I bought a used car from a dealer via craigslist and it fell apart the day right after. what do I do?

Question

i bought a 94' jetta off of craigslist via a dealer for $900 which i still haven't received the title for as of yet. i signed an as-is because i test drove it and it ran perfect, or so i thought because you know, it is a used car but hopefully reliable enough since i'm a poor college student in need of transportation quickly. the day after i got the car it started smoking and was barely moving while i was on the road (wouldn't go over 10mph) then it proceeded to basically fall apart. now the reverse doesn't work and when i put it in neutral it goes forward quickly, turns out the battery was for a marine (wtf?) vehicle and the oil tank is pissing all over my drive way. is there anyway i can get any form of compensation back? i've read somewhat about the virginia lemon law but if that doesn't work, is there any way to get any money back (re-selling for parts? etc... idk)?

Answer 1

Weep - and send in the heavies!

Answer 2

This guy knew he was selling you a piece of junk. If it were me I would let a louisville slugger do my "negotiating" for a refund.

From now on have a mechanic look at the used cars you are considering purchasing.

Answer 3

look for some free legal advice  or write your state attorney general----forget the as is stuff..---there are some rules that describe  buyers and sellers. The law describes"professional" car dealers as "sophisticated  sellers"  and you a young inexperienced buyer as an " unsophisticated buyer"-- the seller in this case knew he was taking advantage of you..so because of his he can be held responsible. maybe even more.  If he had been a kid down the street and sold you this car it would be diff.  because he would be a "unsophisticated seller"   This is your case now persue it . The first thing you need to do ,is DOCUMENT1  every thing RIGHT NOW..!!  The day and time you contacted them .what you asked, their response. -when you went see it time&day .hw the described the car--what you asked.  where you test drove  and the results--  where you have driven since you left the dealer an miles to each trip.  Include each defect in this time line as it happened. date and time you notified the dealer of the problems and their exact response..do the above so you will have the info when you need it. but do find the state gov`t who over sees these slimy dealers.   In the next few days you will send this letter to the attorneys general office of virgina  and you will send a copy of it to the dealer..when dealer recieves his copy he may call you to settle this problem ..you put in the letter , some told you the legal terms I used above. .Dont take this liying down.  P.S. some car salesman always comes along and gives thumbs down

Answer 4

Put it back together

Answer 5

No AS IS means no warranty. Lemon Laws only cover new cars. Not a 15 year old car. You have no recourse because of signing the as is paper work.If you sue the judge will throw it out because of the as is deal.You can only fix it if not to expensive or junk it or sell it. The time to do your homework and inspect it is before you buy not after.......ujn