Legal Question in Construction Law in Pennsylvania

i purchased a used car in april and the car has had several issues. When i first contacted them about it they said as is. I was told the car was in good condition and a week later the alternator went. Now i was in an accident whe my ball joint broke. I was not hurt but i refuse to pay any more money to the dealership for the car. They have done nothing but lie they told me my tade in was messed up but i found out they actually sold it. What should i do.


Asked on 7/07/10, 7:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rachel Hunter

You purchased a used car. Cars are sold either with a limited warranty (usually on the engine or power train) or as is. If the car was sold as is, then you are stuck. Did you have the car inspected by an independent mechanic? Did you have a CARFAX report before you bought the car? Was the ball joint defect a problem that was obvious which any real mechanic would have seen?

Car dealers are not insurers. Cars are mechanical things; they can break. However, the dealers are not allowed to engage in outright fraud. If there was a violation, then perhaps you can sue under PA's consumer protection law. You can recover costs and attorney fees as well as treble damages if you can show a violation.

Next time, thboroughly check out a car BEFORE you sign.

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Answered on 7/12/10, 11:48 am


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