What could we do to get our money back? Help please.?

Question

We purchased a used car from a private owner 1.5 months ago. Right after purchasing the car we found the service engine soon light was on, we thought it was just a reminder of routine maintenance and did not pay special attention to it. As we drove the car more we found the gas mileage was awful and sometimes there was problems with starting the engine. So we took the car to auto repair and they detected serious engine problems and said the car was losing power awfully. The total repair would cost round 2000 bucks. They said the previous owner must have known the serious defect and intentionally cheated on us when selling the car by temporarily cutting off the service engine light. Is there any way we can get some of money back? We called the previous owner like crazy but she never answered the phone or got back to our messages. What could we do? Get a lawyer, file small court claims or something else? What’s the chance for us to get some money back? Thanks!

Answer 1

when you buy a car from an individual ,its bought as is,with no warranty on it at all,all you can do is repair it or junk it,the previous owner will not be held liable for any used car no court system will make them pay for repairs,and you wont get no money back,they will tell you that you should have had the car checked out really good before you bought it,and that you should have done,sorry for your loss,but that's the bare facts,your stuck with it,good luck.

Answer 2

Chances of getting money back - very slim. This is why, dont mean to sound like a parent, you should always get a car inspected prior to purchasing. I dont think you would win the case, even if the owner cut the cord, but you never know. You may end up spending much more in lawyer fees than its worth, but you could call around and ask some lawyers.

Answer 3

Most used car sales are "As is where is", so I would think that you are out of luck. It is the responsibility of the buyer to check out the product before they buy it, not after.

Your salvation may be, if you can prove fraud. If a cord was cut or sensor defeated on purpose, then you might have some recourse.

As others have mentioned, contact a lawyer and get their thoughts on the matter. Also ask them about their fees. It may be penny wise and pound foolish to pursue the problem.

I wish you luck with it.

Answer 4

Call your local DMV and see if any type of Lemon Laws apply to Private Owner transactions. If they do, then go after them with the threat of court by Certified letter explaining the law. Sometimes that's enough to get some action out of someone.

Get a signed affidavit statement from the Mechanic on their professional opinion on how extensive the engine damage is too before you go to court.

Answer 5

In order to win a lawsuit, you would have to show that the seller intentionally concealed information. Private car sales are always as-is, so you will need to show intentional fraud. First, get the mechanic's opinion in WRITING. Then, contact the seller and tell him the situation, and finally file a lawsuit in small claims court. I don't know what your chances are; it depends on the situation.

Answer 6

It will be hard to prove that she knew about it before she sold it to you, if she sold the car as-is then you are totally out of luck, if not then she could have some responsibility if you could get her to admit she knew about it.

Answer 7

I don't think you can do much. Check your purchase receipt was it sold as AS IS?

Answer 8

i would get a consultation from a lawyer to see what they say.

Answer 9

Try small claims.