Legal Question in Business Law in New York

car info

my friend put money on a car he was trying to buy so that they wouldnt sell it before he got there. When he finally drove 8 hours to purchase the car they basically never had it and was trying to sell him another car which he didnt go for. they told him he will be refunded his money in 30 days and its been a few days longer and he hasn't gotten it. i wanted to know what you think he should do because they had him put money on a car that nevere existed so they wont sell it?


Asked on 6/24/08, 6:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: car info

This sounds like an earnest money deposit to an individual who probably had a few autos parked on his property. He may have not even been a proper dealer in used vehicles.

Nevertheless, this individual's insistence on getting money to hold a specific vehicle to be sold to you does create a contract, where the earnest money deposit does secure the item to be purchased. The fact that he received the money/cashed the check reveals a contract existed.

Theoretically, you can hold him to 'specific performance' where he must give you that automobile or a similar item. As a practical matter, you can take him to small claims court and you could probably get some damages (even if you do get your earnest money back).

Also, if this individual is in the business of selling cars, you can inform the better business bureau of his bait and switch tactics.

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Answered on 6/25/08, 12:06 pm
Nancy Delain Delain Law Office, PLLC

Re: car info

Your "friend" needs to talk with an attorney. There are unanswered questions here that affect the response (how much money did the "friend" put down on this nonexistent vehicle, who are "they", where are "they" located, etc. etc etc).

Your county's bar association or the NYS Bar Association (www.nysba.org) are good places to start if your "friend" needs a referral.

THE INFORMATION PRESENTED HERE IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED, AS LEGAL ADVICE. THIS POSTING DOES NOT CREATE ANY ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN US. FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE ABOUT YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY.

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Answered on 6/24/08, 6:44 pm


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