Legal Question in Consumer Law in Missouri

I recently was in the market to purchase a used car. I found one at a good deal, $950, but still needed it to be able to pass state inspection and be safe, seeing as how I have a infant to drive around. I spoke with the seller and asked him if he would take it to an auto shop for a safety inspection, or as some call it a pre-purchase inspection. He took it to a shop and I looked it up to make sure, being as we were a good distance away I didn't want to waste gas, so he agreed to take it to a shop and I called the shop and they stated it was in good condition and safe, they even mentioned the brakes were only at half life so they had some time to go. They did notice what they called a "minor" oil leak but they stated on the phone to me it was safe and would propably pass inspection. It not only didnt pass inspection, but will cost $200 to get it to pass or even be concidered safe. Do I have any course of action I can take here?


Asked on 2/14/11, 12:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

If the garage that you spoke to was itself an inspection station, you might be able to go after them,. but it is a stretch. If you made the ability of the car to pass inspection a condition of the sale, you mihgt be able to go after the seller. If they sold it to you "as is" you probably cannot get anything from them through the courts. You shoudl know by now, that it was foolish to have the seller take the car to their guy. In the future you should insist that they provide a passed inspection form that is less than thrity days old. If you cannot affiord to fix the vehicle, perhaps you could sell it. but, you can sue the seller and the garge in small claims court, in the county where they are located.

Good luck

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Answered on 2/14/11, 12:49 pm


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