AboutJeremy Beck Expertise I can answer any question as it relates to the purchase or lease of a new or pre-owned vehicle. I can give you advice in purchasing from a franchised dealer or private party. Buying a vehicle can be a very difficult and frustrating experience, but it doesn't have to. Know before you Go! Let me help you with any of your questions.
Experience I have been in the automotive business for 10 years. I have held every position from salesperson, Finance Manager, New Sales Manager, Used Car Sales Manager, Finance Director, and Director of Sales and Finance. I graduated from the University of Texas with a major in Business Administration, and have held many sales jobs in the automotive sector. I am a member of the Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals (AFIP). I have also been trained by some of the best schools in the business including JM&A, Ethos, VT/AIG, Inc, and various others.
Question My husband and I were selling a motorcycle to a friend through a payment agreement. He has the bike locked in his shed but we still have the title in our names as agreed. It has been over 13 months since he has made any payments and he still owes us more than half the original agreed-upon price. Would like to know the best legal way to go about getting the bike back. We are afraid that if we take him to court he will strip parts off before we can get it. Since the title is still in our names can we just go get it like reclaiming our own property?
Answer Mary,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, you will have to do this thru small claims court by suing him. In most states, what you are doing is being a lender. Since you are not licensed to repossess a vehicle, he could make it very difficult for you, but he may not. You can try to just reclaim the property yourself, but you could be considered trespassing on his property if you do so. The best way for you to get the bike back is to sue him in small claims court with all of your documentation. Yes you run the risk of him stripping the bike, but you run a whole lot more risks doing it the wrong way.
