I think a used car dealer swindled me.?

Question

There is a noticeable tranny leak, and now I am afraid to drive it much more. There is an ungodly amount of rust below on the frame, a gaping hole on the interior [underside]. I am wondering if there's any legal action, or if I should just try to trade it in to him, and use the money to get a different vehicle. I got the car from him just this past monday, but tomorrow, I am going to talk to him about return/trade in anyways. I figured if there was anything I could do to try to get full payment back it'd be helpful. All help will be greatly appreciated, and any smart alecks will have to deal with me reporting their useless answers.

It's a 92 Taurus wagon, automatic, 3.0L V6. And by the bad answers comment, I'm talking about the young'ns who are just point-gaming, and typing in whatever makes them laugh first.

Answer 1

there is no such thing as a lemon law for a USED vehicle. Lemon laws apply only to new vehicles and only come into play when three attempts have been made to solve the same problem on a new vehicle by a dealer's service department. Used cars are caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)...ANYONE who is looking at a used vehicle and is not mechanically inclined should request permission to take the vehicle to a mechanic and have it checked out! If the dealer/individual refuses...walk away. Any reputable dealer will welcome you properly inspecting the vehicle. If you did not do this prior to purchasing the vehicle you have no one to blame but yourself. That being said, replacement of a transmission pan gasket or trans cooler line...whichever is leaking is not terribly expensive. If you like the car otherwise, just have it fixed. Personally, I have been buying used cars for nearly 30 years and have owned more than 20 used cars. It is a VERY rare thing not to put at least a little money into a used car during the first 6 months of ownership. After all, people generally don't trade in a vehicle for NO reason. Your job as a buyer is to discover WHY the car was traded in, once you know what is wrong with it you can negotiate the repairs in the purchase price. The bottom line is that the dealer is under absolutely NO obligation to deal with anmy vehicle problems once you drive it off of his lot after signing your contract, unless he has put an expressed warranty on the vehicle for a period of time following purchase...and most don't.

P.S. do NOT drive the vehicle again until checking the level of the transmission fluid and filling it to the proper level if it is leaking. It sounds like you have a minor problem right now...DON"T make it a major one by running the trans when it is low on fluid

Answer 2

You really don't have room to be criticizing other people for their bad answers, what with your really getting suckered in by a used car salesman. You should have checked out the car better BEFORE you bought it. You had 3 days before the deal was final, but you're over that now, so you may be at the mercy of the vandal....errr, I mean salesman.

If you have anything in writing that may help your case, you have a little better chance of getting some help, but you really are at the crook's mercy now. Good luck, and remember to never trust anyone who's trying to sell you something again.

PS....If you can get out of it for a few hundred dollars, you may wanna consider taking it, and just chalking it up to a learning experience. You haven't said what kind of car it is....that could make a difference, too.

Answer 3

I know there is a lemon law for used car dealerships- if you buy a car from them and experience problems within a set amount of time, you are guaranteed your money back (check the state law- i believe the time period and exact details vary by state). If you speak directly with a local lawyer in regards to it- I'm sure they would be willing to call the dealership on your behalf and explain and depending on the extremity of the situation- threaten the dealer with legal action. I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune and wish you the best of luck-

Answer 4

Ok.. you need to find out what the 'Lemon Laws' are in your state, and act FAST because the Lemon Laws usually reach their Statute of Limitations within the first month.

Answer 5

There is a such thing as a "lemon law" but I'm sure it varies from state to state, so you might want to check it out.

Answer 6

See if he'll return it. If not, you can call your state's Attorney General Office. They may be able to help you if they, or any other business, rips you off.

Answer 7

if your state has a "lemon law" you should be able to return it for a full refund