Legal Question in Consumer Law in New York

private party auto-sale

I recently bought a used lexus from a private party in new jersey (i live in new york). The car seemed to be in excellent condition. After failing the NY state inspection due to emissions, I took the car into a lexus dealer and had them run diagnotstics. They came back with a grim report - about $6,000 dollars worth of work needed! I paid $8200 for the car. Lexus had no records of previous service or maintenance with the previous owner, so I can't prove he knew anything was wrong with the car. I called him after I found all this out and he said he thought the car was in great condition. The repairs needed range from leaks in several different components, cracked motor mounts, full tune-up needed (past due), alternator, and more.

I don't think an ''as is'' bill of sale was signed, unless there was a clause like that on the back of the title.

Do I have any options? (other than paying for the repair).

Thanks


Asked on 8/19/02, 8:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Re: private party auto-sale

Normally in New York a car is purchased from a private party "as is" unless a written warranty was included with the sale.

However, this particular car was purchased in New Jersey. I do not know what the law is in NJ. There may be a disclosure law regarding known defects.

So I suggest contacting a New Jersey lawyer with your question.

Mike.

Read more
Answered on 8/19/02, 8:54 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in New York