Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Texas

i bought a car from a neighbor of a friend. i had known the guy about 5 yrs. when my car engine went out i gave him (the seller/neighbor) cash and he told mehe would have to get the title for me. he had mentioned that he had cars on a used lot. I assumed he had a dealers license. even the car i got from him had temp tags from the used car lot. when he gave me the title,, it was not signed by the owner (not him) and he told me to sign the guys name on it. i took it down to the tax office, unsigned, and the lady pointed out there was a lien on it and i needed a letter from the company releasing the lien. she also told me if he was a dealer he should take care of all that. i took title back to him and told him what she said. he now has the title and is not doing anything about it. its been 4 months. i would hope there is a law agaianst selling a car you dont have a clear title on. i have since found out he doesnt have a dealers license. am i just out my $2000 or is there something i can do about it? thank you for your help. this has been a very stressful and irritating experience. Randy Smith


Asked on 3/16/12, 2:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Dunn Mark D. Dunn

You need to demand your money back IN WRITING. Mail him a PAPER letter, send it by certified mail (postage will cost you $5.59), and tell him that he should refund your money within ten days or you will sue him.

And on the 11th day, sue him in small claims court. The filing fee will be about $100.

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Answered on 3/19/12, 9:41 am


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