Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

Buying car from friend-returned car

I made a verbal agreement with a friend of mine who was moving out of stated to buy a car from him by taking over the payments.I have been paying the payment and insurance on this car for almost two years. Im the midst of all this he had to relocate to another state (Purto Rico) he was living in PA I live in VA the car is registered in PA.The time came to renew plates and he dragged his feet meanwhile I had to drive the car with expired tags for almost 3 months being puled over several times (no tickets where given) meanwhile he claims to have requested title and required paperwork for the car so the tags could be renewd. I no longer felt that i should drive and illegal car. I let him know that the deal was done and I was returning the car back to him.FYI I attempted to help him in everyway possible to get these tags and basically I could not do much on my end to help since I have no claims to this property in writing. I spent money time and energy making these attempst with little or barely any response from him. Basically he did not care as long as he got his money for the car monthly. He is threatening to sue me for breaking the agreement and he wants me to give him 500 deduct for a minor scratch on the car. what are my rights?


Asked on 8/26/05, 4:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Buying car from friend-returned car

Here's another example of what happens when one buys(or attempts to buy) a vehicle and receives a promise from the seller that the title will be forthcoming but, somehow it never quite materializes. These kinds of deals should be avoided at all costs(where valid title cannot be immediately produced), no matter whether they involve dear friends or strangers unknown, or those somewhere in between in the buyer's affections.

Tell your friend that you reject all of his claims and that you have resolved to throw no more of your good coin after the bad which has already been given and with nothing for you to show for other than rents paid for a vehicle for which you never were able to receive good title.

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Answered on 8/26/05, 4:40 pm


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