Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Car repair costs

Dont pay him and tell him to jump in a lake.

Re: Car repair costs

Thanks for your posting. If you've been sued, you normally have only 30 days to file an answer, and you should file an answer, or you face the other party winning by default (a "default judgment").

Otherwise, you may wan to consider a bankruptcy, which may wipe out any debts owed to this individual.

If you have more questions, please feel free to send me an email. Best of luck, Robert

Re: Car repair costs

File an answer when you're served with a summons and complaint, and then defend the law suit. It'll probably be a small claims law suit. Point out how many miles the car has on it, and assuming that the engine was a high milage engine. Point out to the judge at the trial, that engines blow (whatever that means in this case) when they get to be high milage.

Re: Car repair costs

This response is intended to supplement the response of Mr. Hobbs.

You stated that the dealer came to you a year after the trade. You have no idea how the car was driven, whether or not it was properly maintained etc. Thus you did not guarantee the motor and sold the car to the dealer as is.