Used Cars: buying a secondhand car from a dealer, factory warrenty, secondhand car

Question
Hi Shane,

Im from South Africa,Hope you can help,I bought a 2006 vehicle from a dealer.The day when i went to view the vehicle the salesman told me infront of my wife that the vehicle was still under factory warrenty.He also told me that the vehicles susspension was done at the agents by the previous owner.I phone the agents and confirmed that the vehicle was still under warrenty till 24 Ocktober 2009.

Ive bought the vehicle and in the meen time ive sold it.
NOW! the new owener took it to the agents for a service and they advised her that the vehicle was never seviced at the agents and that the susspension was not done by the agents,there for teh warrenty is not in place any more.

What would the legal side be if the new owner decides to take me to court?

And can i go back to the garage that sold me the vehicle?

Thank you
Andre

Answer
Hi Andre, thanks for your question. Here in the states only written warranties will hold up in court.  The current owner only has a case against you if you offered some kind of warranty on the vehicle. If you sold the car "As Is"(which is most common)than you are in the clear. It doesn't matter what someone "says". There is no such thing as a verbal warranty. All warranties must be in writing. You cant really do much to the garage that sold you the car, and the new owner cant really do much to you. Its a sad situation but not much anyone can do about it. I am not an attorney so you want to check with you local laws. I am just letting you know what is the law here in Michigan USA.   Good luck to you and thanks again for the question.  Shane