What can I do about a used car that broke down during the warranty period if the dealer won’t honor the warranty?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What can I do about a used car that broke down during the warranty period if the dealer won’t honor the warranty?
I recently purchased a used vehicle from a used car dealer. The dealer gave me a 30 day, 1000 mile warranty on the vehicle, plus I purchased the 2 year power train warranty. I had the car for about 8 days then it started tapping. I called the dealer and he insisted on me bringing it in. On the way to the dealer it threw a rod, now I’m stuck with a $10,000 car that neither the dealer or warranty company will cover since drove it knowing that something was wrong. What can I do about it?
Asked on June 16, 2011 under General Practice, Maryland
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You can sue. A warranty is a contract; it is enforceable, as per its terms. IF the problem with your car is covered by the warranty (like any other contract, a warranty only covers those things it specifically states it covers) and you're withing the time and mileage period, then you can sue the dealer to force them to honor the warranty (e.g. pay for repairs). You do need to look to the exact language of the warranty--if it specifically says you could not drive it knowing of the need for a repair, you may have trouble, but otherwise, they probably can't disclaim coverage on this grounds--after all, you were told to drive it in; and anyway, how else would you get the car there? It seems as if it would be worthwhile for you to consult with an attorney about your rights and recourse; good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.