Purchasing a car from a private seller. Nightmare.

The OP determined this particular car was worth 9K when he handed over his money over for it. If you're not capable of a proper inspection there are services just like home or marine inspections that can handle it. It's the buyers responsibility to protect themselves.

I think the question here is the integrity of the seller. I have no carnal knowledge of the person so it's neutral for me but unfortunately you have to assume guilt until proven innocent in these situations. That's why I said go right to defense mode and see where it goes. I got railroaded on a car about 15 years ago and still have ointment for my *** on the nightstand lol.... I see all sides to this thread and on a side note Mopar people are fickle about things like this and always will be....

JW