Not disclosed as a rental...

[brokeN_il]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

We bought a car over the weekend and yesterday, when putting the purchase agreement and other paperwork into the glovebox I came upon an insurance card from Thrifty. The car is an 04 with low mileage so we bought it as "used". Just before signing the finance papers, the sleazy salesman (most are sleazy, IMO) showed us the CarFax report and specifically stated that it was not a rental....

I thought I read somewhere that it is illegal not to disclose that the car is a rental. I believe that they bought it from the rental place. It is still under manufacturer warranty but the wear and tear most rentals get could cause problems after the warranty expires.... So what options do I have at this point?

 

[brokeN_il]

OKay...no replies, so can anyone tell me where I might find the information myself? I don't have a clue where to begin looking for it. I know nothing about laws concerning car sales.... thanks.

 

[You Are Guilty]

If you have actual proof it was a rental, take it up with CarFax. Otherwise, it's merely speculation on your part and you haven't suffered any damages.

And if you're interested in doing some research on your own, google up "caveat emptor" or do a search for that phrase here. I'm sure you'll find plenty of material to review.

 

[BSJM]

I'd also recommend to follow up with Carfax. I believe they offer $5000 if their reports are found to be inaccurate. That $5000 should help with any maintenance problems you may incur down the road. BTW, I bought a Toyota Camry 3rd hand which was originally a Enterprise rental return. That was still a great car. Only had minor problems with it which you would expect from any car even if it was new. I think it depends on what type of car you are purchasing. I wouldn't buy a Mustang convertible from as a rental return because you know everyone renting it hammered it. But if you are just buying a normal coupe or sedan, chances are slim that anyone was really abusing it. To each his own, I think the savings are worth it. Then again, why didn't the rental place sell the car? Maybe they couldn't because nobody wanted it for some reason. My sister bought a Camry also from a rental return dealer and years later found the hood paint peeling. It appears that the hood was not factory original which suggests it was in an accident. That was never disclosed to her.

 

[Happy Trails]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

We bought a car over the weekend and yesterday, when putting the purchase agreement and other paperwork into the glovebox I came upon an insurance card from Thrifty. The car is an 04 with low mileage so we bought it as "used". Just before signing the finance papers, the sleazy salesman (most are sleazy, IMO) showed us the CarFax report and specifically stated that it was not a rental....

I thought I read somewhere that it is illegal not to disclose that the car is a rental. I believe that they bought it from the rental place. It is still under manufacturer warranty but the wear and tear most rentals get could cause problems after the warranty expires.... So what options do I have at this point?

I agree with YAG, you need to be certain.

This link for Illinois Consumer Protection Law:
http://www.weblocator.com/attorney/il/law/consumer.html#70

 

[Who's Liable?]

All information in a Carfax report is VOLUNTARY. Meaning, NO ONE HAS TO REPORT ANYTHING TO CARFAX... All the information in the Carffax report is voluntarily given by insurance, rental, DMV, and dealerships... Meaning that if the Carfax report does not show the car as been a past "renter" it doesn't matter.

Good luck...

 

[stevek3]

If you have actual proof it was a rental, take it up with CarFax. Otherwise, it's merely speculation on your part and you haven't suffered any damages.

And if you're interested in doing some research on your own, google up "caveat emptor" or do a search for that phrase here. I'm sure you'll find plenty of material to review.

I went to the supermarket and bought some very expensive caveat emptor for Thanksgiving dinner for myself and my 500 guests. The guy behind the fish counter specifically told me it was real caveat emptor. However, according to a tiny little card I found hidden inside the caveat emptor packing, my caveat emptor was actually made entirely out of tofu. Can I sue?

 

[djohnson]

Why do y ou think it's a rental? It may not be. It could have been a demo car for the dealership. That happens a lot. It it's low miles and 2004 then I'm not sure what has you so worked up.

 

[BSJM]

Most retal returns I've seen have around 20K miles. If yours is drastically less than that, chances are you've got a demo. I'd be happier knowing I bought a demo rather than a rental. Of course if you are concerned with the history of a car, then you shouldn't be buying a used car in the first place.

 

[JETX]

I thought I read somewhere that it is illegal not to disclose that the car is a rental.

Some states have that requirement in used car sales, however, a cursory review of the Illinois statutes and Consumer protection laws does not show it as being required in your state.