Is it right to not give refunds on cars when they break down within 24 hours?

Question

A friend of mine bought a used car with an "as is" warranty from a dealer, and paid $5000 up front cash for the car. A '92 Mitsubishi 3000 GT. Within 24 hours, the engine blew. It needs an entire new engine. The dealer is trying to get him to either pay $1200 more in order to put a new engine in it, or pay $800 to get a warranty for it. My friend is in the Army and just went back to Iraq. Should he not either give a refund, or at least not charge for the new engine? I understand it's an "as is" warranty, but the car broke down within 24 hours. Also, Oklahoma's Lemon Law only applies to new cars. So nothing there.

Answer 1

Contact the Better Business Bureau

Contact the local Ministry of Transportation

Make a report with both of the above agencies

Unfortunately you may not be able to 'act' on your friend's behalf.

I bet he made the mistake to let the dealer know he was leaving the Country. What a low down dirty snake. Particularly to do that to a Soldier. Anyway again unfortunately your friend paid in cash?? Has he no common sense? Who pays in cash for a large purchase? Had he paid by cheque or credit card or financing this would be so much easier as he could stop or reverse payment.  

Answer 2

That is why they are sold "as is". I question why he would buy a car when he was leaving so soon. This could also be the reason the engine failed (his fault).

Answer 3

Did "your friend" have it checked out at a shop or do any other research prior to the purchase. As is means just that. Sad what happened, but that is the reason used cars are always a "c**p shoot" and it is important to check them out well before buying.  

Answer 4

It may not be morally or ethically right, but it is legally right. By federal law, a buyer's guide has to be affixed to every used car offered for sale from a dealer. It states whether a warranty exists on the car, or if it's "as-is" no warranty. Nobody is going to offer a warranty on a 1992 anything. You buy a 16 year old car, and you assume some risk, that's just the way it is. If your friend wanted a hassle-free experience, he should have bought a new car.

Answer 5

Nope those two words say it all  "AS IS" no warranty. There is no way to forsee a motor blowing or anything else.  Maybe your friend did something to it who knows. Most older cars and high  mileage cars are sold as is just for this reason. At least the dealer made him an offer to help fix. He doesnt even have to do that............UJN