CosmosC4S

If his workplace is close by, why don't you visit him there, with a few buddies, and demand for your deck wing? Repeat this every few days until he hands it over. Call him at work, not his cell.

secondshot

Having all probably dealt with this in one shade or another in the past, once you feel like you are getting the run around and being blown off...you say what's truly on your mind. Well, in this case, the big assumption is that the JA was "close" to giving it back to you. I bet he wasn't. Why would he list on CL? Why would he be avoiding you and your messages over the same time? I believe there was no intention and the string-along messages were simply to wear you down until you simply gave up. How do we even know he still has it?

I think it is tough to criticize you for speaking your mind and suggesting it "cost" you an opportunity to reclaim the property. That said, it did get his attention that someone called him out. Seems in my dealings with these types, that is exactly what they respond to...and usually aggressively -- not good for you. For your piece of mind, I say pretend your best get-even scheme...get the catharsis from that and move on with your life...

dalancroft

I must say, I am in the "let it go" crowd. Losers like this are often anxious and fearful that someone they've screwed is going to come back to haunt them, and he likely is carrying a weapon.

Comanche_699

Secondshot- good advice. I agree.

I would never roll up at his job, or his house, or call and call - or otherwise be a menace, it's just not my style.

I wouldn't threaten or even imply violence or retaliation, because it's just it in my DNA. It's a deck lid for pete's sake! Haha.

But it is fun to contemplate a well executed and witty revenge, even if it is unrequited.

A part of me wants to try the small claims route, even if just to twist his arm a little, but likely I'll let it pass on by. The world has its own built-in payback system for people like that.

I love reading others thoughts on this, seems like a broad range of opinion.

For me, I'm conscious that this is "little stuff" and really none of it matters, but it's interesting just the same.

Ynot

Frozen has it right, "Let it go." You live and learn, don't trust a word anyone says. If it's not written, then it's not yours. You should had him get it before the sale, I'm sure he'll have time to pick up the rear spoiler even if he's dad lives in Utah if that is what it takes to sell his car.

Tcc1999

Well, this is one approach. Didn't work out real well for O.J. Simpson though.

Edgy01

At this point just move on. It's not really worth the grief you area allowing this character to affect your life.

As George Carlin said, "Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff."

kon5t

So let me get this straight, you don't care but your gf hates it, so now you want it?

I don't think the guy with the spoiler is your problem..... Let me know if you want me to take you shopping for some pants.

SpeedyD

If you want the wing, why not just show up and buy it? Respond to the CL ad and then just show up, offer to pay the asking price (or a bit less) and then just give him a post dated check. No fraud, no dishonesty... you will get your wing this way and he may react to your post dated check with skepticism...

Maybe he'll agree to just give it to you at that point? Worst case you get your decklid at a fair price... just imagine you paid a bit more for the car.

I'm not sure what his response would be but it would sure be funny. Will he refuse a post-dated check for an item that he originally promised to provide you at no cost?

Will he actually accept the check?

Saaboteur

My suggestion - write him one last email/letter with the demand that he must respond by a date certain with details for the deck lid to be given to you. Your demand letter must also indicate that if you do not hear from him, then you will have to take the next step, which will be filing a claim in small claims court. At that stage, you will not settle for just the deck lid, but will require him to pay you your court filing costs as well (probably $100-200?).

If that date comes and goes, then you have to take the next step and actually file the claim. Typically small claims courts will have 'how to' guides on their websites. These are not matters for which you want to retain a lawyer, given that the hourly rate will outstrip the value of the item in dispute. So small claims courts are generally designed for people to handle claims on their own - but you do have to take the time out to appear in court if necessary.

However, what I've set out will cost you in time and effort, and indirectly, money, ie if you have to take time off work to argue the matter. At that point you need to consider whether it's the item and the money you are concerned about, or the principle. If it's the latter, run with it. That's what courts are for, to resolve disputes in a civil manner! Our society is built on rules, not trying to strong arm the guy into doing something.

GermanCarSpecialists

Poetry.

Comanche_699

Ha. Well she came around to like the wing within the first 2 months or so last year. But no it's not a case of "now I want it" it's just something we had discussed before the purchase, and I "still" want it.

But, naw. I don't need any pants. The girl is gone now. I think she may have taken some of my pants when she left too. Haha

kon5t

Phew

M3 Defector

Call the cops, show them the CL advertisement and tell them it is yours. It has the VIN on it so it's easy enough to verify. Treat it like the stolen property that it is.

Lvt19672

+1 on the reply to the sale ad and show up and get it.