Some interesting news:

I spoke to a co-worker whose husband is a lawyer...well it turns out SHE went to law school too! I talked with her about some things and this is what I am going to do:

1. Sue him for the FULL 1200 miles = $576

2. Explain that according to him, one person was interested in 8 months, so 600 miles were not added for test drives as he stated. That would mean 34 people test drove it, and I only got ONE phone call from him.

3. Have a tape of the news story and /or transcript.

4. Add interest. Does anyone know how I can come up with an interest rate?

The worst case scenario is I wont get the FULL amount I'm suing him for. I have a better chance at going for more money.

I also thought that he probably won't even show to court, so if I ask for, say... $1000, and have a clear explanation why, I could automatically get the full $1000 since he cannot argue it.

I feel much better now. I'll keep you all updated as always.

As a perons emloyed in the legal field, (paralegal) that sounds like a very good plan. I might also suggest going after some punitive damages as well. I know you aren't trying to look greedy. But, a judge may feel you deserve it, but they can't give it to you if you haven't asked for it.
The worst that they can say is no.
Just my two cents.

I agree, as I would also like to get back some of the money I paid on the car ($230/mo.) for the months he had it, since he drove it around as his own car, for as far as I know, several months.

8 months on his lot would be $1840 worth of payments.

5 months since this happened would be $1150. I haven't sold it as I have been seeking reimbursement since January 17.

What do you think I should ask for from those amounts if any?

I would say go for it all, but break it down seperately.
Like, go fo rall of the payments while it was at his lot. You probably won't get that, but it'* worth a try.
Also go for the payments since you took it back while you are waiting to get this matter settled. Just list the different amounts seperately so you can justify why, and the Judge can pick and choose what you deserve. Also, you have to keep in mind what the maximum amount is that you can go for for small clams. You can always just ask for that amount, even if the total would work out to be more, and just have a good explanation as to why you are asking for it.
Honestly, though, it may be worth paying the $50 - $75 for a consultation with an attorney, unless one of your frineds will see you for free.

Check the savings account interest rates offered by local banks in your area. The likely rate is probably < 1%. I would ask for .5%. That'* not greedy and easily justified, based on economic research.

I can give a good reason why I'd want the $1840 back while it was on his lot since he was supposed to be selling it for me.

But for the past 5 months I'm not too sure. I could argue I have not been able to sell it since I have been trying to get reimbursed. But why would a judge give me $600 for miles on a car if I was planning on selling it right after?

I think I'm going to say I chose to KEEP the car and not sell it at all (which is what I told Dave Taylor anyway), and only ask for the $1840.

Well, the fact that you are reasonable will certainly be in your favor. And, sticking to your original story is always a +.

excellent idea here. it wont be much, but you get interest without looking greedy -- in fact, youll look great because of how realistic you are with the interest.

Knock 'em dead Pete!

So I spent two hours at work today reading this entire thread!! Holy crap... what an a$$ this guy is! Holy crap I didn't get any work done today!

This forum is filled with great guys... I'm so glad I bought my 2003 Bonnie and found this forum. I'm less happy that I'm still waiting for a new engine for it

Stay angry Pete Give 'em heck.

- Tim

I added the numbers, and without interest, I am suing him for $1335: new key, mats, ventshades, 600 miles, and half of the payments I made on the car while he used it as his own car.

I was going to do the whole 1200 miles, but I don't want to GUESS how many miles it was test-driven. And since he said 600 (which is not true) I have PROOF at least 600 miles are completely unaccounted for. He was responsible for the car, so he'* responsible for the unaccounted for miles. I have a very good case in my eyes.

.5% interest on that would be about $7.

IMO, he won't answer by the answer date, or he won't show to court, so I could automatically win the whole amount. If I did I'd be happy (tranny fund!) but I know I'd have to fight him to make him pay up.