Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

Daughter traded My Car

I signed my pink slip - my daughter planned to buy a used Honda for 12,000. I verbally ok'd the Honda. When the dealer wouldn't finance her, she found a dealer who would. She is a welfare recipient - a single teen mother. She said she was pressured into buying a new 2005 Toyota. She gave the dealer my car and my signed pink slip. They did not verify her income. She said she did baby sitting at home. Her boyfriend co-signed and told them he worked as a gardener for his father. They do not have an income and cannot make the payments. I went to the dealer on the day of the sale (12/28/04). I wanted to return the car, cancel the contract, and get my car back. They refused. Today my daughter said I have to sign a Vehicle Transfer form or they will repo her new car. I feel this dealer has been unethical and has taken advantage of someone who will definitely default on her payments. What will happen if I don't sign the transfer form. I am the legal owner of the car she traded. I did not consent to the deal. She is putting miles on the new car. I am angry at the dealer. Is there anything I can do? Thank you for any advice or assistance anyone can offer.

Adrienne


Asked on 1/03/05, 9:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Stein Law Offices of Jonathan G. Stein

Re: Daughter traded My Car

Since you signed the title, it would not be unreasonable for the dealer to accept it as trade. However, it appears that they now want you to sign the DMV vehicle transfer form. If you do not, they will take the car back. It may appear as a repo on her record, but then you will receive your car back. You may also want to contact DMV. They have a division that regulates car dealers. They are very aggressive and I have had success in having them investigate car dealers.

Read more
Answered on 1/03/05, 11:28 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in California