friend will do the right thing when it comes to money. Always have a loan and payment plans written down and signed.
3. sounds like your friend is an asshole, i would sue him. dont talk to that lady unless you have your lawyer present.
4. Ok the title is in your name. So the judge is going to say the car is yours. End of story. They can pay you for it (what youre asking) or not buy the car. But, if they have the car in possession and they have not paid you for it then you can sue in civil court up too I believe $3000.00. You might just have to file papers at the court house. And, why is this guys mom getting involved??? Is he an adult? I think you should get your car back or get the money you are asking. That's it .... Answer my question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlGZFS9dAuuazSzfnPi4MoHsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080924154447AAO4mDt