Lent Car To Friend, But He Is Not Returning It Back, Demanding 6k And Filing A Case On Me

Hi,

This is an update on this thread - reddit-post-lent-car-but-want-it-back

I am trying to find an attorney to help me navigate this situation. Most attorneys have rejected my case, saying that they are not interested in this matter. I found one attorney willing to take on my case; however, the attorney is charging me a $7,500 retainer and says that it could cost up to $30k-$50k if the case goes to trial. The sticker price on the car was $43k.

Also, it seems like the person has already filed a case against me in conciliation court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here’s what the claim says:

• Claim Amount: $6k (including filing fees and costs)
• Background: I shipped a vehicle to their address (supposedly, smh), with both parties intending to establish co-ownership of the vehicle through an LLC. They claim that I changed my intentions regarding the vehicle's arrangement under the LLC and that I used my credit card to set up the LLC but later withdrew it, which complicated the situation further for them.
• Claims Made:
  • My "indecisiveness" caused significant expenses and time devoted to fixing and maintaining the vehicle.
  • I would only purchase the car if they made a $1k down payment.
  • The car had many mechanical issues when delivered. They funded repairs costing $2k with my consent.
  • They also paid $1k in vehicle shipping costs and incurred additional costs valued at $2k for time, labor, and resources.
  • My indecisiveness caused significant mental stress.
• Relief Sought:
  • Judgment for $6k (monetary amount put into the vehicle plus filing fees and costs).
  • Willingness to return the vehicle to me if shipment costs are covered.

This is complete absurdity. I had never permitted them to make modifications to the car that would make it inoperable. I had only lent it to them on a permissive use basis until they buy the car, at least half of it. They did not and do not reveal the shop that repaired the car. The only thing they tell me is that they have given me everything.

Police don't want to step in, and attorneys don't want to deal with this. What should I do? If I'm going to pay that $6k, at the very least, I would need the vehicle to pass inspection from a certified BMW dealership. From what they told me, it seems like this won't be the case.