Quick Facts About Car Defect Responsibility
- Most used cars are sold “as-is,” which means the dealer offers no warranty, and the buyer agrees to purchase the vehicle in its current condition.
- Some of the remaining factory warranty might be in place, so follow the automaker’s instructions for service if the car has a problem you think should be covered.
- Legitimate disputes can happen, and buyers have some options to reach a resolution with the seller.
Here’s a scenario: You buy a product from a store and take it home, only to discover it doesn’t quite work as advertised. In most instances, you can return the item for a refund with no questions asked. But what about when you buy a problematic used car from a dealer?
It’s essential to understand your options if you just purchased a vehicle and have found a significant defect.
Warranty or No Warranty?
If you bring your newly purchased car home and discover it has a major flaw, the first question you’ll need to answer is whether or not you have a car warranty. With a warranty, you have a decent chance the problem will be covered, depending on the defect or flaw. Most warranties cover parts designed to last the car’s life, such as suspension parts, engine components, and electronics. Generally, warranties do not cover items that wear down, like brake pads or tires.
You may be out of luck if you don’t have a warranty. Used car sales without a warranty are often clearly labeled “as-is.” This indication means the buyer accepts the car “as it is” on the lot in its current condition. The phrase is usually used in conjunction with the term “no warranty” to ensure the buyer knows they are buying a used car as it sits on the lot without any warranty coverage. It doesn’t mean the vehicle is a clunker, but the sale does not include a warranty to cover any mechanical problems. Dealers are legally obligated to explain to the customer whether a car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty.
When you sign the paperwork for an as-is car, it’s yours, and you’re responsible for it — regardless of what happens after you drive off the lot.
What About Recalls?
It is possible that a previous owner failed to address recall notices regarding known problems with the car. Before buying, you can search for recalled vehicles on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or use the recall lookup tool on our sister site, KBB.com. Automakers fix any mechanical or safety problems with recall notices at no charge.
What Recourse Do You Have?
If you’ve discovered a severe flaw in an as-is car, you’re at the mercy of the dealership or private owner who sold you the vehicle. The dealership or the individual has no legal obligation to help you. After all, you knowingly agreed to purchase the car without a warranty or service contract. This result is the risk you run when you buy a used car as-is.
However, some private sellers with good hearts — or guilty consciences — may feel responsible and give you some money back to fix the issue. Additionally, some dealers don’t want to risk damaging their reputation, leading them to offer you a goodwill gesture. They might provide financial compensation or offer to reduce labor charges to fix the problem. However, they don’t have to do this, and you can’t count on receiving any sympathy, cooperation, or relief.
You’ll find many exceptions throughout auto warranty contracts. If the car you bought from a dealer has a problem you think should be covered by its warranty, follow the contract’s instructions for service. Disputes can happen, and you have options when you cannot reach a resolution with the dealer regarding warranty service and repairs.
- Contact your state’s attorney general office. Its consumer protection division handles complaints around automobiles, among many other things.
- Seek mediation using a dispute resolution organization. Many warranties require mediation before taking steps to file a suit against a dealership or manufacturer. Look to the National Automobile Dealers Association if you purchased the troublesome car from a franchised dealership. It coordinates the Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP) for dispute resolution. Check with your region’s dealer association to learn about its mediation program.
- Consult your local small claims court clerk to learn how to file a suit and the dollar limits. You might be able to resolve disputes for small amounts of money without the expense of hiring an attorney.
How to Prevent the Problem
Buying a vehicle is a big event for most people. Discovering a defect soon after buying a car can be frustrating, disheartening, and downright stressful. To help avoid the problem, always follow our primary tip: Obtain a complete mechanical inspection before buying a used car. The service might cost you a few hundred dollars, but consider it an insurance policy that might fend off many future headaches, uncovering potential problems or existing defects with the vehicle before you sign the paperwork. We have a separate article about what to do if the seller won’t let you get an inspection.
Taking some other additional steps might also help steer you away from a purchase that leaves you with an expensive repair bill after you drive the car home:
- Check the vehicle history report and review the car’s repair record to get a snapshot of its preventive maintenance and previous repairs.
- Read consumer and expert reviews for that car’s make and model to get a better idea of how reliable it’s been for other drivers.
- Check for recalls.
- Take a test drive, and not just a short loop around the block. Spending time in the driver’s seat gives you the opportunity to see, feel, hear, and smell clues that can raise flags of potential problems.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
I bought a car with rwc and a week later discovered that has a pil lick the previus owner paid tp fix the lick but still do lick
i went to rhe mechanic who did the work and he quoted me over $500 for the repair should he reparied it before issue a rwc ?
Bought a used truck Ford f 150 next found out one head light was out next day cleaning truck found hole in roof of now it rain and is leaking. Have told sales person what option do I have
I bought a car off the lot from a dealership as is. Which means the vehicle is now my responsibility. I had expected that the car dealership would have inspected the car to be sure car is safe to drive. I later learn that the car had a leaking exhaust pipe. It is illegal to drive a car in that condition. You should always expect the car first with a qualified mechanic before purchasing the car. It will be hard to fight it in court because you drove it off a lot as is.
Thanks for sharing that story, Charles. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but car buyers need to know about who’s responsible for defects and steer clear of them when possible. Having a mechanic look at the vehicle beforehand can’t catch every potential problem, but we have an article encouraging every car shopper to get a pre-purchase inspection.
I brought a brand new 2021 Toyota Corolla le. I had to replace the battery in 2 times. Each battery last a year. They exchanged the battery since it’s under warranty and they said they can’t find what’s killing the battery after checking the car out. My concern is after the warranty runs out the battery problem will be my problem.
I just bought a new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado custom on 10 -15 2023 and 2 days later it wouldn’t start had to call roadside assistance the guy said that these trucks have these problems where they don’t turn on and you have to disconnect the battery and reconnected..what can I do ??
I bought my vehicle from Ron Montgomery Motors and after I put down $3000.00 late 5:30 on an 2016 GMC ACADIA, I started to drive out home but could not even make it around the block, so I drove it back to them and told them to just give me my money back. They told me to take the other GMC WHICH WAS AN 2014 ACADIA and I didn’t realize that it had higher mileage than the 2016. WAY HIGHER… I drive it down the block and realize that the A/C didn’t work so they “told me to come back to their mechanic the next day since they were already closed” when I did. Their mechanic could not fix the problem so then they sent me to another mechanic and after they told them that it was going to cost over $1200.00 to fix the problem they told me that I needed to pay half of it. I told them that they needed to just give me back my money but they said that they would not because I bought a used vehicle. I told them that I didn’t put down $3000.00 to have to pay another $600.00 on a fixer upper that they are charging me $18000.00 for. They told me too bad and that I won’t get my money back. DO NOT SHOP AT RON MONTGOMERY MOTORS THEY ARE CROOKED AND THEIR VEHICLES ARE JUNKS.
I just bought a used 2014 Q14 over the weekend. I drove home and them next morning found a Oil spot in front of the Car. Checked the Oil and there was no Oil. Called the Dealer and he said I got the Car as is. He didn’t tell me the car had a leak at the time of purchas. I asked him if the car was inspected and he said everything was fine. He dosen’t want to fix the problem or refund my Money or give me another Car. What do I do ????????
I just bought a used 2014 Q14 over the weekend. I drove home and them next morning found a Oil spot in front of the Car. Checked the Oil and there was no Oil. Called the Dealer and he said I got the Car as is. He didn’t tell me the car had a leak at the time of purchas. I asked him if the car was inspected and he said everything was fine. He dosen’t want to fix the problem or refund my Money or give me another Car. What do I do ????????
Daughter bought a truck that they replaced the lifters in. The morning after she took it home, she started it up and it made a bad ticking sound. She contacted the dealer and they told her it was her egr sensor. She knew what that sounded like and what she was hearing was no the egr. She thought maybe it was an exhaust leak and the dealer again told her it was just the egr. The noise was worse when she would first start in the morning and as it warmed up it was not as bad. She took it to a mechanic and he told her it was not the egr nor exhaust and to take it back to the dealer. She took it back up and told them she was leaving it overnight so they could hear it first thing in the morning. Bingo they found a broken piston. What legal recourse does she have
If the dealer tells you he is not responsible You can take him to small claims court and try to get him to pay some or all of the the repair This may or may not work. It will depend on the Judge. Some will favor you or the dealer.
I purchased a 2006 Subaru , drove it 1 day and the engine seized up. Do I have any recourse?
Sorry, but AS IS Doesnt mean that car is your baby. If the dealer knows the frame is bad,brakes are bad, and knows the tranny is bad, that no, HE CANT sell that car as is until its road worthy. Also its against the law NOT to have the sticker on the window showing this. Sticker must be on the window of EVERY used car or dealer can be fined. If dealer also lies about the price of the car on the title, to get you to buy the car, he can lose his license. Not my say so, its the law, ALSO, DOC FEE IS A farce,, thats pure profit, YRS ago that was called ” writing up a sale. Dont let dealer lie to you by saying, its the law that a doc fee gets put on,, or thats to pay for the ” girl’ to do the paper work. I already nailed a dealer in PA.. Had a $1,000 doc fee on a new sports car.Told the mgr, if he didnt put the right fee on i would report him and i’ll be back in a few days to check on that car. TYPE IN ” DOC FEE’ on cars for every state, i.e. Ohio is $250.00 meaning they cannot try to charge anything higher than that. DOC FEE.. PURE B.S.
Hello Joe, where can I get help in nj. I brought an f150, and the frame is rotten through
Your advice to have a mechanic check it out beforehand is good but there are some problems that escape such a check. A car with intermittent electrical problems can run fine for weeks, then die constantly, perhaps revived by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, then die again after a few days. I had such a car — Honda CRV. A top garage with all the latest tools couldn’t find the problem. They replaced the battery and alternator with no success. I researched the issue and found that replacing the entire wiring harness might be required.
I came to the conclusion after this experience that the next time I buy a used car I would only do it if I could achieve one or two things from the dealer:
1> Get the owner’s name and phone number so that I could call them. Or —
2> Make a rent to own deal. Drive it for a couple of months to make sure the electrical is ok.
It seems that electrical issues are the bane of modern cars and often impossible to spot on first inspection.
It’s ironic you mentioned problems with a Honda. For decades, Honda Management has deliberately withheld from the Federal Govt the number of mechanical failure incidents that owners have reported to dealerships. The problem was so bad and has been ongoing for decades. It was to intentionally misrepresent the reliability of their cars. As a result, the federal government issued the largest fine ever on an automobile manufacturer at the time back in 2017. Honda’s are not NEARLY as reliable as people have been led to believe. At the same time, the federal government also issued a second record fine for Honda for under-reporting the actual number of deaths that had occurred in their cars, which all manufacturers are required to report on. Two f the highest ever fines ever charged against a manufacturer at the very same time…. Not only is reliability and safety apparently an issue for Honda, but their integrity for intentionally trying to cover this information up.
Before I bought a car 3 weeks ago, I checked CARFAX it is shown has service report, after 3 weeks drive it has engine problem we sent to mechanic shop they find out needs a engine. also they recommend you hire inspector for this issues. Can I return back the Car to dealer? or push the previus owenr to fix this issues? Please advise. Thanks
i bought a used car at a reputable dealership but discovered that there are company logos visible on the side of the car only when the car is dirty. Is the dealership responsible?
My Grandson bought a used Honda Accord. The advertised mileage is 21/34. He has had the car for 10 days and appears to get about 13 miles per gallon. It was bought at a dealer. Does he have any recourse?
bought a used sonata 2 days ago as is for 39000 dollars it has bad brakes headlight dont work and my wife said it is leaking anti freeze and smoking live in ct do i have a leg to stand on here
I bought an “as is” car from dealership. They’re from Ohio, which I live in MD. Went to have it inspected and it failed. The front A frame is almost rusted apart and few other spots. Dont know if I can but going to try getting my money back.$2600 for a car that the frames rusted, definitely not happy!
I just bought a 2016 Honda CRV with 24500 miles from a Honda dealership. After only having it 2 weeks I heard the brakes scoring – they are sanding the rotors but not replacing the brakes I asked for new brakes and he told me I didn’t need them. Shouldn’t they have to replace them?
Bought a used car from a new car dealership. On the way home, it got dark, and as I my 17 year old was following behind me, I noticed the headlights did not work, only one light on bright. we stopped at a parts place to get headlight bulbs, and the personnel there noticed the light wires had been sliced in an attempt to fix the headlights and they weren’t able to do it, only mess the lights up more. The carfax showed no claims of this, and they had assured us that everything worked on the vehicle making it safe to drive on the roads. No warranty. as is, who is responsible?
Hello, I bought 2018 Ford Mustang Ecoboost which has 5545 miles on it. Dealer said everything is perfect after I drove it for couple of thousand miles it started doing little hard shifting and not down shifting in right time. Power of the car has been gone down it is not accelerating as it was before have to accelerate so hard to get the car into motion. I took it to local ford dealer because it is under warranty but the dealer mechanic says there is no problem with the car everything is perfect because there is code shown when it is connected to the computer. so everything is fine. But when I drive it is really very bad one of the ford mechanic guy took a test ride he could feel it but he said he ll reset the TCM but its not helpful they are hesitating to fix and suggesting me to go for another ford dealer. I really don’t know what to do in this situation.
Ford is as bad as it gets when it comes to customer service. After suffering a bad Ford Taurus 1995, I took an oath never ever to buy or lease a Ford
I just purchased a brand new Kia Sportage-a very nice vehicle. After driving it less than 350 miles, I discovered a 5 inch crack in the spoiler on the top of the car. The dealership has acknowledged two things: 1. That it most likely happened when the vehicle was transported on a truck to the dealership; 2. No one at the dealership did any kind of inspection when the vehicle arrived AND no one inspected the vehicle nor did any kind of preparation prior to us picking up the SUV. The salesperson apologized for not doing this as he is responsible for it. They will replace the part. However, should I not be entitled to a new SUV replacement OR a refund? We went to purchase a NEW car, a virgin; not a new car needing replacement parts. I appreciate any feedback. I plan to go to the dealership tomorrow or Tuesday to hopefully resolve the situation.
I just bought a 2014 Ford Expedition from Labredie GMC Bay City and it sounds like it was under water after leaving. All the doors are creaking I have had it to three dealers in the area putting me off for days to get it just tested. And the engine started knocking the day I left. There answer was we don’t have a way to test another type vehicle. So then the windshield trim fell off. It was then a windshield had to be resealed. So for a vehicle that has never been in an accident, one owner he said and as close to being certified without being at a FORD dealership. We now have an engine that is knocking, gas that is pouring out mileage that is impossible to even drive the vehicle. The rest when at there site showed low voltage for the battery already replaced at the previous dealer and doors that are creaking like they are falling off. Let’s see how this works. Doing a bone Marrow and have to drive 30 minutes I pray they don’t take someone’s life by the vehicle not getting us there. Dealers need to take things like this seriously. I am contacting the state transportation safety area of government. Unacceptable this vehicle is far from safe. Manager of used cars was nasty at first but has acted understanding so I will keep you up to date and see if Labredie GMC Cadillac does the right thing.
Finally the dealership contacted me. Fingers crossed they didn’t damage my truck.
I bought a Toyota Tundra at Jack Giambalvo car dealership one year ago. It did have a warranty. I was going back and forth with them because before I even went to speak with a sales person I had my husband go check it out. He took pictures and all. The truck had an empty beer can in the back seat and reeked if cigarettes plus a burn hole in the leather seat. Well when I finally went to go see it myself after shopping around. I mentioned the smoke scented truck and the burn in the seat. They insisted wasn’t a smoking truck and they also repaired the hole. That was fine but the point is that wasn’t the only issue with the truck there was a crack in the windshield and it had bald tires on the truck and they only put one new tire on it then it also had window tint that they sold to us with it on and now a year later when I go to have my truck inspected they can’t find anything wrong with it because since then I replace the tires and all that so now they are failing my truck over the window tint that was on the truck when they sold it to me. Their service department were the ones who passed our family truck with 3 barely treaded tires I tried to point out that not only am I paying a ton of money for a new truck but also have to replace tires in a month and I take excellent care of my vehicles. But I’m sure the window tint that passed state inspection just last year by them is covering something else. I will be sure to share with anyone and everyone how shady this dealership is until they actually do the right thing!!! Not to mention they also were upset that I wouldn’t finance through them so they could get kick backs and all I would have received was a high interest rate!! No way! I’m not stupid but I guess now I feel like I should have went with my gut and my local acquaintances who had been there for a car and received bad service after not agreeing to all their terms. I’ve been trying to contact a manager and All of them at all their dealerships are all unavailable!
Who is responsible for the emissions test buyer or seller??
I feel totally screwed. I paid $10,500 for a 2016 Civic. The dealer gave me a 2 month warranty. After about a week all of these error lights started popping up including the check engine light. In California you cannot have a car registered in your name if the check engine light is on. I went these last night after taking the car to the Honda dealership. They said it needed $1600 just to get started, I told the dealer and he got all pissed. I was like dude you said you would warranty the car for two months. Now youre pissed because there are 8 or 9 error codes popping up. so if you don’t want to let Honda fix it, you wont give me a longer warranty like 50k or 75k I want my money back. He said ok and walked into a house.About 5 minutes later 2 SUVs pulled up and a bunch of fools hopped out and went into his house. I thought for sure they were going to try to take the care and then rob me for the cash. Dude still hasn’t answered so me and some homies are going down to the dealership today to get our money back and we will be sure to tell everyone on the property the type of people they are about to buy a car from. I believe California has a ton of laws to protect buyers from crappy dealers like this…I’m not worried bc my friends and I are scary but if we have to go the legal route I think I’m good still because he sold me a POS
Go to the Bureau of Automotive and make a formal complaint against them. There are only a few people dealerships and mechanics are afraid of, one is the BAR.
Bought a Volvo 2015.5 XC60 R Design with Polestar, with 38k miles, in July 2018.
I bought a Hyundai Elantra this month and discovered that there is a big scrape on the bumper as well as a crack that was bolted. I did not see this before buying, and the salesman at the dealership did not inform me of it. When I called afte I discovered these flaws, he said that he assumed I knew. Someone has told me it is illegal for them to sell a car without telling you about that kind of damage. Is that accurate? And, if so, shouldn’t the dealership cover the cost of repair?
Hi, 2 months ago bought a 2017 Santa Fe sport. Today we had a lot of rain and I discovered a leak on the passenger side coming from under the gloves compartment to the floor. It is the second time happen since last rain. I called the dealer and schedule an appt, but I am very disappointed, because they already overpriced me for the car. My loan is high and the car started having this essue. I would like to know if by law I have the right to make them buy the car back and get another car.
I bought Nissan Pathfinder from Nissan brand new 2018 second day AWD sing along shown on dashboards, and front sensor camera. And one more light , contact with Nissan they told me bring back , handed over them fix the problem . Again next day they showed up fix the problem. Just driving littel bit again same problem then again gave them my car, they kept it more than three weeks no answer by email . Even no reapply . Only verbally says Nissan tech development work with it. How long I have to wait ,my payment in going which is I don’t have the car I pay for , any advice please help me
You are covered under the lemon law. If they have failed to fix it after 3 visits to the tech shop, then force them to buy it back and get something else… Make sure each trip to the dealership is documented on paper!
New cars are covered by lemon laws in all 50 states. Feel free to return the vehicle. Reporting to the BBB will also aid trust for future car buyers.
My husband buy a car before twenty days ago I drive it a little but when we drive it more we stopped because it’s hot we went to mechanical he said the engine damage it will cost 3000can we claim on the dealership
If it’s a new car, you’re likely under warranty and, at least were, protected by lemon laws. If the car was purchases used, as is (no warranty), there’s little liability on the side of the dealership.
I was looking for a used vehicle online. I found one out of state. Communicated with the dealership on purchase of vehicle, agreed to price and wired money to their financial institution prior to traveling to sign papers and pick it up. They call me and say they found a problem with it, and it needs to be repaired, but they want to add the repair cost to the price of the vehicle. Can they do this, or should they have to pay for it?
If you’ve already paid for the car, it’s your car. Price has been settled. Let them repair it under any guise they want. If not, it looks fishy. I’d just look elsewhere. Once you’re looking nationally for a used car, there’s infinite fish in the sea.
What if the sales rep at a dealership verbally tells you it was never in an accident and it is proven false. No CarFax accident report either except for minor damage. Does the written contract trump the verbal statements? Those contracts are very defensively worded and hard to loophole, except that the add ons include a pre-delivery charge which includes inspection.
If the carfax shows no accidents, it’s unlikely the dealership knows of any accidents. I didn’t learn my car had its engine entirely rebuilt after an accident, as the carfax didn’t show it… but a lot were very much replace identically to that of a front-end collision. Not everybody reports.
My husband bought me a 2006 Jeep Commander behind my back a week ago from a local used dealer. It’s such a piece of crap. Had I been with him this thing never would have been purchased. The transmission is already slipping. When I try to accelerate it slows down and tries to stop altogether and vice versa. Along with a ton of other issues. He emptied our savings and still owes a decent amount. Our 4th child is due in 2 months and now we have no reliable car. Is there anyway to get our money back? We’re tempted to just take the loss and let them repo the stupid thing.
There’s always a legal loop-hole to the loophole they try to pull on you. If there is any sort of defect with the vehicle that they didn’t disclose then you can get them for that most likely.
well when it rains it pours my friend and i traded cars straight across 4 days ago in the mean time my daughters car stopped running so i sold her the car the price i paid for my original car i then went and bought a different car off craigslist i was told by the seller nothing was wrong with the car it looked great sounded good so i gave him the money no sooner he got the money the car started running bad i asked for my money back and he didn’t give it back he took me for a test drive instead to show me how powerful the car was and kept telling me-what a great car and a good deal i got and sent me on my way driving home i discovered it has issues that were not told to me that affect the perforce of the car i have sent messages and called and i get no responce.what can i do to get my money back.
I took the car to a reputable auto shop and they looked it over and had worked on it before and said it was a great buy. So I bought it. Next day I notice it jumpimg back at me in 2nd to 3rd gear. I looked up a recall they didn’t catch at the auto shop and went to the dealer to get it taken care of. Wasn’t the problem. Car still kicking from 2nd to 3rd and now 3rd to 4th a week later. During all of this I have been in touch with the seller and leting her know what is happenning. She stated it never did this to her, but I don’t really believe that she didn’t notice something. It didn’t magically start doing this because I bought it. If it were a month later I might beleive it. Now I am putting more money out for a vehicle I just purchased and had checked before buying.Also, contacted the shop again and went by and let him drive it. Now the shop is putting me off andasking me to pay to find out what the problem is. He said we only drive it a short distance and that is why they didn’t notice the problem. He is telling me I have to pay another transmission shop through their shop to find out what it might be. What do I do? I will not sell it with this problem because I don’t do that to people.
Louis Lavolpe
I bought a 2016 dodge grand caravan se plus 20 months later me and my family planned a trip realized the 2nd row was not compatible to the stow and go meaning the second row has a full bench and not split i have no use for the stow and go i went to the dealership furious and supervisor said i got a basic van for what i was paying comes with that type of bench seriously i’ve looked up and cannot find 2016 van with this type of bench i believed it was switch out my fault i should have noticed at purchased not 20 months later does any one have advise that would help me thanks
Bought a car from George Goodman Palm Bay Florida and by the time I got home with the car it had overheated. this human came saw the car. Said nothing was wrong and I haven’t gotten an answer on his phone. I’m so frustrated, Can’t believe I fell for this. What do I do? The add said car in excellent conditions, ice cold a/c. And it’s a lie.
At the very least, report the location to the BBB.
Bought a 2013 Ford Escape for roughly $12,500 on January 10, 2018. Within a couple weeks started having low coolant alerts pop up; refilled with recommended coolant in owners manual. Two weeks later it happened again, but this time it also gave a “engine over heating” error message and I was forced to pull over and refill coolant. Same thing a week later. Today, I took it in for eval for coolant leak. They found: coolant leak in hose that was patched by duct tape (repair: $295), CV axel needs replacement as it was broken and leaking grease everywhere (repair: $640), recently replaced water tank was not “burped” to ensure all air was out causing fluctuating coolant levels, and best of all there is “excessive oil” leaking all over the turbo which turned out to be the turbo itself so that needs to be replaced (repair: $2922). A month and a half into having a new-used car that I was told was inspected in full without any concerns was found to have DUCT TAPE to patch a leak and now I have to pay $3858.16 to repair it/labor/tax. Is there any recourse for this???????? As a 2013, I expected to have some work upcoming in the next several years, but not all of this less than 2 months after purchase. Not to mention I was looking at vehicles in this price range bc I couldn’t afford to spend another $4,000. These repairs are a full 1/3rd of the price I spent on the vehicle. If I had had this money to spare, I would’ve bought a newer vehicle! HELP!
I bought a used 2011 Kia Rio. (Don’t judge me, it was for a 16yo). Here we are 3 years later for a routine repair and I find out that it has a 2005 engine in it. Do I have any recourse if it was sold as certified used “as is”?
I bought a brand new 2017 Nissan Altima Nissimo on 12/21/17. It had 3 miles on it. On 1/2/18 the clutch went out and the car is in the shop where it remains today, 1/24/18. I didn’t have the pleasure of driving it or giving it it’s first fill up. I verbalized to the dealership I wanted a replacement and they simply said no. I reached out to them several times via phone calls and emails, without success. The guy in the service department told me that it was assessed by an inspector and two engineers. They dropped the transmission a total of three times. I filed a complaint with the BBB and posted bad reviews on the company. Suddenly, I’m getting calls from general manager’s. They called today and said the car was ready, but I don’t want it back. I feel like it was a defective car and can probably anticipate future problems. I have a warranty on the car, but most only cover parts that are designed to last the life of the car. Should I accept the vehicle or seek legal consultation? My first payment of 577.00 is due 2/4/17 which is so disappointing, considering I haven’t even had the car. Open to all suggestions on how I should proceed. Thanks!
This article has no relevance, you are covered for up to 6 years under the consumer rights act 2015, if you bought a car less than 3 months you are entitled to a free repair or a refund on the car, if over 3 months you can get free repair, dealer has to prove the fault wasn’t there at the time of sale, not you prove that it was. Google it all the info is there. Even better protection if you have finance or credit card purchase!
Is this only though dealer purchaces?
Consumer Rights Act of 2015 is for the EU. It’s not US.
I brought a 2000 Honda crv from a car sales. Paid 6500 for it 3 months later wheel bearings are completely stuffed and also fuel pump. The car sales says they are not required to help as only 1 month warranty is this legal?
It’s a 18 year old car. What did you expect?
How about why you buy a car from a mechanic that said he did all this work and it’s a great car. Had oil leak right away that he couldn’t get me in to fix, then he had a baby and said he’s out of town. Not replying to my text messages and car got worse and won’t even start now. Had two other mechanics come to my home to diagnose problems. Two hours later still can’t find problem. Just bought car last month. Barely drove it. What are my options now?
Anything in writing or any warranty in writing?
A bought a car about a week ago with a road worthy from a private seller. When I drove it home. I instantly found the car doesn’t run well. It’s running roughly and showing on the car screen that engine fault repair needed. I took it to a car mechanic . They found almost everything in the car are broken. It costs major to fix . I contacted to the seller. She ignores me.Can anyone please help me out. What can I do with that.
Should have taken it to a mechanic before buying it. What exactly is wrong with it?
I purchased a vehicle, prior to sale I tested the convertible top several times and found it in well functioning operation. The dealer offered to clean the convertible. The next day I picked up the vehicle, drove off the lot, fulled over to to put the top down it broke. I took it for it to be assessed by two separate professionals who agreed the top must have been taken off and then reinstalled which was not installed properly into the tracking system which then caused severe damage which the top now needs to be replaced costing in the sum of $5,000.00 Both professionals that assessed the vehicle said it would have been very unlikely that the top as I tested before the purchase took place if it was not aligned would have been faulty then so that appears to be a casualty of damage only that could have taken place after the fact. Dealer refuses to take responsibility even as I have gotten a Attorney Involved l what is my recourse at this point. Dealer wants to force me into taking my car and check back which I was informed by the dealer who assessed the damage and told me not to fold that my trade in vehicle would be de valued once I attempt to offer it as another trade. They specifically told me that the dealer has to take responsibility. He who speaking truth and who is speaking bull ?
I purchased a new vehicle yesterday, Saturday. Today my son who stands over 6 ft… can see the top and noticed, I had hail damage. Something we didn’t notice at all, I never looked up there. We opened the hood and saw that the hood looks like it was changed because there is no padding attached like most vehicles. My son says this is there to muffle the sound of vehicle. I know very little about all this. I want to know what is my rights?? I am to go tomorrow morning with the check for the rest of my downpayment. I need advice! Thank You… Ms B
The FTC used car rule or Buyers Guide if your car didn’t have one attached to it can be a breath of fresh air. You must check to see if it applies to your situation.