Roscommon, MI asked in Consumer Law and Lemon Law for Michigan

Q: Can a used car lot deny a potential buyer the right to have a vehicle inspected by an independent party?

Interested in a particular vehicle at a used car lot but was told I will not be allowed to take the vehicle to another mechanic's location to have the mechanic inspect the vehicle. I need to know if this is legal in Michigan or not.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Trent Harris
Trent Harris
Answered
  • Jackson, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: It may not be illegal, but it should be a red flag to any buyer. Take your business elsewhere.

As always, you get what you pay for. Be sure to talk to a qualified attorney about your specific situation before choosing to rely on any information you get from internet discussion boards, such as this one.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Southfield, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: The Federal Trade Commission has some good advice about buying a used car here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car

The seller is NOT required to allow an inspection. While I woudn't personally purchase a used vehicle without a prior inspection, there may be some compelling reasons for denying the inspection, (liability, inconvenience), particularly if the vehicle is below the $5,000 price point.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.