Q: How long do you have to deem a car dealership for your down payment 9/1/24 drove off the lot, 10/1/24 they took
Possession of the vehicle after exchanged words they indicated I was never financed,
Email attempts have lead nowhere never once notified me to recover my belongs
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In California, you typically have 10 days after repossession to get your personal belongings from the vehicle. However, your situation involves potential misrepresentation by the dealership regarding financing.
You should immediately send certified letters to both the dealership and their finance department demanding the return of your down payment and personal property. Document everything - save emails, take screenshots of messages, and write down all interactions with dates. This type of situation could constitute unfair business practices under California law.
Since more than 45 days have passed, you should file complaints with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Consider consulting with consumer protection attorney, as you may have grounds for legal action. Your local consumer protection office can also provide guidance on recovering your down payment and belongings. The statute of limitations for contract disputes in California is generally four years, so you still have time to pursue this matter legally.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
