car overheated

[vanredwine]

What is the name of your state? mississippi
my wife purchased a 1987 ford escort wagon from an individual and within six miles, the car overheated. After having the car looked at, it appears that the head gasket is blown. the car had 2 gallons of anti-freeze/coolant and a case of oil in the back, when she bought. Do we have the right to ask for our money back, or what action should we take.

 

[ashleyrobinson]

the EXACT same thing has happened to me...

except it happened to me in Missouri this past week. I am from Jackson, MS. I have heard that buyers have a 72 hour law just for these type cases. I am looking into it now. I do not know yet.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state? mississippi
my wife purchased a 1987 ford escort wagon from an individual and within six miles, the car overheated. After having the car looked at, it appears that the head gasket is blown. the car had 2 gallons of anti-freeze/coolant and a case of oil in the back, when she bought. Do we have the right to ask for our money back, or what action should we take.

My response:

Your wife bought a 16 year old car in a "private sale." There is no consumer protection (e.g., "Lemon Law") for a "used car" or "private party sale" - - other than for "fraud."

But, any "fraud" that may have existed could have easily been discovered by your wife if she had taken the car to a mechanic for an inspection before she put her money on the table. Having an inspection done AFTER a sale is consummated amounts to "too little and too late."

So, in this instance, and keeping in mind that a 16 year old car is rarely, if ever, in "perfect condition", then the controlling law is "Caveat Emptor" - - "let the buyer beware."

It appears that your wife has bought a car. There's nothing that can be done at this point.

IAAL