Had contract to buy a car and seller is trying to scam me

[ashleyrivers15]

Ok, I am very new to any of this and will try my best to word what I am trying to say correctly. I live in virginia, I am a young single mother who was looking for a dependable car for my daughter and I. I had found a vehicle that was postd on craigslist for 4100 with 250,000 miles. It is a 2005 scion xb and i have always wanted one so I was willing to deal with the mileage because he promised nothing was wrong with it at all and havd been serviced and ready to go that he was just a dealer and trying to sale which became a lie he is not a dealer and is driving the car personally. So I take all the money I had for tht week which was $250 to hold it for 2 weeks until i had gotten my taxes back. He said he would take $3.650 for it. So i picked up and drove 4 hours to be able to give him the money and see the car. After test driving the car it was apparent something was wron with the car, the seller started talking really fast as i was noticing it wasnt acting right so i could tell he was very suspicious and trying to talk so i wouldnt notice or being a young female i wouldnt know something was wrong. For one there was water steadily dripping from the tailpipe, which wouldve been just condensation and normal except he had been driving it for a while and was still dripping which would be a sign of a blown head gasket. Also I forgot to ad the guy made me meet him in a walmart parking lot. Anywho, then I went to take it out of park and shift it to drive it starts shaking very badly and also had a sqeeking noise. However, if he lowered the price and the fact that I still loved the car i would pay to fix it. So we write a contract and both agree and sign that I after giving him the 250 would owe him $2400. As I was leaving i noticed i forgot(ive never done this before) to get his full name and address and all, thanks god my brother was there and reminded me. so i ran and stopped him and told him i didnt get his info and he said no i dont like to give my info out and sped offf. I then felt sick and thought i had drove for 4 hours and lost 250. So i called him the nect day and he still refused to give me any info but promised to keep the car because i was like crying he made the statement he could take my money cus i have no info on him. I got some help and think i have his first and last name and address and have the last four of his license plate. Anyways I texted him and told him I would have the 2400 by next week and he then started saying no i have to pay 3650, and i told him we have a contract and he said " you have no info on me". so what can I do? please someone help, i have devoted so much time money and energy in getting this car it is suppoed to be my car, please someone tell me what I can do. If he sells it and i have gave him 250 already and have a signed contract from him and he wont give me the car what can I do? If he sales the car it is going to crush me I have been under the impression it is my car and I have a contract is there anything I can do to prevent him from selling it, or can I have a police come with me to find him and i give him the 2400 i owe him per the contract and get the car? thanks for any help sorry for the grammer and uncorrected spelling im just really upset and dont know what to do

[sandyclaus]

Pretty much all used vehicle sales are considered "AS IS" sales, as in, you are taking the vehicle as you find it, with any problems is has, whether or not you know about them. The exception is when the seller offers you a specific WRITTEN warranty or guarantee of fitness.

You were offered no written warranty or guarantee, so your sale would be considered "AS IS".

Used car dealers get a bad rep for selling defective vehicles, so consumers have gotten smart. It's always recommended to hire yourself a reputable private mechanic and have them fully inspect the vehicle for any mechanical, structural, or cosmetic problems - that way you can know the true condition of the vehicle and make an informed decision as to whether or not to buy, and if the asking price is fair given the vehicle's actual condition.

No inspection means that you take your chances on whether or not the seller is telling you the truth.

I'm afraid that by taking the dealer's word that the vehicle was in good condition, you screwed yourself. Now you are stuck with the car and the payments you agreed to. Hard lesson to learn, but at this point, you have no legal recourse against the seller.

Enjoy the new car.

[goddessoflubboc]

What I took from OP is that she has a contract to buy for $2,650 and now the seller wants $3,650. But he has her $250 and won't return it.

If you have his first and last name OP (which should be on the contract if he signed it?) you should be able to locate an address for him. Start by sending him a certified letter, if he fails to respond file in small claims court.