Purchased a Honda Scooter on Craigslist

[dougthompson]

I responded to an ad for a 2009 Honda 50CC Scooter on Craigslist from a private party. The ad claimed "clear title in hand". The vehicle was as it was represented and we purchased it for $1200.00. We obtained the title and a bill of sale. The next day at the DMV, we were advised that the mileage did not match and that the name on the bill of sale was different than the name on the title. We called the seller and asked for assistance clearing this up. He responded that he would, but has refused any further communication. At this point we were told that the scooter was sold to him, but that he never registered it. Do we have any recourse with the individual since he did not provide a "clear" title? Thank you.

 

[army judge]

I responded to an ad for a 2009 Honda 50CC Scooter on Craigslist from a private party. The ad claimed "clear title in hand". The vehicle was as it was represented and we purchased it for $1200.00. We obtained the title and a bill of sale. The next day at the DMV, we were advised that the mileage did not match and that the name on the bill of sale was different than the name on the title. We called the seller and asked for assistance clearing this up. He responded that he would, but has refused any further communication. At this point we were told that the scooter was sold to him, but that he never registered it. Do we have any recourse with the individual since he did not provide a "clear" title? Thank you.

You would have to locate the seller, before you could attempt to right this alleged wrong.

Its never wise to pay for any vehicle without doing a CarFax, or verifying the title.

To verify the title, the seller and the buyer meet at the DMV or whatever the state vehicle licensing agency is called.

The "good" title is verified, signed off, and then money exchanged.

If the seller won't agree or meet you there, you know you're being scammed.

If you locate the seller, he or she will likely ignore you.

Your remedy might be found in a small claims court.

It would appear you've become the victim of another scammer.

 

[dougthompson]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I do know where the seller lives, so it appears my next move will be to small claims court. I think I may notify the police just to ensure it is not a stolen vehicle.

 

[army judge]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I do know where the seller lives, so it appears my next move will be to small claims court. I think I may notify the police just to ensure it is not a stolen vehicle.

Good idea, but be more careful next time.

 

[txls]

This is a case where the seller is wrong and he owes you your money back or clear title, but since you've released the funds, you are going to have a difficult time
getting his cooperation. You might try a consultation with an attorney and see if you can get a letter sent to the individual that might get his attention. I'm not sure but I believe there may be criminal charges that could be brought against the seller. On a $1200 vehicle, the amount he would owe to pay the taxes and fees would be minimal.

 

[dougthompson]

Thank you for reviewing my issue. It was almost comical how this turned out. The seller was very cordial and accommodating when discussing the scooter via email. I probably have a half dozen emails from him in a single day and my wife has another 20 or so text messages from him. I saved the email because I asked if there was any damage, what the mileage was and the status of the title and he responded to each question. When my wife was instructed by the DMV that a mileage statement was required, he became non-responsive. This purchase is only five days old and we wanted to give him a chance to fix it before we went any further.
We will see what the police have to say this evening. I hope this individual does the right thing before this goes any further.

I will take your counsel and seek the advice of an attorney.

 

[dougthompson]

Just a follow up to anyone interested in how this turned out:

The police stopped by and verified the scooter was not stolen. They were upset that someone would do something like this and suggested we discuss our situation with the DMV. The following day my wife went to the DMV and explained the situation. They verified the title in hand and checked a box stating actual mileage does not match the odometer, and issued a "clear title" and registration. It just goes to show that sometimes good things happen to good people.

I appreciate the advice I was provided on this site I'm certain it will be helpful in the future.

 

[army judge]

Just a follow up to anyone interested in how this turned out:

The police stopped by and verified the scooter was not stolen. They were upset that someone would do something like this and suggested we discuss our situation with the DMV. The following day my wife went to the DMV and explained the situation. They verified the title in hand and checked a box stating actual mileage does not match the odometer, and issued a "clear title" and registration. It just goes to show that sometimes good things happen to good people.

I appreciate the advice I was provided on this site I'm certain it will be helpful in the future.

I love it when honest people aren't left holding a bag of "poo".
Please, never ever buy or sell anything on that list.
Talk about a crime riddled site, tag, those guys are a petri dish for young criminals and scammers.