Who is the liable party?

[thaddeus333]

California

I recently paid cash for a vehicle from a guy in Apple Valley. He originally received the vehicle as trade for work that he did for another person. The vehicle was a known gross polluter when originally traded for the work.The person I purchased the vehicle from did not register it nor transfer the title(probably because he couldn't get the thing smogged). So the actual person on the transfer of ownership paperwork was the original owner who traded it for the work done. So apparently he knew it would not pass smog and took advantage of the person I purchased it from. The original owner is quite a bit wealthier than the person I gave the money to, is he the liable party or is it the guy who I purchased the truck from? I have spoke to both on the phone and neither is willing to return my money and take the truck back. Who do I sue in this matter. Also since the offer for purchase was made via the internet, can I get the case heard in my home town or do I have to drive all thew wayback to Apple Valley? Thanks for any and all insight!

 

[stephenk]

you bought a car over the internet from someone who does not own the title to the car? now you want to sue the owner listed on the title even though that person never sold you the car or discussed selling the car to you, right?

Who did you send the money to? That is the person you sue.

 

[thaddeus333]

More info

California

I originally purchased the vehicle in Apple Valley and paid cash. I found the car over the internet. When I arrived to purchase the car, it was explained to me that the title hadn't been transfered yet and that it was still in the previous owners name. I called and spoke with the previous( and current on the title) owner and explained that the title would be transfered from him directly to me, he said that was fine. I paid one guy and transfered the ownership from someone else. Make more sense now? Please let me know who is the liable party. Thanks again.

 

[stephenk]

"I paid one guy and transfered the ownership from someone else"

Huh?

 

[thaddeus333]

HOpe this helps

The guy(lets call him Al) I bought the vehicle from received the truck in trade and had not registered the vehicle or transfered title yet. When I bought the vehicle all of the paperwork was in the original owner's( we'll call him Bob) name and info. Al claimed that there was a lot of work done to the truck when Bob owned it. I wanted to know more about the work done so I called Bob. I explained to Bob that the paperwork was still in his name and that the purchase through the DMV would involve his name and mine, not Al's. Bob agreed. I paid Al $3,000 for the vehicle and drove the vehicle away. I tried to smog it, it came back as a known gross polluter. That's where I am now. I thank you for all of your help and look forward to your next insight, I hope this helps to clear up the confusion.

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

"I paid one guy and transfered the ownership from someone else"

Huh?

"HUH" is right. I read this guy's post, and it would take forever and a day, to figure out what the heck he is trying to say.He also has numerous posts going at the same time.

 

[thaddeus333]

is that a wrong thing

I did the best I could in describing my situation, I am in a pretty messed up one at that. Also is it wrong to have multiple questions going at once? Was your comment really necessary or constructive? Paradise please reply if you can be of help, if not then please post elsewhere where your input is appreciated. StehenK, I appreciate your help and look forward to anything you have to share.

 

[stephenk]

Do you have anything in writing from Al or Bob regarding the money you paid?

In any event, sue Al and Bob in small claims court. Just be sure and get your information organized.