[Your Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[phone number – optional]
[email address – optional]
August 19, 2009
[Name of Recipient]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Name of Recipient]:
I am writing to ask for your help in resolving a problem that has developed with the car I bought from you on [Date of Purchase], a [Make, Model, Year].
[Here, briefly describe the problem you’re having with the car and what information or other assistance you are asking the former owner to provide, i.e.: The car was driving fine until yesterday, when it just stopped running, and I had to have it towed to the shop. My mechanic claims that the transmission is bad and will probably need to be replaced.
I remember your telling me that you had extensive work done on the transmission fairly recently. I would appreciate it very much if you could send me whatever paperwork you have on that job — details of the work done, receipts, warranty on the work, etc. At the very least, if you can’t locate any of those items, please let me have the name, address and phone number of the mechanic who did the work, so that my mechanic can contact him.
As you can imagine, I need the paperwork rather urgently, and I am enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope for your convenience in responding as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Cordially,
[Your Name]
Enclosure