Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Was sold a car that is trying to be repossessed

The advice of both Mr. Cohen and Mr. Whipple is sound. However, I would contact the police and report this person who sold the vehicle to you. Selling a vehicle that you don't own would appear to be fraud.

Re: Was sold a car that is trying to be repossessed

Contact the creditor and see if you can assume the loan. You might not want to give the car's or your location until you obtain a payment agreement in writing.

If you paid what you think is full value for the car and don't want to make payments, you might have to sue the friend of the friend for your money back and try to collect once the car is repossessed.

Re: Was sold a car that is trying to be repossessed

Mr. Cohen's advice is sound. Your "friend" shafted you, or possibly you were naive in not asking whether he owned it free-and-clear.

Whenever you buy anything, all you get from the seller is whatever right, title and interest the seller has. In this case, the seller's title was impaired by the creditor's lien.

As the saying goes, "He who sells what isn't his'n, must buy it back or go to prison." However, you may want to work out a deal with the creditor rather than go after the seller, who may be very hard to reach at this point.