what can i do if i got stuck with a used car that is a lemon?

Question

i bought a 2000 alero for 4500 bucks, 4 months ago
well it started having problems in july, i took it to the shop they found the problem and fixed it cost me another 1200 bucks, not to mention the 400 bucks i had already put into it to replace a couple other parts.
now get this one i put not quite 3000 miles on the motor and the other day it blew up threw a rod so now i have to replace the motor in the car at a cost of 2 or 3 thousand more dollars.

the afore mentiond problems were there when i bought the car but i did not know that the mehcanic said they were there and just got worse after i bought the car.

so what course of action can i take towards the dealer that sold me the worthless peice of crap and called it a good car?

the only warenty he gave me was 30 days or 2000 miles whichever comes first, so that meant that after 30 days the warently was worthless right?

and the first of the problems showed up on day 31!

so iam just wondering what i can do ?

Answer 1

I don't know what state you live in, but in California used cars are sold 'As Is' unless you have a written guarantee stating otherwise. You got a 30 day guarantee. After that period passes, you're out of luck. It's always a good idea to pay a few bucks and have an independent mechanic check the car out before you make the deal.

Answer 2

Since there is no lemon law on older cars (when purchased), about the only thing you can do is complain to your state's attorney general. Then write to that dealership and explain that you turned them in to your state's attorney general and because of all the problems you are asking for a reduction in the balance you owe. If you paid for it all upfront then you will just learn from that experience, and never pay for it all upfront ever again.

I've had an old car of mine throw a rod and I was told it will never be the same again. But now that you've had it replaced all I can say is save your money for the next time something goes wrong with it, and go buy another car. When you go to buy a car take along a male who knows a lot about cars and pay them $50 and ask them to look over the car really well to tell you what's wrong with all of the ones you choose, and if the price of fixing them up is too much for you then don't buy it.

When you buy a car you can expect to pay $1,000 per year to fix it up, and if it's more than that then you bought the wrong car. Try to figure out how to buy a new car or a car that has about 15,000 miles on it, sometimes rental companies sell those. You get the loan yourself. It's better to buy a new car even if it's an inexpensive one, rather than to buy someone elses problems (their old car). See if you can get two jobs also, or three to pay for it sooner. Or see if you can rent-to-own a new car. (be sure and read the fine print though).

Answer 3

There is nothing you can do. You bought the car knowing the guarantee lasted only 30 days or 2000 miles. That means that he in only promising the car will last that long.

All you can do now is to sell the car, advertising the fact that you have spent nearly $5000, and showing your receipts.

When buying a car it is always worth while having an expert looking it over before you commit. Spending $100 for a mechanic to look it over could save you a lot of money in the long run, as you have sadly found out.

Answer 4

Lemon laws NEVER apply to used cars, only new.

After 30 days the "warranty" wasn't "worthless"...it just ran out. You agreed to that warranty and knew what it was when you bought the car.

It's a mistake to keep pouring money into a car that isn't worth the parts you are putting into it.

Junk the car, and take the money you would spend on a new motor and purchase another vehicle.

Answer 5

terrific way is to no longer purchase from a private seller, via from a credited used or new vehicle broker. in case you purchase from a broker you're secure via whats referred to as a lemon regulation, a minimum of in NJ. in any different case get the vin form of the vehicle you have an activity in and do a carfax record, even have the vehicle checked via a wide-unfold mechanic.

Answer 6

All States have a Lemon Law go see an attorney

Answer 7

Hi. Most states have lemon laws regarding automobile sales. Check your state Government website and your state DMV site. I'm sure you'll find the info. you need there. If you don't know your states sites, just do a web search and you'll find them. Good luck!