I agreed to sell my car and signed purchase docs with a dealership. I found out they sold it for money, can I sue?

Question

There was no agreement signed just text conversation with the dealership. We may have a sale at X dollars will you be okay with netting Y dollars for your car? I accepted and signd the purchase docs sent to me, and they paid off the car and sent me a check. I found the new owner and called him and he gracefully sent me the contract showing they sold it for money. Can i try to get more money from the dealership for misleading me?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

In California, you might have a case for additional compensation if the dealership misled you about the sale price of your car. The key factors are whether the dealership made false representations and if those misrepresentations influenced your decision to accept their offer. Text messages can serve as evidence, but the specifics of what was communicated will be crucial. 
 
If the dealership implied that the sale price was lower than what they actually received, and you relied on that information to your detriment, you may have grounds for a claim. This could potentially fall under misrepresentation or fraud. The contract details and your text conversations will be important in proving this. 
 
You should consider gathering all documentation, including texts, the signed purchase documents, and the contract from the new owner. Consulting with a legal professional experienced in consumer protection or contract law can help you understand your options and the strength of your case. Taking these steps can clarify whether pursuing additional compensation is feasible.

Q: I agreed to sell my car and signed purchase docs with a dealership. I found out they sold it for money, can I sue?