Used Cars: Used car deal gone wrong!, small claims court, car deal

Question
My husband & I purchased a used car from a private party for our 17 year old son, (we made him pay for a third of it). We asked all the appropriate questions. ie: Why are you selling? Have you had any problems with it? Did you have regular oil changes and maintenance? He replied No problems, regular service, selling to up grade, got a raise. great! we test drove it, it ran good, My son counted out the money to him and sealed the deal with a handshake. Two days later the car blows up. After calling the local dealer in town he discloses that it has been in there several times for service and even had new heads put in, radiator,it gets worse. Two days later the sellers mother calls my husband and tells him she is riddled with guilt because her son sold us a bad car and sorry. Can we take him to small claims court? Even though the bill of sale, stated as is?

Answer
Hi Alicia

I wish to be on your side but buying private is risky to start with and the seller adding the words " As Is " seals the deal.

We all learn from our mistakes and am sure you will not get burned twice, wish you would have read this entry in my website prior to purchase  http://www.usedcartips.org/privatevsdealer.html  

Buying a vehicle is a process of steps to ensure not having a lemon parked in the driveway, for sellers mother to call shows there are people with compassion but sorry her input means nothing except clearing her own cons ions

 Ray