Sold my car, now buyer refusing to register it!

[leonchai]

I sold my car last week. First car I ever sold. It was a very quick sell, he basically checked it out for 10 minutes, drove it round the block and decided to buy it. I got the cash, and the buyer drove off with my car and the papers, promising to change the registration to his name today.

However, I got a call from him this morning, and he is refusing to change the ownership to his name! He claims that he's found problems with the transmission, and he won't change the registration until he gets the car fixed this friday.

I've driven this car for a year and it's never given me any problems, and it was recently serviced a month ago.

My question is, is this some kind of scam that I should be aware of?? I mean, I've got the money, he's got my car. I've contacted the vehicle registration centre and they have put the car "temporarily" under his name (they need him to sign some papers and sight his ID b4 it can be confirmed).

Does he have the right to return the car and get his money back??
What else should I do??

Thanks! I'm desperate for some advice...

[hjr]

the car is sold and you are no longer the registered driver. you have no ties to the car. if you let him take you plate and insurance and reg. then you are a fool, but you wont do it again. it really doesnt matter too much though. You are no longer the owner. I truly hope you got your plate though, as he could have photoradar tickets sent to you, which you can fight with the bill of sale but its anoying. Anyways, if he does get a proper pulled over ticket they will see he is driving without reg and thats a fine to him, not you. the bill of sale should nulify all your responsibilities to the car (Unless there is a lein against it).

[legereandrew4]

[R-Audi]

Did you put anything in the bill of sale regarding the car is sold "as is?"
That will legally help you out...

[3G]

Find his address on the bill of sale, then go to his house @night and yank the plate

[autobodygal]

Originally posted by hjr
the car is sold and you are no longer the registered driver. you have no ties to the car. if you let him take you plate and insurance and reg. then you are a fool, but you wont do it again. it really doesnt matter too much though. You are no longer the owner. I truly hope you got your plate though, as he could have photoradar tickets sent to you, which you can fight with the bill of sale but its anoying. Anyways, if he does get a proper pulled over ticket they will see he is driving without reg and thats a fine to him, not you. the bill of sale should nulify all your responsibilities to the car (Unless there is a lein against it).

This is absolutely true, if there are no leins or encumberances against the vehicle, the bill of sale is final sale in a private sale. You can own a vehicle and not register it as long as you want, as you don't drive it, of course. Once the trade of money and bill of sale goes through, it is a done deal and he can't do a damn thing about it.

[ninjak84]

Spend the money. If he calls back, tell him to fuck off.

Let HIM explain to the cop why his car isn't registered while he's driving. Or just let the moron park the car for the rest of his life without registering it. What do you care? It's not your car anymore

[Xpnsve]

Funny as hell.. he can't do anything with your papers though.. hope he doesn't have your plates.. haha

[JAYMEZ]

if he doesnt , call the police and say your car is missing hehe

[hjr]

i hope we didnt just give advice to a dude who fucked someone over though...

[Kona9]

First off, WAS there a bill of sale?
Second if there was then you are fine as long as he signed.
Third, If there was not a bill of sale, Ihope you kept a spare key. Then you can go get your car back and keep the money cuz that would be neat!!

[leonchai]

hey guys thanks for the quick replies.
hjr, i promise you I'm not trying to fuck anyone over...damn if I was I'd have done a better job than this...I know I've been a damn FOOL tho...

Btw, i'm in new zealand...here, the registration plate stays with the car...and we don't have a bill of sale either...basically, after he paid up, I just filled up a form to transfer ownership to him, and he needs to bring the form in to finalize the transfer...

[benyl]

Dude. We are all from Canada... for the most part. We won't be able to help you with Kiwi law.

[xkon]

Originally posted by benyl
Dude. We are all from Canada... for the most part. We won't be able to help you with Kiwi law.

better to ask a fellow motorist on your side of the planet!!