Tips on Buying Cars: may have bought a lemon, small claims court, chevy van

Question
Dear Mr. Clark,
I just did a real stupid thing. I bought a 2001 chevy van from a private owner for $5,900 dollars.  I saw an ad on the internet and the ad stated the van had only 38,000 miles,  1 owner, looks @ runs great, immaculate, clean title, lady driver, non-smoker.  When I drove it, it drove really nice. After taking the van home I turned it off then went back an hour later to see if the cd player worked and it wouldn't start.  It seems like it might be the battery but I'm not sure.  I took a good look at the pink slip  and the guy who sold it to me bought it a month ago. The ad stated it had only one owner, a lady.   I was so excited with the van I didn't realize what I was doing. This was my first time buying a car.    I'm so scared, I paid him cash.  I tried calling him but he hasn't returned my call yet.  Is there anything I can do about this or am I pretty much screwed.    I would greatly appreciate your answer   Thank You So Much!!!!     

feeling really stupid in california!

Answer
Do you still have the ad?  If it stated "one owner," and he's not the original owner, then he's committed a fraud.  Here in New York, you'd be able to take him to small-claims court and sue him without having to get an attorney.  You used the term "pink slip," so I'll assume you live in CA.  Check California law (maybe through the state's Attorney General office) to see if something similar is available to you.  If you'd bought from a dealer there would be a number of laws and regulations that would assist you, but when buying from an individual it's pretty much "buyer beware."  Your only legal avenue is to sue him over his fraudulent advertising.