My nephew-in-law wanted to buy my 2003 Envoy. I signed piece of paper in the bank parking lot that stated he had made a down payment of 2,500 and would receive the title after he paid me in one week. He has the only copy. Well the week came and went. The car was parked at my sister's house. He went in, got the keys, and took off with the vehicle which he now had hidden somewhere. He refuses to tell me where the car is and refuses to pay the balance. He sent me a text message stating the car was his now. The police here in Clarksville, TN say that I can't file a stolen vehicle report because I "sold" it to him, even though the title, registration, etc. is in my name. The police officer said I could hire a repo service or a lawyer. I do not have the money for a lawyer. What should I do? Do repo services work? I did notify the insurance company of the situation-the insurance follows the vehicle.

You are in a tough situation, but you already knew that, didn't you.

He has not stolen the car, because he has a bill of sale, with a down payment indicated on it.

To hire a recovery service is not going to be cheap, I'd guess the minimum would be in the
$300 to $500 range for a reputable service.

You say you are in Clarksville, by any chance is this nephew in law in the Army?

That would be a true blessing if he was, one call the First Sgt. Or Company Commander would resolve your issue virtually immediately.

You should notify your County Treasurer, I would suspect that he may try to apply for a lost title and use his "bill of sale" to transfer it to his name. I'm also quite sure that he has removed the part of the "bill of sale" that says anything about him still owing you money.

I wish you luck!

Just go get the car, you have the title, or sue him in court for the money.

I think you should take him to court