Bad Situation!!

[LPcatcher01]

OK, heres the scoop.....I bought a car a while ago!! Probably last July. And the dealer is a dumbass and never had the title, so he obviously never sent it in. I called the cops, they fined him and stuff, said he really isn't a licensed dealer. He tried tellin the investigator it was a private sale, but i had a Bill of Sale and other paperworkon the car. The investigator also said the next step would be for me to get an attorney and take him to court. But i would think that court cost would be more than the car is worth. Anyway, i found out there is a leinholder on the car, and i don't know how much money he owes on it or what not. So I was thinkin I would part out the car. Could i get in trouble for doing this? Even though i don't have a title, but i DO have the Bill of Sale stating he sold me the car. Please help me!!

[CraigFL]

If the lien has not been cleared from the title, you truly don't own the car which means you can't part it out... Also, if the owners name is different from the person who sold it to you, they may have a claim on the car.

You need to check if the lien has been satisfied even though the lienholders name may still be on the title. If the lienholder has no claim on the car, AND the previous owner has no claim, the sale may be valid. If the sale isn't valid, you will need to sue the seller in order to get your money back(although he would probably be charged with theft and other crimes). If the amount is small enough it may fall into small claims court (less than 2-3K$$, check locally) and you won;t need a lawyer.