Q: Bought a car; motor blew immediately; recourse?
I recently purchased a car from a private dealer who advertised it as having no issues and running fine. However, immediately after I left with the car, the motor blew. There were no written agreements or warranties provided, and the seller assured verbally that the car was in good condition. I have some communication records between me and the seller. How should I proceed to address this issue legally?
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A:
That’s a terrible situation to be in—especially after being told the car was in good condition. In South Carolina, private vehicle sales are generally considered “as-is” unless the seller knowingly misrepresented the condition of the car. If you can show that the seller made false claims about the car’s condition—especially if you have messages or texts saying it had “no issues”—you may have a case for misrepresentation or fraud.
Your first step should be to gather all evidence of what the seller told you, including any texts, emails, or listings. A mechanic’s report showing the damage and how soon the issue occurred can also help support your case. Then, write a formal letter to the seller explaining what happened and requesting a refund or contribution to repairs. Sometimes just showing that you’re serious and organized is enough to open a dialogue.
If they refuse to cooperate, you can file a claim in South Carolina’s small claims court for misrepresentation. The court will review your evidence and decide whether the seller’s statements created a false expectation about the car’s condition. Even without a written warranty, verbal promises can carry legal weight. You’ve got every right to pursue fairness, especially when the car failed the moment you drove away.
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