What should I do?

[M177ENS]

Hello all.* I need some advise. I recently sold my car to a private individual. He paid me half the value and we agreed that he would pay the other half on the 31st December. I have a signed receipt from both of us stating this. He's giving me the run around and I fear that he isn't going to pay. He signed and filled in the logbook but I haven't sent it off, so I still have it. I have text messages proving that he hasn't paid. First of all, who now legally owns the car? Do I have a good case to take him to small claims court? Any advise on what I should do would be appreciated. Many thanks

[luxardo]

He owns the car because you sold him it and he has a receipt from you. The fact he has not paid you is a separate matter. take him to the small claims.

However .. . your agreement that he would pay the other half on 31st Dec constitutes a contract that he has breached so you would be entitled to give him the money he has paid you back and take the car back.
However ... if you do that he can go to the police and report his car as stolen
However ... if the receipt states that he does not own the car until the full amount is paid then you are the owner of the car.

Couldn't give a definite answer without seeing the receipt you both signed.