Purchasing a second-hand car may be economical, but imagine when the vehicle you have bought is a substandard product. In case you are stuck with a problematic vehicle, one sold to you in poor condition, or one misled by the dealership, it is crucial to know what to do.
While dealerships must report any known defects and stand by warranties, they don’t always have to. As you drink coffee on your morning commute, deciding which car to purchase, just remember whether the dealership didn’t tell you about some critical defects, or hid certain small problems behind a sheet, you should know your rights.
Here, you’ll find information on how to avoid a badly used car purchase, negotiate the purchase price and things like financing and warranties, and finally, what to do if you have unintentionally purchased a lemon. You can still seek justice and hit the road again without stress if you approach everything correctly.
What Should I Do After Buying Bad Used Car?
Used car buying can be economical if you know what you are buying; what if you buy a brand new used car or a total dump, as we refer to it? Everyone knows that he bought a second-hand car a few weeks ago from a car dealer; if such a car developed severe problems within a short while of purchase, the buyer would be puzzled. Fortunately, steps you can take to safeguard your rights as the consumer and seek a possible resolution of the issue exist.
Understand your Consumer Rights
You should read carefully to comprehend your consumer rights.
All states have laws that regulate extrinsic unfair practices by car dealerships from injuring buyers. Some of these laws include:
Implied Warranties
The common law rule states that in most states, the sale of a used car implies a warranty that the vehicle is fit for road use. If the car develops mechanical problems shortly after being bought, the purchaser is likely to sue the dealer.
Lemon Laws
It is important to note that most lemon laws only concern new cars; however, some states also cover used cars. If your car continues to break down even though it is taken for repair, you may benefit from your state’s lemon laws.
Deceptive Sales Practices
If the dealer misled or defrauded you by fabricating information about the car or its history, and you lose your car and money to fraud, you must approach a lawyer and seek justice under consumer rights laws.
Check Your Warranty Coverage
Ensure that your used car is not under warranty before taking legal action. Several types of warranties might apply:
Manufacturer’s Warranty
If the car is a current model, it is likely that it has been manufactured by a car maker with a manufacturer’s warranty for the new vehicle. Call the manufacturer to find out whether the warranty provisions of the car are still in force.
Dealership Warranty
While not all dealerships provide warranties on used cars, those that do offer limited warranty agreements on issues that might require a vehicle to be repaired for several months after purchase.
Extended Warranty
If you bought an extended warranty, check the terms to see whether automobile repairs are charged.
If your vehicle is still under warranty, you could have it repaired or replaced free of charge.
Obviously, the first thing to do when a used car owner/user develops a fault is to communicate with the dealership. Often, car buying sites have post-sale complaint management policies, and the car may either be repaired or replaced.
Consider Legal Action
If the ordinary methods of communicating with the dealership fail to bear fruit, then it will be time to seek the help of a lawyer. Here’s how you can proceed:
Hire a Consumer Protection or Auto Fraud Attorney
A personal injury attorney dealing in consumer protection or auto fraud can assist you in launching a court case against the dealership. If the dealership is aware of this, they violated your rights, and depending on the damage, you can claim for the cost of repairs, the car’s depreciation, or even the delivery of a new car.
Small Claims Court
In case of a small amount, you do not necessarily require the services of a lawyer, and you may file for a claim in a small claims court. The court has the discretion to make the dealership to bear the costs of repairing the car, or they may compensate the consumer for a defective vehicle.
Can You Return the Car After Purchasing?
You may return the car in some states, depending on the dealership’s returns policy. Although some states may have what may be described as a ‘cooling-off period’ for some products, cars do not fall under this. However, if the dealership gives an express warranty that the vehicle can be returned for a refund, the car can be returned within a particular period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lemon law state for the use of cars?
Lemon laws are state-based and only apply to new vehicles; however, some states have lemon laws on used cars. These laws let you obtain a substitution or your money back if your purchased car has serious, irreparable flaws.
What should a consumer do if the used car has a breakdown?
First, check with the dealership to see if they will fix the problem. If they disagree, read your warranty, contact a local consumer protection agency to complain about the company, and consult a lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.
Conclusion
If you have been scammed and sold a badly used car by a dealership, then it is advisable to take some action. One should start by reviewing the warranties and then contacting the dealership for a remedy. If the dealership does not offer assistance, you can report the car or lodge a lawsuit against the dealership.
The best thing is knowing your rights and how to solve the problem or get compensation. It would also be advisable to seek the assistance of an auto fraud or consumer protection lawyer to increase your chances of receiving the particular results.