Used car troubles! What are my options?

[BobbieO]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

about 10 months ago, I purchased a car from one of those 'buy here, pay here' places.

I'll be honest, I'd never purchased a car from a dealer before, and later found out these folks are pretty shady.

First, I'm paying over 3 years, about $15,000 for a $2,000 car.

I was told the car had been inspected, and had never been in an accident.

About 2 months after I got it, I had my brakes go out completely, and had to have them completely replaced, rotors, etc.

Then a dent in my door mysteriously started appearing, and has gotten steadily worse. It now feels spongy.
My girlfriend ran a carfax or similar report on the car, and I guess the car had been in huricane Katrina!

Lastly, I had the transmission go out today, and found a transmission line had pulled out of the radiator block. Upon inspection of a parts dealer, he said the piece had stripped out and been epoxied or similar into the block.

Now, I've had it with this vehicle.
what can i do?
I'm tempted to bring the car back to them and refuse payment, but want to get some advise on this.

Thank You!

 

[teflon_jones]

There's nothing you can do. Take this as a lesson learned. You trusted a used car dealer.

Next time, have any car you want to buy inspected by a mechanic you trust PRIOR to signing anything or spending a dime on it.

 

[VeronicaLodge]

go to carmax! i love carmax!

 

[innocentjon]

Check your state laws in regards to Hurricane Katrina. Here in CA it is illegal for a dealer to sell a car that was damaged in Katrina without disclosing to the buyer.

In regards to your other problems, more than likely you signed a contract stating as-is-where-is, etc. Unless you have complete proof that the dealership knowingly covered up these problems, you will have no leg to stand on.

If you really want to apply some pressure....buy a magnetic sign that says "I bought a Lemon at XXXX" and put it on the car. Park it on the street in front of the dealership. Most places do not want that kind of attention......

Cheers,

Jon