Just purchased truck, title issues, lein, etc..

wrestlerguy04 · #1 07-19-2011, 06:19 PM

I just purchased a 1997 Ranger XLT 3.0 with 141K for $1,700 in AZ about 2 hours away from where I live. I bought it from a man saying his family has owned the truck since 97 and it is currently in his wife's name (females name on the title). He signed a paper saying that it comes with issues of a gear linkage that needs replacing ($175), a leak coming from the oil plug ($20), and ac needs charging($70). If those issues cost more than what he told us it would cost, he would pay for the entire repair. I took down his Drivers License Number and address and had him sign it. I drive back down and went to register it and the MVD tells me I can't register it because it has a lein against it. I call the man back and he says that there shouldn't be a lein, but that he will look into it. Ends up being that the title isn't in his wife's name, it's in a ladie down the streets' name. And she owes restitution from 2006 for a misdemeanor fine. She is supposedly saying that she already paid the fine back in 2006 and there is some type of clerical error. I have been dealing with the man the whole time and he has seemed to be very willing to follow up on everything and try and straighten everything out, I know I need to get her number and actually give her a call. By law can I do anything? File for an abandoned title? I dunno if I can legally take her to court to get my money back since I didn't technically buy it from her, can I? Can I do anything at all? I have asked the man for my money back and he says that he will give me the money back but that he needs until Aubust 3rd to get paid, he said he already used the money to pay bills. Help. Anything will help. Thanks.

Clinton · #2 07-19-2011, 08:38 PM

Legally, you aren't supposed to be in possession of that truck. MAke a police report, take them with you to the guys house and just get your money back. You're in a losing battle unless you pay her restitution for her, but IF you do that without a written notarized agreement between you and her she can easily say give me the truck back and take the freebie you gave her on the restitution. Sounds like a big ass headache you dont want to be in.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Rg1Baja · #3 07-19-2011, 08:54 PM

Wont that stuff show up on a vin search? Carfax?

kansasboy91 · #4 07-19-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rg1Baja

Wont that stuff show up on a vin search? Carfax?

Only if the vehicle was signed up and put into the carfax index

MTman777 · #5 07-19-2011, 10:02 PM

thats just an all around pita.. the best that could come out of this is that its all a clerical issue.. but then you still have to deal with the headache in the mean time. Do what clinton said and get your money back. Let the guy know youll be intrested in buying it again once all the issues are resolved.

wrestlerguy04 · #6 07-20-2011, 03:20 AM

Is there any way to find out who the lein holder is?

merlin215 · #7 07-20-2011, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clinton

Legally, you aren't supposed to be in possession of that truck. MAke a police report, take them with you to the guys house and just get your money back. You're in a losing battle unless you pay her restitution for her, but IF you do that without a written notarized agreement between you and her she can easily say give me the truck back and take the freebie you gave her on the restitution. Sounds like a big ass headache you dont want to be in.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

VERY solid advice as I agree .

FireRanger · #8 07-20-2011, 06:04 AM

The leinholder is probably the state.

Get your money back and walk away from it. You're dealing with liars and cheats.