I purchased this used car for 4000 bucks and I still owe 3000 on it, except yesterday out of nowhere the engine just basically seized up on me. I called the dealership and told them that my car was screwed up. They said that if I give them another $800 down for another down payment on a different car that they would help me out. I don't feel as if I should give them any more money. By some sort of lemon law aren't they obligated to put me in a vehicle that works. Atleast put me in a car of equal value and just keep my payments the same or atleast a somewhat similar. I don't feel it is fair to have to pay for a car that doesn't run expetionally the fact that I have only had the car for about 59 days. I hope someone can help me with an answer. No they never gave me any extended warranty, But there has got to be some law that protects me from this. Please Help..
2006-09-29 01:55:09 · 11 answers · asked by krystal s 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
You bought a car. If there was a warranty on the vehicle, it would have listed the time and mileage that you were covered. Most likely, if it was warrantied, it was a 30 day, 1000 mile warranty.
You drove the car without a problem for almost 2 months, and then there was an engine failure. There was no way to tell this would happen. Was there oil in the engine? Did you check?
The dealer is offering to help you. You still owe them the balance on the car. They are trying to help you get back on the road. You can take them up on their offer, or you could take the $800 that you would be putting down on the replacement car, and use it to put a used engine in your current one!
The law is simple. Warranties have time and mileage limits. If you are out of warranty, (or bought the car "as-is") then any and all repairs must be done or paid for by you. The fact that you still owe money on the vehicle has nothing to do with it.
If you loaned a friend money to buy a camera, and they damaged it, you would still expect them to pay you the money back, wouldn't you? Financing a car is borrowing money to buy the car. If you have a problem with the car, you still owe the money!!!
Sorry!!
2006-09-29 03:38:36 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those that are not framilliar with the mechanics of an automobile should do the following....
1) Get a vehicle with as complete a warranty as you are able to afford.
2) If you are only able to afford a used vehicle, you usually have 24-48 hours to take it to a reputable mechanic and have a COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC TEST done on the vehicle. This will give you a very clear idea if the car you are buying is junk or not.
3) Get a full history of the car using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN number). This reveals everything about the vehicle such as how many owners, any accidents it was in, dates and results of smog checks, odometer reading so you can see if the mileage has been rolled back, etc.
About a year and a half ago, I bought an 89 Mercedes 300E that had 167,000 miles on it for $5000 cash. I am very framilliar with mechanics and also did my research on that particular model to see what people had to say about it. As with any used car, there are things you will have to repair or replace simply due to age regardless of mileage.
The car now has 205,000 miles on it and I have yet to sink any money into it aside from normal preventative maintainence (oil change, tires, etc...)
Conclusion.....Do your research on any vehicle you are considering......A little money put towards VIN records and diagnostic checks could wind up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Hope this helps....
Rocco
2006-09-29 14:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by roccoq 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Krystal,
All the other post are correct, lemon laws apply to new cars, how ever there are some states that have lemon laws for used cars, albeit not much in the way of protection.
Even if your state has a lemon law, I doubt it would cover your situation because you've owned the car for two months.
You should check with your states Attorney Generals office just to be sure about any used car lemon laws hey have.
The engine seize could be caused by numerous problems including low on engine oil, sludge build up and other factors.
The best protection (in the future) is to make sure the car you purchase hasn't been neglected with proper maintenance, which is the most common cause of engine failures.
I've provided a link below with a brief description on what and how to look for sludge.
Jerry
http://www.usedcarwise.com
2006-09-29 14:28:05 · answer #3 · answered by usedcarwise 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Lemon Law pertains to a reoccurring problem, or in general any misrepresented vehicle. There's so much to it but in your case, 30 days have past (standard warranty on used vehicles.)
I sympathize with you. My problems with an '84 sold as "In excellent condition" started deteriorating in 2 months. Like you I checked on the Lemon Law but to no avail.
Best case, fix it and keep all receipts. When it comes time to trade it that will help keep it's worth. I wish someone would change the law for used vehicles but until then we're screwed.
If you choose to take the dealer's offer, this time take it to a mechanic and have the oil changed even if the dealer says they did it. You'll be surprised how much the mechanic can tell you about the vehicle just by hoisting it up and checking the underbelly.
Again, it's tough when buying a used vehicle even when you receive a Carfax report with it. Bite the bullet on this one and think about taking the dealer's offer verses/depending on how much your repair will cost.
Good Luck...
2006-09-29 10:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by vikingsonsltw 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The dealer does not have to do anything....when you buy a used car its your responsibility to make sure the car is in satisfactiry shape.
At my dealership we give 30 days on warranty but anything more than that you must purchase an extended warranty.
I have had an instance where a client blew his engine after having the for 4 days. We did replace the car for him (we later found out that a hose bust and he was driving it without rad fluid...)
But we have had many cases where a client just has not bothered to check anything out like fluids etc...and has blown an engine or they abused the car. I am not saying YOU have abused the car but you have been driving the vehicle for 2 months.
2006-09-29 09:30:04 · answer #5 · answered by B_Auto 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anything mechanical can and will eventually break down. I am sure that the dealer offered you a extended warranty and you declined. It sure would come in handy now . Stop crying about lemon laws and take responsibility for your mistake. If the dealer is trying to help you in any way you should take him up on it. He is not obligated to by law.
2006-09-29 15:27:55 · answer #6 · answered by DAVID S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO lemon law on used cars. Go back to dealer and make your case, and tell them you will take them to small claims court unless they work out a new deal with you.
2006-09-29 08:59:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lemon laws apply to new cars only - not used cars.
The dealer will be happy to finance a new engine with youe existing loan balance - your loan and payments will go up.
2006-09-29 10:14:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lemon laws are for new cars. if you had good credit you probably could have went to a reputable dealership instead of a "buy here pay here, bad credit, no credit, no problem" car lot. start payin your bills and this wont happen to you. who finances a 4000 dollar car. that should be a downpayment.
i think there should be a law too....to protect people like you from yourself...that car lot doesnt car anymore it got its money
2006-09-29 09:14:17 · answer #9 · answered by chip 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You bought a used car with NO warranty. There is nothing that anyone can do for you. Get the car fixed.
2006-09-29 08:58:42 · answer #10 · answered by jrayhp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋