Purchasing a car from a private seller. Nightmare.

Exactly. You may also want to check laws in your state regarding the purchase of used cars. In some states there’s something called a “cooling off” period that allows the buyer to return the car. That usually applies to businesses and dealerships, but here’s the deal. You met Bob at his business to view the car, and his name isn’t on the title. So, this could easily be construed as a business sale. Not to mention, if his business doesn’t have a dealer license, there’s another avenue to pursue.

Unless Bob is immediately willing to take the car back and refund your money when you call him, I would tell Bob he can take his car back and return your money, otherwise your next calls will be to the local police, the DMV, and whatever regulatory body that oversees the license on his repair business. And that the story will be the owner of this business is running an illegal used car dealership trading in illegally obtained vehicles. See how that sits with him. Maybe that wasn’t his intention, but your story of events certainly makes that a possibility. Could very easily be a fly by night car flipper based on the description of his shop.



Are you serious?

He paid $9k for a car with a bent and damaged frame that may get a salvage title when he registers it, or worse, could be stolen. The price is not “in the ballpark”. The word you’re looking for is “fraud”. Doesn’t matter what the price was.

And if the frame is damaged, it’s not a $9k car anyway!

^^This......

And OP the seller is not your friend. Do not let him try and become your friend. Try to get a full refund. Get yourself educated about the ramifications of him not having the title in his name in regards to selling it to you and arm yourself. But based on what you said it is not a car you want any longer.

Make it your priority tomorrow.....

Good luck,
JW