Used car purchase failure

[badeals]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

I went to a used car lot today (11.7) and purchased a '98 Jeep for $4,000 even. During the test drive I noticed a clear and loud noise coming from the rear and when I brought the car back, I asked the salesman about it. He then told me it could be the brakes, but sounded more like the bearing which would be a max. price of $300. They don't do that type of service there, but he went ahead and dropped the price $300 to cover it.

The end result is that the problem is far greater than a simple bearing, but rather a transfer case which seems to be shot. Minimum quoted price is $1,900 for replacement and service hours.

Is the verbal statement made by the salesman binding in any way? If I were to put out the money on fixing the Jeep, would I have a chance at being reimbursed in small claims court for it?

Considering the fact they bought the car as is, I find it hard to believe that one of their mechanics didn't notice the sound and diagnose it in order to drop the price they paid for it. Is there a way I could prove that or is it worth it?

What's the best course of action from here? I plan to contact the dealership Monday (they're closed now, and tomorrow) and see if I can't work something out directly. I figure that's the best thing to do at this point, but what if they unwilling to do so?

Thanks.

[Antigone*of*Greece]

Originally Posted by badeals

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

I went to a used car lot today (11.7) and purchased a '98 Jeep for $4,000 even. During the test drive I noticed a clear and loud noise coming from the rear and when I brought the car back, I asked the salesman about it. He then told me it could be the brakes, but sounded more like the bearing which would be a max. price of $300. They don't do that type of service there, but he went ahead and dropped the price $300 to cover it.

The end result is that the problem is far greater than a simple bearing, but rather a transfer case which seems to be shot. Minimum quoted price is $1,900 for replacement and service hours.

Is the verbal statement made by the salesman binding in any way? If I were to put out the money on fixing the Jeep, would I have a chance at being reimbursed in small claims court for it?

Considering the fact they bought the car as is, I find it hard to believe that one of their mechanics didn't notice the sound and diagnose it in order to drop the price they paid for it. Is there a way I could prove that or is it worth it?

What's the best course of action from here? I plan to contact the dealership Monday (they're closed now, and tomorrow) and see if I can't work something out directly. I figure that's the best thing to do at this point, but what if they unwilling to do so?

Thanks.

Your best course of action is to pay for the vehicle you purchased and enjoy it.

You lost the moment you drove the car off the lot. If you are not a qualified mechanic and it appears to me that you are not, it would have been in your best interest to get the car inspected by one BEFORE you made the purchase.

[justalayman]

Originally Posted by Wirelessany1

Your best course of action is to pay for the vehicle you purchased and enjoy it.

You lost the moment you drove the car off the lot. If you are not a qualified mechanic and it appears to me that you are not, it would have been in your best interest to get the car inspected by one BEFORE you made the purchase.

along with that, the salesman is not a certified mechanic either (or most likely isn't) so his opinion is just that; opinion. If there were any doubts, you should have had the vehicle inspected.