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More like a dog than a car? (by John V.):

jayjay wrote:

ian139 wrote:

So, you’re saying a timeshare is more like a dog than a car: • While you own a car, you pay to maintain it, license it, etc. But, if you want to be rid of it, you sell it, or if it has no value, you give it away or let it be towed away. • With a dog, you feed it, care for it, and if you no longer want to own it, you must find someone who will agree to feed it and care for it, can’t simply let it go. I’m still trying to figure out the right way to think about this. It seems to me that, legally, a timeshare is more like a car. As long as you want to own it, you pay to maintain it and taxes. But, you are NOT required to continue owning it for the rest of your life and paying on it, just because you once accepted the deed. The question is what is the best, ethical way to get rid of it? The answers I’m getting are understandably biased by the fact that they’re written by timeshare owners who do NOT want other owners walking from their timeshares. But, despite the fervency of the rhetoric, I’m not sure they’re correct.

In specific response to jayjay, who continues to try and bully me into his position: You again are resorting to insults. It is inappropriate. When one’s arguments are good, they speak for themselves. When they are not, you resort to personal insults. You have no idea what I know or knew about timeshares. I am increasingly disagreeing with your position. I’m not angry, just pointing out that you are being insulting rather than holding a proper dialogue, and you did it again in your latest post. I think it is quite possible that I am as “timeshare educated” as you, or more; yet, I disagree with your position. I am searching for answers to what is not a clear situation. There are many people (who, based on their posts, I suspect may be “timeshare educated”) who disagree with you. I request that you read your posts before posting them, and leave out the vitriol, and let your arguments speak for themselves without attacking the other parties.

Ownership of a vehicle is the same as ownership of a timeshare .... all financial responsibilities are the obligation of the owner until the vehicle or the timeshare is transferred out of their name.

What part of that do you not understand ????? There are no insults are bullying in my statement above ..... only FACTS, which, for some reason you can't seem to comprehend.

After years of paying maintenance fees on two contracts with the Mayan Palace, I decided I had had enough. I could no longer get the weeks I wanted, even when I tried to book 6 months away from my travel date. I had fully paid off my contract back in the 90's. I didn't want that back, only wanted to stop throwing good money after bad. When I really closely read my contract I couldn't see where it LEGALLY said I MUST pay the maintenance fee. I took it that if I didn't I would no longer be a member and could no longer book at the resorts. Big deal. That's exactly what I wanted. I took the contracts to a lawyer who agreed with me. He sent a letter to the MP that said since I was no longer able to book the weeks I wanted he considered the contract frustrated and null and void. He also said, not expecting them to agree, that we wanted my initial investment back and that they had two weeks to respond or further legal action would be taken. As soon as they got that letter I was called at home, asking me to explain what the issue was. I unloaded on the lady. After I was done she said I'd be emailed two .pdf files for my wife and I to sign and send back to them. After that they will send me a letter stating that my contracts with the MP are over. Happy Days are here again.

My advice to anyone in the same position as me is to get a lawyer to send them an official legal challenge to paying the maintenance fee. There really isn't much the MP can do. It's the same as renting an apartment. As long as you pay, you can stay. If you stop paying soon you'll be evicted. Are you then expected to keep paying the rent after being put out on the street? No. Of course for years I tried to sell it on the internet. Not one nibble.