Q: A dealer sold me a car and said it was in great shape and already had the shop look over it. Now it back
bought a car from a dealer on Mar the 11th drove it for till the 13 and had it towed back to the dealer. the dealer's mech. looked at it changed the plugs & hoses but couldn't find out what was wrong. meanwhile they cleared the code no record of those codes. The dealer had it taken over to the Mini Coop dealer so they could check it out on their machines. They found the valve cover needed to be replaced and the original dealer paid for that 1500 dollar work. She drove it home and the RPM was running to high, (she had it one day) she went back to the Cooper service and it had registered a code that the timing chain was messed up. The dealer said they were not going to pay any more for the work. We called the warranty company that she bought for the car. The said it was a pre existing problem because she had ran it less than 200 miles and timing chains do not bad that quick, so it had to be a problem from the start. Does she have any legal ability to make the dealer pay for the car
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A:
Based on the information provided, it seems that the dealer may have misrepresented the condition of the car when they sold it to you. If the dealer assured you that the car was in great shape and had been inspected by their shop prior to the sale, but significant issues arose shortly after the purchase, you may have grounds for legal action.
Here are a few steps you can consider:
1. Document everything: Keep records of all communications with the dealer, repair bills, and any other relevant documentation.
2. Review your purchase agreement: Check if there are any warranties or guarantees included in the contract that might cover the repairs.
3. Contact the dealer: Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the dealer, explaining the situation and requesting that they cover the cost of repairs.
4. Consider legal options: If the dealer refuses to cooperate, you may need to consult with a lawyer who specializes in consumer protection or automotive law. They can advise you on your rights and the best course of action, which may include:
- Filing a complaint with your state's consumer protection agency or Attorney General's office.
- Initiating a lawsuit against the dealer for breach of contract, fraud, or violation of your state's lemon law (if applicable).
5. Explore the warranty: If the warranty company denies coverage, review the terms and conditions of the warranty to see if there are any grounds for challenging their decision.
Keep in mind that the specific legal options available to you may depend on your location and the details of your case. Consulting with a qualified attorney can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
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