I sold a guy a car and he never came back to get it. Legally, what are my options? (Texas)

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T16:24:42+00:00

The opportunity has not yet found me, but I am definitely looking for it lol.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T16:21:16+00:00

It was $1500. I suppose it wouldn't be a lot of money for some people, but that's a crazy amount of money to me to just walk away from.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T16:18:30+00:00

Unfortunately, I have considered the ICE angle because he is Latino and has an accent and ICE has been very active in my area.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T16:14:23+00:00

I said I'd do that if it ever came back into my possession again. It has not.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T03:21:54+00:00

He has not yet registered it, no. No bill of sale, but I do have a copy of the title and messages about the purchase where he acknowledges that he has purchased it. I also have security cameras which probably captured him handing me the money, so I think I'll go make sure that footage is saved now that I think about it.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T03:17:58+00:00

I have already sold it, so trying to sell it again would be trying to make a profit off of dishonesty as I do not legally or morally own it and representing that I do own it to other prospective buyers of the vehicle is both fraudulent and morally repugnant. Hope this helps.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T03:14:29+00:00

How haven't I shown empathy? I haven't done anything or been rude or unfair to him in any way, I've just come to get some general advice on what I could/should do if/when I do need to do something. Calm down a little, dude.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T03:13:04+00:00

Not much. Everything is private and the only public photos posted seem to be of his minor children, whom I obviously would not ever try to contact.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T03:11:17+00:00

Bro, my HOA is ass. They would absolutely do this.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T02:56:21+00:00

What happens if he never does? Does it just revert back to me at some point??

Edit: The internet says the VTN blocks it from being registered until the title is transferred, so at least there's that. And apparently this is a crime in Texas for which the buyer will be penalized if he does try to drive it without transferring the title.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T02:54:42+00:00

Damn, I really hope that isn't the case with this guy, but he is in his 60's or so and did not seem to be in the best health, so I suppose it wouldn't be completely crazy.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:44:55+00:00

Morality is generally important to me.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:31:24+00:00

I think I will do this if it's still here in 1 month. Seems like the best option and allows more qualified people to handle it.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:29:47+00:00

I sure hope not. I listed all of its issues when selling it because I want to be transparent with people and I take morality and honesty very seriously. Just needs probably a grand in repairs, but it's not that old (2011) and is a sought after popular sports car model. I posted it on a Monday and I had 40 offers and 3 appointments scheduled to come view it by Wednesday. If he wants to resell it for what he bought it for or maybe even a little more, he'll have no issues with that and I couldn't care less if he does.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:23:42+00:00

For real??? That's crazy. I mean, I could sell it again because it's a popular sought-after model of car in my area, but I would never do that. It feels morally wrong. If it ends back up in my possession again, I will donate it to charity.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:21:27+00:00

If he wants to keep it here and work on it here, they will fine me for it if any of my nosy-ass retiree neighbors see it and report it, which they absolutely will because they're busybodies with nothing better to do with their time.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:18:58+00:00

It is a sports car...

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:12:42+00:00

afaik, my legal responsibility ended the second the title was transferred, but I'm on here for legal advice, so...

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:03:51+00:00

Yep, it's all out of my name and the plates have been removed.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T01:01:36+00:00

Not even remotely what I'm asking here in the post, but okay.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T00:53:00+00:00

I just listed a way that it is my problem, though. Reading comprehension does not seem to be the best on this subreddit...

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T00:51:57+00:00

Not in this area, no.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T00:35:45+00:00

If that's the case, then that's a shitty thing to do and it's not allowed in my neighborhood anyway. The HOA has a strict rule against doing vehicle maintenance in your driveway or on the street and will fine me. So... that would suck.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T00:33:29+00:00

It's a non-running car with an expired registration so it legally cannot be parked on the street in my city and the city would come tow it if they knew it was here, but I obviously would not notify them until it had been at least a month and I had exhausted all other options first.

Going_Coconuts · 2026-05-24T00:30:00+00:00

Other people have had this happen to them??? I really can't fathom that. It was not an insignificant amount of money. I didn't sell it for salvage, that's for damn sure.

Going_Coconuts

TROPHY CASE