Any advice?

[abcdefg123]

Hi all, at the beginning of the year I made a HUGE mistake getting a car on finance for someone. They had no insurance and the car soon ended up being taken back by the finance company. I have now to just pay the settlement fee and I know its my own fault but it just seems unfair that I have to pay this now. Is there anything I can do? I pay �150 a month which I can afford but just wish I didn't have to. I have had no help in paying this from the person I got the car 4.

[Myriad2112]

Sorry, I don't think you have much choice. Even if you took the guy to a small claims court, unless there is something in writing they will just say that if you signed the agreement then you have to pay. Have you thought about hiring a couple of heavys to go and beat it out of him?

[abcdefg123]

I wouldn't have to hire anyone - I've plenty of people who would be more than happy to pay him a visit but thats not going to get me anywhere!

[Myriad2112]

I agree but you'll feel better for an hour or so :)

[themas]

A contract can be verbal - it does not have to be in writing. So in principle you could take the person you got the car for to Court and claim your money back.

However, you would have to prove to the Court - on the balance of probabilities - that this contract was in fact made. If you have nothing in writing at all this will be difficult if he denies it. Are there any witnesses who could support your statements? Was anyone present when you discussed this? Did he pay you (or the finance co.) any traceable money at all (i.e. money which went through a bank account)? Who was the registered keeper? These are just examples - you need to think in detail about all that happened & see what there is that can be used in Court to substantiate your case.

You must also remember that, even if you succeed in Court, you will not necessarily get your money. It depends on the person's financial circumstances - if you know he has little or no income & no assets (such as a house with equity in it) then you will probably be throwing good money after bad in going to Court, because you will have to pay a Court fee to start the case.