Scammed on a 95 Honda Civic EX

Question

I bought a Honda Civic EX 95 yesterday, the mileage on the Odometer reads 87k, but I confirmed after purchase via Carfax that it is invalid. The actually mileage is 160k. The car is a Salvage title, the seller said it was due to theft, but on CARFAX is says the following

TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE

Title or registration issued

to insurance company

SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED

JUNK TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED

REBUILT TITLE ISSUED

It being Salvaged isn't my number one concern, but I am sure it was in a wreck and the front right ball joint is messed up, and the A/C doesn't work anymore after 1 day.

I looked the guy up on craigslist after I found out about the mileage and saw he is selling another car with 87k miles on it.

I don't know what to do now. I paid $3,500 for it, I'm still a minor too.

Answer 1

First thing you need to do is get as much information as you can about this person (car seller), especially his Name and Address.

Next you'll need to contact this person to make an attempt to request to have him return your money and you return his car.

If he refuses, you can go to your local hall of justice and file for small claims court.  Usually, small claims court covers claims of $5000 and below so your case will qualify.  Sue him for $3,500, court fees, and anything else you have a receipt for and had to pay related to the vehicle's problems (e.g. Carfax costs)

Mention in your complaint regarding the lemon law.  The car seller automatically loses this case simply for: (a) Rolling back speedometer and (b) Previously salvaged wreck.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_law

You don't need to waste hundreds of $ for an attorney on small claims cases.  Considering the proof of Carfax history and the car seller's lack of backup documentation, you will automatically win.

Anyone who owns a 95 Civic (I own one with 200k miles) will agree that at 87k, the speedometer was rigged and seriously rolled way back.  The car seller would be very dumb to fight this in court so if he has any marbles, he'll pay you the money back and leave town.

If the court offers services in delivering the subpeona (case complaint) to the car seller, accept the service.  Or find someone who can qualify to deliver the subpeona to the car seller for you.

Make copies of all documents you have including ad info, Carfax info, your check, your bank statement of check cashed, photos of the vehicle, odometer, etc.  Make sure you show up for the court date; failure to appear automatically forfeits and loses the case.

Good luck!

Answer 2

not only the fact that you are a minor, the car is s***w, he lied, and if you can print out the craigslist page, and if you got a receipt etc, take all that and you will end up having to get a lawyer.  the police wont do much but take a report that you can use later in court.  you will end up winning the court battle.  you will have to pay for court fees, but you will be reimbursed them later, and he will have to pay them.  this is a small claims court issue, so your good there.  you dont need a lawyer, but since your young, i would, it will be worth it.  take my word.you will get your money back and that guy might go to jail for fraud.  

word of advice!! always carfax a car prior to buying it. !!

Answer 3

then he's sold it to you illegally. you have to be 18 in order to sign the title on a car (did your parents help you buy the car?).

take hte car back to the seller, and tell him to give you back your money, and that you will be calling the police if he doesn't do so.

Answer 4

If he's a dealer he is bound by law to tell you it has been rebuilt...if he is not...your out of luck.

This is one of those life lessons to learn by....it is stamped on your title "repaired" or "salvage" The lesson here is 1) Always do a carfax first 2) always read throughly before you sign ANYTHING....Life is tough--- That is how the big boys play...learn the lesson and move on bro.....