Going to a claims court when u only had a witness, no written agreement?

i gave my friend $2000 to look for a car for me. now, we fell off and he keeps making promises on giving me my money back. we dont have a written agreement but i have another friend who i actually gave the money to give to him. he said that i owe him some money for breaking te headlight of his car, and that he will take part of that money for that. the cost of replacing the headlight is approximately $500. so, if i go to the claims court, am i likely to get my money back if i only have a witness? besides that i have a couple of text messages. if he doesnt appear to court, what happens to him? what happens to me?