Any laws that protect used car buyers?

Question

I bought a used car about 3 mths ago and was told it had only 1 prior owner (family). It started acting up on me this past week and it's been in the shop since then (still under original man. warranty). the service guy tells me it was a rental car! Needless to say I would never have purchased it to begin with knowing that. What are my rights? Can I return this car and if so how?

the salesman is practically family and said he would help me get into something else, i just need to decide on a car. but i want to cover my *!@ just in case.

Answer 1

In the state of CA a rental car needs to be disclosed. Even if your state doesn't require disclosure (I bet it does), you still have recourse against the dealer. If you were told something that was untrue you have recourse. AS-IS doesn't mean that the dealer can omit or lie about pertinent facts related to the vehicle (such as being a daily rental).

It would be the same as saying this vehicle has a v-6 but it really has an i-4 then the dealer saying...we sold it as-is, sorry we lied but you can't do anything about it.

I would contact the dealer and if they don't want to make things right I would contact the DMV and BBB.

P.S. In the future get a Carfax history, make the dealer provide one or just pay the $20, it would have saved you all these headaches.

Answer 2

If you don't get taken care of by the dealer - there are options if they misrepresented the origin of the vehicle. Keep in mind - it's very possible a rental car DID have only one owner - the rental company - a bit deceptive, but not a lie.

From FINDLAW.COM
"...Auto dealer fraud" is a term that describes deceptive and unlawful practices used by automobile dealers, at almost any stage of the vehicle purchase process -- from advertising, to negotiation of vehicle pricing and financing terms. Examples of auto dealer fraud include "bait and switch" advertising practices, deceptive inflation of vehicle prices, and failure to disclose information about a vehicle..."

Auto Dealer Fraud FAQ
http://public.findlaw.com/lemon-law/auto-dealer-fraud/auto-dealer-fraud-faq.html

You can File a complaint (FRAUD) with Better Biz Bureau or contact the FTC http://www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Answer 3

depending on the state but i would first try contacting the better business bureu to find out about this car dealer , have you gone back to him and asked him to make it right some good used car dealers will doso to get and keep customer loylate others could care less. but check with the bbb. first and then go from there.
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Answer 4

Contact your state's consumer protection bureau. If you were "told" and have no proof, you have a problem. Used car salesment will say anything to sell a car.
Proving that you were deliberately misled might be difficult if you don't have anything in writing.

Answer 5

I sell cars, let me tell you, all the paper work you signed, one of it said, "You have a right to test drive,and check out the vehcile identification number." If you didn't check out this, then it's you're loss. Look for the paper work "Buyer's Guide" you'll understand what I mean.

Once you signed the paper work, it's yours until you sell it! Don't ever take a person's word for it, they just want your money!

Answer 6

Yes there is a law that is called the lemon law

Answer 7

if you bought it under "as is" you are pretty much skrewed....but dont give up...talk to the guy u bought it from...make a complaint at the Better business bureu and if they dont budge to make it up take them to small claims court.