can i ask for the amount i actually paid for my vehicle or just blue book value

[justalayman]

My point is what basically happened is the mechanic installed a “carry in” part. That relieves him of responsibility if there are problems with the engine. All he is after that is labor to install your parts. That means you pay him to install your engine. If there is a problem with the engine, you pay to have that fixed or taken back out if need be. Then you pay to have whatever engine you Bring to replace the first engine.

 

[FlyingRon]

Again, you're missing the issue. The issue is:

The shop claimed you owed money. You didn't protest this timely.
They sold the vehicle. You didn't protest this timely.
Barring some irregularity which you've not indicated, the FMV was the sales price.

So the only thing here in dispute is:

What you owe the dealer for the work they've done versus how much the sale netted.
You can sue over that and that alone.