Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

I went to purchase a used car from a lot in my area. With $1000 down, the owner said he felt confident selling me a huge Lincoln to me and my 2 small children. He told me to give him the deposit of $1000 and come back in 3 days on Monday, because he lost the keys. He told me to drive it around and if I didnt feel the car was right for us to bring it back , he ll give me my money. Monday afternoon, they called me to come in. The owner wasnt there and I started work with the office girl. She said the mechanic took the car for a quick check. It wasnt there when we started the paperwork, but came in shortly after. I took the car and drove home, the office girl said she usually doesnt let anyone leave the lot without insurance,, but she let me.

I drove home and knew immediately the car is not right for us. I called in the morning, the girl said to come in when the owner gets there and see what he can do for me. I didnt drive the car any more than driving home that night. I went to the lot, the owner started screaming at me, insulting, belittling, humiliating me in front of 2 others in his office. I told him i just wanted my money back. he said he will give me $200 of the $1000 =due to all the fees sales tax and registration in my name. I called the DMV and they said he can send an Ammended form to The Department Of Equalization to get the sales tax back, and if the registration on the car was already due, which it was 2 months behind, than it was his responsibility.

I spoke to the girl a the lot and she said to drop off the Lincoln on November 5th. I did. The following day I came in to get my money. the owner told me to go look out on the lot and see what car i would like to buy. I went out and only found a small wagon type car. They told me to drive it around and test it out this time. I did. The car smells of animal urine and there is animal hair everywhere. the car is old and probably not for us. I brought it back and he said to think about it overnight. His office girl gave me a ride home. I called the next day and the girl said the owner is out of town for 6 days! i can come in and talk to him when he gets back. they have had the original car back on their lot since the 5th of Novemeber and have my money. Im sitting here without a vehicle waiting for him to come back. I left many messages to call me, but he left without returning any calls. What do i do!!!

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