Bought a used car, what are my rights?

Question

I bought a 2000 honda prelude from a very small used car dealership. I signed the bill of sale papers only. They told me to come back in three days to sign the loan papers. I wrote two checks for the down payment, as well. The next day, I tried to start up the car, it wouldn't start. It isn't the battery, already tried to jump start it. I called the dealership, talked to the salesman who sold me the car, he said it just needed a jump, I then told him, already tried it, so now I just want them to tow it back to their dealership and I wanted out of buying the car. He then put his manager on the line, I told him the same, then his tone changed, he said "I'm too busy to deal with this right now." I told him to call me when they are towing it so i can give them the key. This went on for weeks, they still haven't picked it up. It's a $8100 car, is it stolen? Is that why they aren't picking it up? I talk to the sales guy every week, and he keeps on saying he'll call me back, which he doesn't.

Answer 1

Call your local Law Enforcement office. They might be able to guide you on what to do and file a case. Time is the key of the whole thing. Record it!

If you have a clean title and no liens or a loan against you, I guess you are the owner now.

Answer 2

You should have a mechanic look over any vehicle before you buy it. As you already signed the bill of sale, the car is already yours, and the dealer no longer have responsibility for it. Used cars are always "as is" unless warranty is specifically stated in the bill of sale (and there wouldn't be any mention of it, go ahead and look). Lemon car only applies to NEW cars any way

You can't give the car back and get your money. You can leave it in their lot, but what will happen is they'll sell it as "abandoned property", they'll sell it or auction it off, and charge you the difference between the selling price and the amount you still owe. And yes, it's 100% legal.

What you *may* be able to do is abandon your down payment and give them back the car, and chalk that loss up to a learning experience. That is, if they are willing to accept the deal. It's all negotiating. They have nothing to lose at this point. Accept the fact that you will come out a loser in this case; the question is how much of a loser.

You should have been alerted when that car is WAY below KBB retail price any way. KBB.com says average retail price of a 2000 Prelude is 13000 (yes, over 13K) so an $8000 Prelude is automatically suspect, even if you negotiated him down from $9200.

All in all, you did not do enough research, and you got taken for a ride, and came out with lighter wallet.

Answer 3

I would check state and local used car laws. If the car did start at one time then I would guess the car dealer is not really liable for anything if the car was sold with no warranty. I do think a dealer has an implied warranty that the product they sold does work. I would also think the minimum time would be 90 days from the date of the sale. 8000 is a heck of a deal from a car dealer. I would have been very suspect of buying this car. It's a deal too good to be true if the car was average mileage and in good condition.

Answer 4

You bought a 2000 Honda, a used car. Used car sales are almost always "as-is". This means, you have no warranty and no recourse after the sale. It is the buyer's responsibility to determine the condition of a vehicle before buying it. Once you take delivery, the car and all its problems are yours. The dealer has no responsibility to do anything for you. Auto sales are final, there's no "cooling off period", no "right to cancel". There's no excuse for them jerking you around, but don't hold your breath - they don't have to take the car back and refund your money.

Answer 5

Take it back if it doesn't say AS IS, there are lemon laws.They can't sell you a car they know is messed up