Car Purchase Dispute Resolution

Summary

The user purchased a car from a private business, but the seller retained the title and registration, which are now expired. The vehicle has major issues, and the sellers responsibility is unclear. The user has reached out to the seller, who agreed to have his mechanic inspect the vehicle, but no further action has been taken. The user is seeking legal advice to resolve this dispute.

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I bought a car from a private business back on *-*-*. We had agreed to the terms and I have a bill of sale. He decided to keep the title and registration under his name. The business I thought was more into car rentals, not *% if he has a dealership license. So in the contract it jumps between me buying it and me as the "renter". The vehicle broke down the other day and it appears to be a major issue. So as I waiting for a tow truck for * hrs, I reached out to the seller, because it's my understanding that since he is still legally responsible. So I reached out to him and he sd to have it towed and he'll have his shop check it out the next day. I than told him that I can't change the drop-off location, it has to go to my house and he'll have to pay for a tow. Also worth notable mention, a few weeks after I "purchased" the car, I went to leave and it didn't start. I got him to come out and see what was going on. He said that one of the rental companies he used required a chip to be inserted, which he canceled and that what was causing the problem. He called and tried to trouble shoot and find out why it's still blocking the ignition signal to go thru after a short time he just starts cutting wires that he thinks it is. It's been fine for the last 2 months, not sure if this plays a role or not. Pleas advise, **** ****
What state are you located in? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding your situation.
AZ
What is the exact wording of the contract regarding ownership and responsibility of the vehicle?
* Chevy trav. SS&M LLC Signed on May *, * * Chevy traverse bill of sale payment agreemnt Business: SS&M LLC Ssandmarketing@gmail.com * E Delta Rd, TUCSON, AZ, * (*) *-* Recipient: **** Patrick **** Jrash68@gmail.com * w Orange grove rd, * Tucson, * (*) *-* This contract is between SS&M LLC (the "Business") and **** Patrick **** (the "Client") dated */*/*. * Chevy traverse white Vin#1GNKRHKD5FJ155523 Purchase amounts $* Down payment cash $* collected */*/* $* x 12 months to end */*/* 1st payment due */*/* Payments cannot lapse over 60 days No payments over 90 days possible repo actions to be take. Terms of purchase period Purchaser swears and attests that (he/she) has a legal, valid license and that there are no outstanding warrants The Renter further swears and attests that (he/she) has insurance that will cover the operation of this vehicle The Renter agrees to use the vehicle only for routine, legal purposes (personal or business). The Renter further agrees to follow all city, state, county, and government rules and restrictions regarding use and operation of the vehicle The Renter agrees to hold harmless, indemnify, and release the Owner for any damages, injuries, property loss, or death caused while the Renter operates this vehicle. Terms Agreement for sale and purchase According to the terms and conditions of this agreement, the Business agrees to deliver the described goods to the Customer, and the Customer agrees to pay for and accept these goods Signatures This contract may be signed electronically or in hard copy. If signed in hard copy, it must be returned to the Business for valid record. Electronic signatures count as original for all purposes. By typing their names as signatures below, both parties agree to the terms and provisions of this agreement. Business signature Owner name Jorge silva Owner sianature
Did the seller provide any warranty or guarantee for the vehicle at the time of purchase?
No, he kept the title and registration under his name. Of which i was just told by someone yesterday that they are expired.
What actions have you taken since discovering the title and registration are expired?
None. just was brought to my attention yesterday. This responsibility is the main point i feel is most important.
Did you receive any written or verbal assurance from the seller about the condition of the vehicle at the time of purchase?
No
What is the current condition of the vehicle and have you had it inspected by a professional mechanic since the breakdown?
It has what appears to point towards a major electrical problem. The vehicle turn on and off, but will not shift out of park. The seller told me he would have it looked at by his mechanic the next day, and here we are 2 days later, and communication with is hard to recieve a reply. Both thru email and text messages
Have you contacted a lawyer or any legal authority about this issue?
Im still searching for an attorney
What steps have you taken to resolve this issue with the seller?
Ive reached out to the seller, whom i have text messages, proving that theres a question of responsibilty on his side.
What is the seller's response to your claim of responsibility for the vehicle's condition?
He was going to have his mechnic inspect it. He didnt argue, or even tru to make a point to defend his position.
What is the exact wording in the contract regarding the title and registration of the vehicle?
* Chevy trav. SS&M LLC Signed on May *, * * Chevy traverse bill of sale payment agreemnt Business: SS&M LLC Ssandmarketing@gmail.com * E Delta Rd, TUCSON, AZ, * (*) *-* Recipient: **** Patrick **** Jrash68@gmail.com * w Orange grove rd, * Tucson, * (*) *-* This contract is between SS&M LLC (the "Business") and **** Patrick **** (the "Client") dated */*/*. * Chevy traverse white Vin#1GNKRHKD5FJ155523 Purchase amounts $* Down payment cash $* collected */*/* $* x 12 months to end */*/* 1st payment due */*/* Payments cannot lapse over 60 days No payments over 90 days possible repo actions to be take. Terms of purchase period Purchaser swears and attests that (he/she) has a legal, valid license and that there are no outstanding warrants The Renter further swears and attests that (he/she) has insurance that will cover the operation of this vehicle The Renter agrees to use the vehicle only for routine, legal purposes (personal or business). The Renter further agrees to follow all city, state, county, and government rules and restrictions regarding use and operation of the vehicle The Renter agrees to hold harmless, indemnify, and release the Owner for any damages, injuries, property loss, or death caused while the Renter operates this vehicle. Terms Agreement for sale and purchase According to the terms and conditions of this agreement, the Business agrees to deliver the described goods to the Customer, and the Customer agrees to pay for and accept these goods Signatures This contract may be signed electronically or in hard copy. If signed in hard copy, it must be returned to the Business for valid record. Electronic signatures count as original for all purposes. By typing their names as signatures below, both parties agree to the terms and provisions of this agreement. Business signature Owner name Jorge silva Owner sianature
Im not sure what question this section is asking. All I can see is this jumped into another section, or so it appears.
Did the seller ever transfer the title to you or is it still under his name?
He wanted to keep the title and registration under his name. Which as i said was brougth to my attention yesterday that theyve been expired for about at lease a month or two.
Did the seller provide any reason for keeping the title and registration under his name?
No, i didnt ask. Im unfamilar with how things work behind the scenes. Just figured he knows what hes doing
What actions has the seller taken since you informed him about the expired title and registration?
I havent brought it up to him. He said that the tags were good, and pointed them out. i just vaugly glances at it, and i want to say that i just saw April, and i didnt look at the year.
No question populated for this section.
Did you sign any agreement or contract that allows the seller to keep the title and registration under his name?
Im not exactly sure. Nothing with that/or similar direct nomenclature. The bill of sale only says that the "renter" is responsible to maintain insurance, and a valid DL with no active warrants.
Did you ever receive a copy of the title or any document showing proof of ownership?
Just the very bland and generic, wishy-washy bill of sale.
Did you ever verify if the seller has a dealership license or not?
No. I found him from renting cars on Turo and other car rental platforms. Not for certain if he is a licensed car dealer.
Did you ever receive a copy of the vehicle's title or any document showing proof of ownership?
No. Just a very generic worded bill of sale.
Did you make any written agreement about who would be responsible for repairs and maintenance of the vehicle?
No. The bill of sale only say "the renter" is responsible to maintain insurance, have a valid license and not have any active warrants. Thats the only part that says what the "renter' is responsible for.
Did you ever verify the seller's dealership license or business registration with the state authorities?
No.
Again no question populates for this section.
Again dont see any quetion, just a new block.
Did you ever verify the vehicle's history or condition before purchasing it?
No, i did ask him and he said he had no records and told me i can pull a car fax. Although I never did.
Did you ever receive a copy of the vehicle's title or any document showing proof of ownership?
No, just a very gentic bill of sale
Did you ever verify the seller's dealership license or business registration with the state authorities?
No.