eBay car salesman wont return deposit

[suzyq64]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I won an auction on eBay for a car described as in immaculate condition, running excellent. I drove with my mechanic 200 miles to pick up this car. Upon inspection my mechanic found that it had a burnt up transmission and advised me against buying the car. The salesman became beligerant and hostile and said that he was going to take my money. He did. I'm having a hell of a time trying to get my money back from this guy. Any advice?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I won an auction on eBay for a car described as in immaculate condition, running excellent. I drove with my mechanic 200 miles to pick up this car. Upon inspection my mechanic found that it had a burnt up transmission and advised me against buying the car. The salesman became beligerant and hostile and said that he was going to take my money. He did. I'm having a hell of a time trying to get my money back from this guy. Any advice?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Sue the bad guy in small claims court.

 

[Yertle8]

You didn't happen to pay him with Paypal, did you?

 

[CraigFL]

I think some of your other problems with this transaction are:

1. You should have checked the car before you won the auction
2. Probably the deposit was stated as non-refundable in the terms you agreed to when you bid
3. You may need a second opinion about the transmission especially if the test drive was OK.