How do I find out the name and address of the Auto Auction my car was sold through?

Question

I just got ripped off by a used car dealer. First I'll say that I was dumb and didn't get it inspected by my mechanic. That aside, I believe the dealer knew about (unreported to DMV) damage the car has, but he did not disclose it to me. I want to find out which auction the car was sold at in order to find out what disclosure, if any, they made to the dealer I bought it from.

The damage would cost $800-1000 to repair according to a mechanic I have taken it to since. Fortunately the car is drivable even without the repairs.

Carfax says it was sold at an auction "in Pacific Region", but they don't reveal their sources names.

What public records can I get access to about this? I live in and purchased the car in Utah. Any other suggestions on the legal side? I'm reviewing my options, but basically I know that I don't have much to go on unless I can prove the dealer knew about the damage.

Answer 1

Unless you file a lawsuit and subpoena the Dealer and Auction records, I doubt that you will be able to find out the disclosures.  

You didn't mention the type of damages.

If the damage was not structural (meaning frame damage), chances are, the Auction didn't disclose anything.

At used car Auctions. vehicles are sold with damage all the time.  If it's visual damage, no disclosure is necessary.  If it's mechanical, a disclosure is usually given (if known at the time).

Answer 2

If the dealer bought the car at auction, he bought it "AS IS" and no doubt sold it the same way.  Since the damage was not reported to the DMV, there is a very good chance the dealer knew nothing about the car.  Even if he had inspected it, and knew, since he sold it as is there was no obligation (legally at least, morally is a whole different story) to reveal it to you.

As you said in your question, you should have had it inspected by an independent mechanic before you bought it.  Spending a few dollars then would have saved you $800-$1,000 now.  But experience is something you get after you need it, isn't it?

Bottom line, sorry, but I doubt there is much you can do, even having the auction house wouldn't help you.

Answer 3

You're s_ _ t out of luck. First to spend from $800 to $1,000. on a car from an auction is not that much. Also, those cars sold at the auction are pretty much "as-is" unless other factors come into play. Also, even if you found out which auction it was sold at, I'm not sure that they have to disclose any information to you. If every retail buyer wanted the information you're looking for, they could never keep up. Take it as a lesson learned.