sold car 8 months back new owner never changed title car got impounded theres a twist

[helpkid]

ok first things im in san jose CA.i bought this car off craigslist for $450 (1988 ford festiva)two days later it took a crap on me,cost more then i wanted to fix sold a day later to a guy off craigslist for $100 if was going to fix it tags were good tell september.its jan.20 2010.so after that i went online to dmv printed out the bill of sale and release of liability.since i just bought the car i gave the new buyer the title i got and signed and a bill of sale.i sent by mail the R.B.
so heres my problem...so i get this letter in the mail aug.28th saying its been impounded etc for having no d.l.
i called the police,they said call the tow company,let them know i sold it.tow ppl told me that im the last registard onwer,i told them wait im not told them the story said dosnt matter its on me etc.its been five days and its at $510 plus a $100 release from the police i need to get if i want the car.i called dmv they told me they never got the R.L. i asked what can i do, go online and turn it in....they never told me that before and it was hard to find just keep on finding the print out one i got before i found it fianly and turned it in.dmv said its up to the tow company if they will go after him,i called them back no luck same drama they are already talking and about after 30 days its going to collections i dont have this kinda money to do this let alone want a that car...i do have the bill of sale still..good news i guess it runs lol..and the guy i got it from went back to mexico....is there anything i can do? please help me out im only 24 and i have great credit i dont wanna loss it

 

[mightymoose]

The two company knows how to claim ownership of the car. They can fix it and resell it if they want.
If they try to make a collection report on you make sure you dispute it. If they want to push the issue they will have to get a judgment against you, and you will have your opportunity to appear in court and defend yourself.

It's a cheap car. They aren't going to waste much time messing with it. It is all likely a bluff to try to get you to pay.

Don't pay it.

 

[helpkid]

k thanks im not going to pay will do

 

[tpajet]

I would send them a letter, certified mail, stating that you no longer own the vehicle, and include a bill of sale. Make it clear in the letter that you will not pay the fees as the car is no longer yours. As stated, if they decided to take it further they will have to sue, but given that you have the bill of sale that would be used as evidence in your defense, the probably won't bother, knowing that the would end up loosing the case.