Question: I bought a used car that needs up to $2,000 worth of repairs. Do I have the right to return the car and get my money back?

December 09, 2005

Hi Tony

My name is Kim. I purchased a used vehicle about 2 1/2 months ago.

I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. There are several problems visible to the naked eye that were not noted in my BCAA inspection. I have bit my tongue and tried to deal with it, but I have found out this is going cost me $1,000 - $2,000 to fix.

This is my first vehicle purchase, I am only 21 and I went on my own to buy the vehicle. After I signed the purchase papers the salesman told me that he knew the mechanic who did my inspection???  Is this car returnable within 90 days??

I did not sign an "as is" paper to my knowledge, nor did I sign a warranty. I asked about the warranty (not really knowing what it is) but the salesman told me it's a rip off and not to worry because he would do free repairs for his customers for a year(labor only).

Do I have the right to return this vehicle, or should I go through BCAA because of a lousy faulty inspection? What are my options here? Can you help?

Also the salesman showed me papers of an ICBC accident claim on the car after I signed the papers and didn't give them to me after my purchase. I got screwed I know but do you have any info on this?

Thank you for taking the time to read this I truly appreciate it.

Kimberly

Answer:

Hi Kimberly,

First thing Kimberly I'm not familiar with the BCAA inspection or the ICBC accident claim that you speak of. Do you live in Canada or the USA?

Either way it doesn't matter, I don't think you can return the car at this point. Chances are you never could have even from the start.

Now, if I were you I would contact the owner of the car dealership where you bought the car and tell him or her that you feel you were lied to and taken advantage of . . . especially if the car had been wrecked and they didn't disclose it until after the papers were signed.

That's an outrage right there!

Tell the owner if they don't help you that you will take legal action against them. If you are in the US you can contact state's Attorney General's office and file a complaint. If you're in Canada they must have some similar agency you can contact to file a consumer complaint.

Let these idiots at the car dealer know that you mean business, and you won't be taken advantage of. You may need to get a lawyer as well.

Good luck...

All my very best...

Tony Iorio