I bought this 96 dodge ram off of a private seller, he said that the ball bearings were checked because they squeked, but it was that make and model and there was nothing they could do. We drove the truck it had a slight squeking sound. two weeks later it started this god awful noise, we took it to a mechanic and they said the ball bearings were almost non exsisting. If I were to hit a pot hole I'd be screwed. The mechanic also said he could tell that the guy greased them to cover up the problem. What can I do? It is going to cost $750 to fix this. Is he not at all liable for putting me and my infant an 2 toddlers in danger? This seems like fraud. PLEASE anyone who knows anything reply.....
2007-02-20 10:38:56 · 9 answers · asked by navy wife 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Depends whether:
1. You had a bill of sale saying "AS IS" (if so, you're likely toast)
2. Anyone witnessed his statements besides you.
You could go to small claims court. Yes, he did lie to get you to make the purchase and it's more than just mere sales exaggeration...it was a lie about a material defect. Will you win? I'm not optimistic.
Putting you and your children in potential danger is not a liability issue. Had your children actually been harmed, that would be different.
I'm sorry. I would probably chalk the $750 up to a lesson learned, and ALWAYS have used vehicles inspected prior to purchase. If you think you'd like to sue in small claims court, you can do that without an attorney.
2007-02-20 10:46:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dont think there is much you can do,but if your problem is the front wheel bearings then 700 dollars is insane. You can purchase them at advance auto for under 140 dollars apiece. So I would check around before I settle on that price. This is not a knock but if you are listening to a mopar(dodge) mechanic then you are going to pay top dollar. After market is always more reasonably priced, and most...I said most of the time not all a better route to pursue. Just my opinion.
2007-02-20 13:45:10 · answer #2 · answered by mike d. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think "ball bearings" is right, I think you mean wheel bearings... This can be a dangerous situation as it could cause you to lose a wheel. Wheel bearings do not have external grease points, to grease or "repack" the bearings involves removal of the wheel and bearing to "re-pack" it. Most wheel bearings today are "sealed" and can only be replaced.
If your Dodge Ram is a 4 x 4 it's more expensive to have them replaced, but $750 still sounds too much to me. I would go to another mechanic for a second opinion.
Unfortunately to a used car buyer "caveat-emptor", (let the buyer beware) is the normal rule, so you probably have no legal recourse to the seller unless you can prove that he deliberately lied to you about the wheel bearings. Even then it would be a costly exercise.
2007-02-20 10:53:08 · answer #3 · answered by Gordon B 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends man. If the owner said that the truck was sold "as is" you really can't do much. If he lied about the truck being in "great condition" you could go back to him and ask why the hell your mechanic said they where shot and needed to be replaced. You can't really prosecute him, but maybe ask him to pay half for new joints. When I buy something I have a friend that knows about mechanics come with me and go over it for flaws. I'm sorry to hear you got screwed over, and I wish I could be more help. -Steven
2007-02-20 10:51:41 · answer #4 · answered by NISMO R34 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ball bearings? Hmmm, sorry but not specific enough. Contact your base legal office, they would have the best info for the state laws of private auto sales (maybe even a private "lemon law") that may make the seller liable for repairs.
2007-02-20 10:57:56 · answer #5 · answered by d 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Too bad there are so many dishonest people in this world. He must have no conscience. Seek legal advice & see if the seller can be held accountable, as he well should be. Your lawyer may have you get a copy of the estimate that you got for fixing the problem.
2007-02-20 10:56:33 · answer #6 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Same thing here! bought a car, car blew up, i'm still paying it off. Private sale means just that. Unless you want to take him to court. spend more money and time. Or just learn from it.
2007-02-20 10:43:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most states have Lemon Laws in case you have an issue with a vehicle you purchased. This website will give you a summary of the Lemon Law as well as you can look up your states guidelines for the lemon law.
http://autopedia.com/html/HotLinks_LemonLaw.html
good Luck!
2007-02-20 10:48:57 · answer #8 · answered by gypsie_spiryt 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
he never put you or your 2 toddles in danger, you did that!! you never had a mech. check out the car. so you are ******.
2007-02-20 10:47:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋