[Kelly]

I really need some advice right now! My son went out and bought a used Camaro. They did not offer him a warranty.

He also didn’t take anyone with him (I know i could kill him) because he figured because it was a reputable dealership, it would be ok.

Two days later we found out that the car had 17,000 worth of damage to it. The dealership is refusing to help. He owes 28,000 on the car.

His work hours were also cut due to his job losing some of thier federal funding, so he can’t afford to fix it.

What would you all suggest he do in this case. By the way, we are in Tennessee and the lemon law only applies to new cars.

[Dawn]

Similar problem here – son bought an Audi A4 with a warranty but turns out it needed a recall issue fixed that involved rebuilding the engine so he got stuck with it.

He finally paid it off recently and bought a different vehicle but it was an expensive lesson (Missouri) best wishes

[Cheryl]

Years ago I also bought a car (new Pinto) that the next day my mechanic freaked out about as unsafe.

We went back to the dealer and they let me return the car.

A few questions.. how old is your son & who does he owe the $28000 to?

[Sue]

Lessen learned. Teach him to be accountable and quit the blame game.

He’s an adult and capable of working, suggest he supplement his other job

[Tommy]

Always take a used car to the mechanic to have it checked out before buying. How did he find out there is 17 grand in damages?

If its cosmetic then I wouldn’t worry about it. Makes sure it’s just mechanically sound.

Not sure how the dealership got away with that without him knowing.

[Sarah]

Tough lesson to learn.
Use Google and leave a scathing bad review about how they sell garbage and scam people.

Tennessee has a Consumer Protection Act. You have recourse.

[Mary]

If ithe contract says as is .. which they usually are then he’s just learned a hard lesson. Sell it and take a massive loss or keep it and slowly fix the car if he loves it.

Get a 2 nd job if he has to. Either way, he is in debt for a long time

[Kym]

For that much money I would have an attorney draft a letter threatening to hand back the keys and see if you get movement from their position.

I would find the email of the CEO of the company and attempt to appeal to him or her. I would also get another quote on repair.

Ultimately, I would hand the car back and not plan to buy a house for a few to several years, expensive mistake.

But I would also blitz the company on social media about why lemon laws need to apply to used cars in TN!

[Christine]

I looked through most of the comments and you didn’t say exactly what you mean by it’s at 17,000 worth of damage to it.

Does that mean it was in an accident before?
or is it damage that has not been fixed? “Damage” to me doesn’t sound like mechanical repairs, so is it body work etc?

Or does it need 17,000 worth of work, which seems unlikely because even replacing the motor wouldn’t cost that much.

I think you need to be clearer about exactly what that $17,000 represents, so people can help out here that maybe had the same experience, or know the law.

[Cynthia]

It’s not unusual for used cars to be sold as is. Check the sale documents.

Also check with a local lawyer to see if your son has any recourse.

[Jenna]

BEEN HERE.
1. Accept that you made a huge mistake and you will now face long-term consequences. There is no easy fix. This is the hardest step.

2. Find a mechanic that you trust to make you a prioritized list of repairs.

3. Get a second job and dedicate the paycheck to ONLY the vehicle payment and repairs- no exceptions.

4. Hustle and grind until the car is in good working condition and you’re not upside down on the loan- since it’s a Camaro, that might actually be possible!

5. Sell it and think long and hard about the lessons learned before purchasing another!

[Deborah]

We had a similar thing happened oil was leaking around the engine. We bought it on a Friday oil was leaking around the engine on the weekend when we put it in the garage.

It was a used truck.

I called someone with a flatbed loaded it up took it over block their gate and said you’re taking it back and walked away.

[Christina]

Per consumer protection laws the seller must disclose any known defects or issues to buyers.
Consumer protection laws.

Have the son document the findings and notify the dealership in writing.

If they refuse to take action or responsibility.

He may have legal standing to seek a refund or other remedies.

[Cassie]

What all needs repaired? It’s not uncommon for used cars to need repairs.

As long as the engine & transmission are good the other things can be fixed along the way.

[Samantha]

Go back to the dealer and demand they do something. Post on BBB as well as any company websites with reviews, google and yelp.

I had somewhat of a same issue and they ended up taking the car back and cancelling the deal.

See if you can get someone higher up at the dealership or corporate. Don’t take no for an answer.

They can do something, you just have to press them hard.

[Heidi]

Go back to the dealer. Start a new conversation by stating nicely you’d like to speak with someone in charge. Start off by stating your problem and ask them how can you help us?

If they say there is nothing they can do, keep asking for the next person up.

Contact the owner of the dealership before going to an attorney or the better business bureau or before resorting to nasty reviews.

In many cases it’s still easier to attract flies with honey.

[Mindy]

I’d suggest that he look for a second job to be able to fix the things that absolutely HAVE to be fixed on the car and make the monthly payments in the meantime.

Unfortunately, this may have to be a hard life lesson for him.

[Lynn]

Tell the dealership you’re going to contact your local news station if they don’t repair the car.

My friend bought a used vehicle from a dealership and started having trouble with it immediately.

When she threatened to contact the local news they decided to repair it at no cost.

[Jeri]

Before a decision is made – be aware with all the advice you are getting – you cannot sell the car unless you can sell it for what you owe or can come up with the balance in cash.

You can’t get the title otherwise.

If you let it get repossessed you have to pay whatever the balance is after they sell it PLUS their fees I would check with bankruptcy attorney first and see if that’s a possibility then he wouldn’t have the fees.

He gives up the car and files. But I would have him save for a very cheap car and pay cash.

He cannot do another loan until this is resolved.

Best of luck!

[Pam]

If the car runs drive it keeping driving and working May be to trade later for another vehicle, also look for better paying job.

Stop fussing at him for being adult.

Can tell in your comment you giving him he’ll. Life lesson

[Jones]

He probably has to sell it and eat the cost.. idk how returns and laws work with stuff like that. I’d look into that first.

But if he can’t afford to fix it and pay for it at the same time, the only option would be to sell and try to get back as much as he can.

Definitely be honest about the issues so he doesn’t pass the issues onto someone else.

He may end up losing a lot of money, but that’s just a hard lesson he now has to learn.

I’m sure he won’t be as likely to do it in the future. It sucks, but we all either need to learn that lesson by word of mouth or experience.

He just chose to experience it.

[Author]

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