Can I return a car damaged by dealer after 5 months?

Question

I bought a 2003 car in May. Car looked good and clean but I found out last week that srs light does not come on at ignition as supposed. I took the car to authorized dealer and they found out the car had been in an accident and seller (small used car dealer) had popped out the srs light in the dash to prevent buyers from seeing the 'always on' light. Since it is illegal to do that, can I take the car back after 5 months and have seller repair it or am I stuck with it since there's no warranty. What legal claims do I have against the seller? Please advise, I do a lot of highway driving and I've had enough experiences with highway collision. I would love some protection just in case.

Answer 1

Normally if you buy a used car, and bought it with the understanding that it is being sold "AS-IS", then you would not have a case.

However there is an exception to the rule when it comes to safety items, such as seat belts, brakes, brake lights, etc.

Since not all cars have SRS air bags, it may not be covered by that portion of the law.

Depending on what state you live in, and bought the car in, you may have other rights.

I would send the manager of the dealership a certified letter pointing out the fact that you consider it a safety issue.
I would not say anything like "Pulling out the light bulb for the sensor was an illegal act on your part." Do not get into this because now you would be implying that you know the law.

If your letter is ignorged, I would seek the advice of an accident injury attorney who may be able to make a case for potential injuries.

Good luck.

Answer 2

As already answered , if bought as is you have little recourse but if it was sold as safe and inspected for highway use then you definitely should talk to dealer...the biggest problem I see is the significant amount of time that has elapsed...you have to prove this occurred before you owned it?
FYI- to all people buying used cars ..used car dealers often have a garage they deal with that will put an inspection sticker on a car without really checking it.Have used cars checked out by independent trustworthy garage PRIOR to purchase.

Answer 3

If you signed a waiver or bought with the AD saying "AS IT" you cannot do anything about it. but if not, you probably have a 85-90% chance winning a small court claims case or something similar or can avoid it by just negotiating with the originial owner responsible for changing the instrument w/ some cash reimbursment. he should know it's illegal. that only works if you didn't do what was my first sentence. good luck

Answer 4

I honestly dont think you can because you usually buy a used car as is or wisth a limit warranty and the srs ligh t does not count now you can take him t ocourt if he said that the car had never been wrecked to be safe look up your states lemon law

Answer 5

if you bought it "AS IS" your screwed..

but you may try a Lemon Law case or the BBB autoline

Answer 6

GO GET A LAWYER AND SUE THAT LITTLE RAGGED OUT DEALERSHIP

Answer 7

you'll probably have to take him to small claims court :(

Answer 8

you see all these cases in court... good luck

Answer 9

Ah NO