Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

motor vehicle sale

I own a auto salvage business. In June 1996 I sold a wreck for $700. The vehicle was inoperative but the man wanted the engine and transmission. He lives in another state. He called a few times stating he was coming for the car. The last time I heard from this man was 1996 or early 1997. Sometime between 1998 and 1999 the vehicle was destroyed and recycled. At the time the vehicle was recycled I had completly forgot about the transaction. On June 6th, 2000 I got a letter from the man stating he wanted his money back. I do not feel I owe him anything due to the time involved. What are my options under the law.


Asked on 6/09/00, 9:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stuart Williams

Re: motor vehicle sale

Did the deal include you delivering to him at some point or was he supposed to send someone to pick up the stuff? I'll look it up for you when I have all the facts. My guess is that you owe him back his money -- and face it, you didn't lose anything except "storage costs" (minimal, right?) while you were 'waiting'? Meanwhile, he DID lose something, etc.

What did you do each time he called to say he was coming, anything?

Contracts last normally 6 years under Mass. law, 10 years in Rhode Island.

Read more
Answered on 7/30/00, 10:37 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in Massachusetts