What are my rights on buying a faulty car 'As is'?

Question

I just purchased a used car today from a private party at a local Auto Fair. The car was driven there 20mins before I test drove it and I was not aware of a huge problem. After the car sits for 2+ hours, it blows extreme amount of thick white smoke which all my family and friends in the business state is either a blown head gasket, or possibly a cracked head.

Since I was never standing behind the car when it was started, and oblivious to if there was any smoke, is there any rights to pursue legal ground of purposely selling a car with a known and undisclosed problem?

I mean... it happened not even 4 hours after I bought it. I just had to let it sit at home and start it up and notice it in my rear view window...

In California, am I completely out of luck here? Would small claims court be even the slightest option??

I contacted the owner about another small issue and we talked it through. I don't think they're purposely avoiding the message I just left them...

Answer 1

You bought a used car from a private party in "as is" condition. What don't you understand about as is? You didn't say what year, make or how many miles the car has on it. My guess is it has a lot of miles on it, because it sounds like the valve guides are worn. Regardless, it was your responsibility as the buyer to determine the condition of the vehicle before you bought it. It's too late now. Your rights are either get it fixed and keep it or sell it and try to make your money back.

Answer 2

none

it's yours