advice for a "lemon" used boat

[onefinwilly]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I bought a used boat two weeks ago through a dealership, but from an individual (make sense?). Anyhow, I should have done more research but I jumped a little too soon because it was exactly what I have been looking for for over a year. Well, this weekend was the first time on the water and there are some problems. I know the law and it is my fault for buying a boat without doing more research (I did some). Anyhow, I want to call the owner tomorrow and talk to him. I was told "runs good" by several people at the office. I don't want a refund, maybe just a little help in the repairs. What advice can you give me? What do I say?

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally Posted by onefinwilly

What is the name of your state? Texas

I bought a used boat two weeks ago through a dealership, but from an individual (make sense?). Anyhow, I should have done more research but I jumped a little too soon because it was exactly what I have been looking for for over a year. Well, this weekend was the first time on the water and there are some problems. I know the law and it is my fault for buying a boat without doing more research (I did some). Anyhow, I want to call the owner tomorrow and talk to him. I was told "runs good" by several people at the office. I don't want a refund, maybe just a little help in the repairs. What advice can you give me? What do I say?

My response:

Caveat Emptor. You bought a boat with all of it's troubles. Plain and simple. You're entitled to nothing.

IAAL

[onefinwilly]

Yes Liable, you are correct. But that is exactly what is wrong with our society today...it is ashame that we should be punished for not trusting others!!

Like I said, not wanting a refund (I still love the boat), but I want to call and complain just because that is not good business. The advice I really want is what to say...know what I mean.

[onefinwilly]

BTW, before I bought the boat I had them start it (of course) and engage it...the prop turned fine and the boat idled good over all. Okay, so now we're on the water and see that some things had been "tinkered" with (probably just to hold it so it could barely get by).

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

[quote=onefinwilly]


Yes Liable, you are correct. But that is exactly what is wrong with our society today...it is ashame that we should be punished for not trusting others!!

MY RESPONSE: Oh, please. Obviously, you skipped your history classes in school. What should we do - - hold you by the hand the rest of your life? You knew to have a qualified mechanic check it out before you put your money down, but you didn't. That was your fault, and no one else's. (Note to self - - "I will never buy a used car.")




Like I said, not wanting a refund (I still love the boat), but I want to call and complain just because that is not good business. The advice I really want is what to say...know what I mean.

MY RESPONSE: You don't have a leg to stand on, and you were the one at fault - - not the seller. So, stand in front of a mirror and yell at yourself. You can even be holding a telephone receiver to your ear to give yourself a bit more authenticity and realism.

IAAL

[onefinwilly]

Whoa Liable, sorry you took that so personal...really didn't mean to offend you. Like I said, you're right. But I still say that it's sad that we can't trust people. And I was pretty good in history and science and every other academic class. However, I never took a class on buying used boats...should have but didn't - HAHA!

MY point was I just wished that would have told me that the lower unit needed a little work (being optimistic here), but they didn't. And another bad on my part was thinking that the mechanic on duty (who I had a long talk with) was qualified...again, my fault but heck, who in this world can we trust? I don't want to know the answer to that!!

Once again, I am just looking for advice on what to say when I call tomorrow. I am not looking for a refund (maybe an apology) and as you can probably tell, being aggressive is not in my nature and I just need a little help in what to say. I've got to call just let them know my opinion on the matter.

One Fin Willy

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

[quote=onefinwilly]Whoa Liable, sorry you took that so personal...really didn't mean to offend you. Like I said, you're right. But I still say that it's sad that we can't trust people. And I was pretty good in history and science and every other academic class. However, I never took a class on buying used boats...should have but didn't - HAHA!

MY RESPONSE: Personal? I couldn't care less. Obviously, however, you can't extrapolate from my remark about your absence from history classes was the fact that people have been screwing each other throughout history. Why would you think I was only talking about boats?



MY point was I just wished that would have told me that the lower unit needed a little work (being optimistic here), but they didn't. And another bad on my part was thinking that the mechanic on duty (who I had a long talk with) was qualified...again, my fault but heck, who in this world can we trust? I don't want to know the answer to that!!

MY RESPONSE: And you're not going to get one, either.



Once again, I am just looking for advice on what to say when I call tomorrow. I am not looking for a refund (maybe an apology) and as you can probably tell, being aggressive is not in my nature and I just need a little help in what to say. I've got to call just let them know my opinion on the matter.

MY RESPONSE: If I was the one receiving your call, I'd hang up. You have no grounds to complain. Have you ever taken responsibility for your decisions? Does society owe you a hand-holding? Remember, don't buy a used car.

IAAL

[onefinwilly]

Yes Liable, I knew exactly what you were talking about. Even thought about mentioning it, but then thought it was too shallow (guess you didn't)! Thanks though for reminding us that people screw other people everyday (at least for those who don't already know that)! OKay so you don't care, then please quit responding so that someone else who can give me a little advice might. I appreciate your deep knowledge of the wordly ways, but I think it is time to let someone else step in.

Once again, just looking for advice on what to say...thought this would be the right place to come.