Bought a used truck/ having issues

[Keira1387]

Hi, my husband and I purchased a used vehicle a few weeks ago, and are having a few issues and I wanted to get everyones opinions. For example when he originally looked at the truck it was missing the tailgate because it was being painted, and we went ahead and bought it, well my dh went back a week later to have it put on, and there was a huge dent on it.

Another example is the fuel tank. It was empty practically dry when he bought it so much that he had to stop right after leaving to put gas in it. Two days later dh noticed it was leaking and had to replace the fuel tank ($200)

I know that dealers are known to be shady but we went with a local dealer who has been in buisness for a while now. My husband has to go there tonight to get his registration and I kinda feel like he should atleast say something. Any constructive advice is greatly appreciated. Note, we have no intention of giving up the truck or anything like that.

 

[Scurvy]

Do you have any kind of a warranty or did you buy it "as is"? That will make a difference in how this can be resolved. Of course if you're dissatisfied you should say something, but they might not have to do anything to fix this. Did they give you any paperwork saying that the tailgate or gas tank were free from problems?

 

[Keira1387]

Do you have any kind of a warranty or did you buy it "as is"? That will make a difference in how this can be resolved. Of course if you're dissatisfied you should say something, but they might not have to do anything to fix this. Did they give you any paperwork saying that the tailgate or gas tank were free from problems?

Yes bought it as is. Never would have thought to ask if the tailgate was bent. I'm really not looking for any sort of reimbursement either. Just feel like we were taken advantage of, but you live and learn. I will have dh stress how dissatisfied we are and will no longer do business with again.

 

[Pakey]

I'm sorry for your bad luck. Unless the seller misrepresented the vehicle in some way, an "as is" sale is pretty much that. A lesson to learn is that it's always wise to have a mechanic check over a used vehicle for you before you purchase it. You'll spent a few dollars for the service but it could save you a lot down the road.

I hope in the end you are happy with your purchase.

 

[1Mouse2RulethemAll]

Yes bought it as is. Never would have thought to ask if the tailgate was bent. I'm really not looking for any sort of reimbursement either. Just feel like we were taken advantage of, but you live and learn. I will have dh stress how dissatisfied we are and will no longer do business with again.

Actually, you might have recourse. It sounds like you might have bee taken with a form of bait and switch. The tailgate was off getting painted when you looked at it and nothing was implied that is was less than serviceable condition. I would call the state attorney generals office.

 

[MrsToad]

Is there any kind of law that a dealer must at least make sure the car meets certain safety standards? For instance, can they sell cars with bad tires? If there are such laws, would a leaking fuel tank be a violation?

 

[andymattmom]

I'm sorry for your bad luck. Unless the seller misrepresented the vehicle in some way, an "as is" sale is pretty much that. A lesson to learn is that it's always wise to have a mechanic check over a used vehicle for you before you purchase it. You'll spent a few dollars for the service but it could save you a lot down the road.

I hope in the end you are happy with your purchase.

Assume you are a Peoples Court or Judge Judy watcher!!!
I was going to say the same thing...unless it has a warranty in writing then there is none as it is 'as is'.

You should get a mechanic to check it out.

A lot of stuff also probably depends on your state laws as they vary state by state. You might want to investigate online for your specific state if the tail light or fuel tank is considered a safety issue but since it was probably as is sale there is probably nothing to be done.

This year we need to buy a used car for son getting ready to drive. I have harped and nagged hubby that we need to get whatever checked by mechanic before buying. He hates that I watch Judge Judy and Peoples Court...but laughs when we watch together (rarely) and I can usually figure verdict before given!

Good luck OP....

 

[seashoreCM]

You might not catch the leaking fuel tank but the car should work perfectly before you buy it. Check everything including whether the windows actually go up and down and the heater lets you choose out the dashboard versus down at your feet. Go through the instruction manual as a checklist. No instruction manual? Perhaps you should not buy.

Never buy a car that does not work perfectly "because it needs a tuneup". For heaven's sake the seller should have given it the tuneup. Or instead it could really need an engine overhaul.

But you may buy a car that does work perfectly yet the owner still says it "needs a tuneup".

Take the car immediately, which usually means you need to pay cash on the spot. You don't want to leave it with the seller who could switch tires or battery, etc.