QuestionQUESTION: My girlfriend recently purchased a used Honda Civic from a local dealer for over $10,000. The car seemed perfect until it rained and the car fishtailed all over the road and was almost impossible to drive. We took it to the auto shop and they said the rear frame is bent leaving the rear tires tilted and unable to get proper traction. We have already spent almost $1,000 trying to fix this and it still can't be driven in the rain.
We've talked to the dealership and are getting nothing from them and unfortunately the warranty is limited warranty which won't cover this. The mechanic says its pretty obvious damage and looks like someone just slapped a new bumper on there to fix it cosmetically.
I would understand if it was a quirky window of trunk hatch but the car is completely unsafe to be driven. Does the dealership have any legal obligation as far as ensuring that the car is at least somewhat safe. God forbid she get into an accident and get seriously injured driving to or from work but we cannot afford another car and can't just eat this $10,000 purchase.
ANSWER: A dealer cannot sell you a car with frame damage without disclosing it. What dealer did you bye the car from and what state and city do you live in. I need to check your laws and get back with you.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The dealership is called Z Motors in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Thank you for your help!
Answer This is their about us page, it clearly states the reconditioning they do to the cars? Phttp://www.zmotorcompany.com/aboutus.aspx they would know if a car had frame dmg.
Also, If you have questions or concerns, call the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 441-2555. The attorney general's Web site also offers a summary of the Lemon Law.
Then go to here, http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumers.aspx?id=255
I would print off all three sites, take them in hand to the dealer and tell them to give me my money back or I will pursue legal action. Dealers will not mess around with a smart consumer but you have to show them your savy of what's going on. You can hire an attorney with this information in hand and they can write them a letter demanding your money back. I don't think it would cost that much for an attorney. As I said before, dealers never think your going to go through with anything, that you as a consumer will just give up and go away. Stand up, $10,000 is alot of hard earned money.
If you need more help, let me know.
