• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Is auto contract still effective?

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

rdlo

Junior Member
What is the name of your state?I live in CA.

Over ten years ago, I bought a lemon ( an '88 Dodge Dakota) from a used car dealer, for a total price of $5300, paying $1000 down payment.

I made payments on the truck but stopped a year after purchase with about $2800 remaining on the balance.

I wrote the dealer several times requesting he send me statements every month reflecting the balance. I stopped making payments on the truck, hoping he would repossess it but he never did.

I haven't heard from that dealer in over ten years. Last year the truck was stolen, then recovered with damage, actually in the same condition I first bought it in.

I would like to fix it, but want the pink slip.

Is the contract still effective, and if so, how can I go about getting the pink slip without paying off the balance?

I think the dealer knew the truck was a lemon and that's why he never repossessed it or asked for the balance.

If there is no way to get the pink slip without paying the balance which is more than the truck is now worth, how can I dispose of this truck? Can I sell it to a salvage yard? Can I go through DMV to get a pink slip on it?

Thank you.
 


wnagel

Member
I remember a similar case where files were lost and some people got away with a car without paying. Heck, my Dad bought a set of tires about 25 years ago from Goodyear, and they never billed him. Yes, good things can happen to good people!! Anyway, I would accept the fact that you got away with a vehicle without having to pay. If you try and get a pink slip, they might find the paperwork and you will have to pay for the truck. Just because the truck was a lemon, according to you, does not relinquish your need to pay for it, so forget that. I would suggest that you just keep the truck forever, or perhaps 'part it out' or abandon it by the road when it finally dies. You got your money out of it. Oh, by the way, my dad never returned back to Goodyear on the premise that if he did, it might pop up his file and he would have to pay for the set of tires. Accept the gift.
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
data-ad-format="auto">
Top