So my friend is refusing to give me my car back... anyone else dealt with this?

Legal Advice Off Topic
1

I financed a car in my name and a friend was supposed to keep up with the payments. She’s now two months behind and refuses to give the car back. We had a verbal agreement but now she’s texting me saying we never had one and that she doesn’t know what I’m talking about… what can I do? Anyone been in a similar situation?

2

Yikes… that’s tough. I had a similar issue with a friend before. Honestly, if you have no written agreement, it’s tricky. I’d say maybe try to get something in writing from her now or just ask her directly for the car back.

3

@Kirby
Yeah, I’ve heard verbal agreements can be hard to prove. If she’s not giving it back, maybe you could take legal action, like a replevin action, if it’s titled in your name?

4

Frost said:
@Kirby
Yeah, I’ve heard verbal agreements can be hard to prove. If she’s not giving it back, maybe you could take legal action, like a replevin action, if it’s titled in your name?

I think you’re right… but I’m not totally sure what a replevin action is. Can you explain?

5

@Kirby
Basically, it’s when you sue someone to get your property back, like your car in this case. It’s a formal way of saying, ‘Give me my stuff back.’

6

If the car is in your name, I think you might be able to just take it back. If she’s not paying and you still have the key, I don’t see why not. Just don’t cause a scene or make things worse.

7

Val said:
If the car is in your name, I think you might be able to just take it back. If she’s not paying and you still have the key, I don’t see why not. Just don’t cause a scene or make things worse.

That’s true! Just be careful not to escalate things. If she calls the cops or something, it might cause trouble even if you’re in the right.

8

Can you report it as stolen? Like, if she’s refusing to give it back? Wouldn’t that be an option?

9

Hartley said:
Can you report it as stolen? Like, if she’s refusing to give it back? Wouldn’t that be an option?

I think reporting it as stolen might be an issue… since she technically still has the car with your permission. That could cause more trouble.

10

Maybe just stop paying the loan? Eventually, the lender will repossess the car and that could end things without too much hassle. But that’ll mess with your credit.

11

Oh man, this sucks! Good luck though. Hope it gets resolved without too many issues.