what legal actions can you take after buying a used vehicle from a car rental/ dealer i.e. budget or enterprise, then 3 months later you find out your new used vehicle has flood damage i.e. rust under the seats, exhaust system has more rust than normalfor a van that's only 2 yrs old, and has a moldy odor?
2006-11-21 10:36:36 · 7 answers · asked by lorrhill 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
As stated earlier....Each state sets their own law, so my advice is only that.
But here's what I understand. If the flood damage was resulted in a "total loss" by the insurance company, the title would be indicated as a salvage title, and therefore you would have to be shown this at the time of signing. And thus you have an opportunity to walk away at that point.
We have a certain law that requires us to inform the customer if there has been body work in excess of $750 while the vehicle has been owned by us. If the vehicle was traded in, and the damage is unknown to us, we certainly can't give information that we don't have verified.
Lemon Laws apply ONLY to NEW vehicles purchased by YOU from a franchise dealer. Not to a second hand purchaser.
If the vehicle is still covered under the original manufactures BUMPER TO BUMPER warranty, then the rust is covered by that warranty. (no kidding!)
If the vehicle was sold, and marked AS-IS NO WARRANTY, then it is sold "buyer beware". The dealership is not required to give you an opportunity to have that car checked out by your mechanic. However, you are also under NO obligation to buy it. You can walk away at ANY time before signing the papers.
If the vehicel was sold with a LIMITED WARRANTY sticker in the window, then the warranty only covers the items clearly indicated in the limited warranty.
Verbal assurances, and warranties are not valid, and you probably signed paperwork indicating that you understood what warranties there were, and that you were not promised anything in addition to what is in the paperwork.
2006-11-21 14:37:42 · answer #1 · answered by glenspot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That kind of depends on what kind of deal your getting on the car....when buying a salvage vehicle immediately subtract 50% from what the book value states and then negotiate from there. As far as mechanical problems there could be numerous...was it salt water submerged? or fresh...you could have corrosion problems...wiring problms would be the majopr worry...find out what was done to the vehicle for restoration after it was flooded. I have bought salvage title vehicles before and had good luck and I have had some bad luck....is it a chance you want to take...if the deal is sweet enough it may be worth it.
2016-05-22 10:22:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your states lemon laws...I know in alot of states its illegal to sell a car that has been in a flood, and that they have to give you your money back..search for it online and contact an attorney...and next time u buy a used car get a car fax report
2006-11-21 11:00:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no guarantees on used vehicles, unless expressly stated in written form. Most of them are plainly marked "As is, no warranty". You had ample opportunity to look before you bought, or even have your mechanic check it out. Once you buy it, for the most part you are stuck with it, so look carefully before you buy.
2006-11-21 10:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they knew the car was damaged prior to selling it to you it is a huge no-no. First contact a lawyer and ask for clarification regarding your rights, then the dealer.
2006-11-21 10:44:16 · answer #5 · answered by jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could have just had a leak, find out if there is a consumer protection agency in you city, county, state .
2006-11-21 10:43:37 · answer #6 · answered by Ben T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact your local attorney general office and see if your state has a lemon law, they can lead you in the right direction.
2006-11-21 10:39:32 · answer #7 · answered by woohoo 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋