Up a creek?

[DingBat]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?NH
I'm bummed ahead of time. Question. My daughter (19) took out her first auto loan and bought a '99 Subaru yesterday, private sale. The guy she bought it from works for the same company she does, just in another town about 30 miles away. He let her drive it a couple of weeks ago to see how she liked it, and she loved it. So she decided to apply for the loan. I'm, of course, trying to slow her down (don't we all love the first car we see?). I harped on her about having it checked by a mechanic before buying it, and she originally said she wouldn't be able to because the owner had transferred plates to another vehicle and the car was no longer registered. We checked with Motor Vehicle and they advised to get a temporary plate, which she agreed to do, so she called the seller and told him what she wanted to do. He didn't want to do that, concerned about his liability if something were to happen with the car while she was using a temporary plate. Over my objections, she paid for the car in full, got her temporary plate, registered the car and then went to the mechanic. It would pass inspection alright, but has an oil leak, and she now has an appointment next week to have that fixed to the tune of $3-400. I'm livid, she's none too happy, and the seller is saying it's her problem (unfortunately, I think it is). He's telling her she bought it "as is" (not stated on the title)--but even if that were the case, she had to rely on HIM to tell her what "as is" was because there was absolutely no way he was going to make it possible to take it to a garage to have it checked, and I can not imagine that a car would have an oil leak and the owner would know nothing about it. I have a sinking feeling that she's sunk but figured I'd ask, you never know.
Thanks.

[Shelby6718]

Your thoughts on this are 100% correct. Yes, she should have had the car checked before purchase. However, since this is a private party sale and there was no warranty implied or expressed in any way, shape or form, "as is" is a given. It's her's to take home and love. Private party sales are not governed in the same manner as a dealer sale, so that good buddy, next door neighbor, or long lost relative can really get in your pocket legally. Buyer beware. Shop around for garages to work on the leak. It may be something as simple as an oil pan or valve cover gaskets. Easy fix. You may be able to do it yourself.