Q: Purchased a bad used car for $10,000 from a private seller. The car needs over $17,000 in repairs.
Is there any recourse for this?
A:
Buying a used car from a private seller can be tricky, especially when you end up with a huge repair bill like that. In Missouri, private sales are generally "as-is," meaning once you buy it, you take on the risk of any repairs or issues unless the seller gave you specific promises about the car's condition. However, there are a couple of things to consider:
Misrepresentation or Fraud: If the seller lied about the condition of the car or hid major problems that they knew about, you might have a case for fraud or misrepresentation. This would require proving that the seller intentionally deceived you about the car's condition.
Written Agreement: If you have any kind of written agreement or contract that includes promises about the car’s condition or repairs, you might be able to use that to hold the seller accountable.
If the seller didn’t mislead you and it was truly an "as-is" sale, your options might be limited. It could be worth talking to someone experienced in Missouri consumer protection or auto sales to get a better sense of whether you have a path forward, especially if you feel the seller wasn’t honest. Keeping all paperwork and documentation related to the sale will be important if you decide to pursue any action.
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