Small claims court for lemon car!

Question

We bought a car from a guy of Craigslist that said the transmission was new and rebuilt. After about 200 miles of driving, transmission went out completely, car won't even start anymore. Turns out the guy has sold a large amount of cars and does not have a car dealer liscence or whatever you call it.

He bought the car from a guy but they guy never signed the title over to him. We have statements from Aamco and Midas saying the transmission was shot, and a s statement from the guy who sold it to our seller stating that Joel (the seller to us) only bought the car for 200 dollars and was aware of multiple problems with the car.

Im 16 and worked hard to pay for this car and it looks like Im screwed, do I have a chance of getting my money back in court?

Answer 1

Yes.  If you can prove that the car will cost more to fix then the blue book value, then yes u can most def get ur money back.   However, he might say he sold you the car as is and that you agreed to it.  Just make sure u bring notified letters from the mechanics, or bring one with you to testify that your car indeed is a lemon   There are lemon laws in every state.  Look it up and see what it says about ur rights  

Next time go to a dealership.

Edit:   You can,  you bought something from someone who gave you the impression that it was in working condition.   For examples, if I offer a service and don't deliver, then wouldnt you have the right to sue me for the undelivered services?   Yes you can and have the right to take the salesperson to court.   Gather up all your documentation.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Used cars sold by a private seller are always sold "as is". Even if you feel you were lied to, unless you have some written document from the seller stating the condition of the vehicle, you will not win in court. You had the opportunity to have the vehicle checked out before you bought it. Now it's too late. Sorry, but this is the risk you take when you buy used vehicles.

Answer 3

Used cars there is no lemon law so unless you have backup like the people from Midas and Aamco, proof he buys and sells cars which is not illegal, and proof he did not change tranny then sorry but no chance.  Letters from people are hearsay and will do little so live and learn that cars o craigs list are hit or miss as most say just need freon.  if that was case don't you think they would get it as it is  lot easier to sell car with ac. and so on.  most say need TLC or need tuneup. I am talking about up to 3000 price range. In this day with economy like it is it is hard to believe anyone.  Aamco has had numerous shops closed and people arrested for doing tranny work and it was not needed so police sent in cars that needed minor repair and Aamco said they needed tranny and then were popped by police. Take as lesson and move on as mistakes are key to learning. Also it does not matter what he bought car for nor if it had problems as he cansay he fixed and were running . Unless he gave warranty then you will not win and spend more money taking to court. So fix or sell and this time you know to take to mechanic and I always take onhighway and get to 80 and drive at least 10-20 miles at that speed and when I get off highwy shift from low to drive when tking off so if something happens I know and also if you have a trusted mechanic and ALWAYS pull a carfax.