Tips on Buying Cars: Private owner purchase, consumer protection laws, private owner

Question
Hello. I recently purchased, well actually traded, a vehicle to another private seller and on my way home, about 2 hours into the drive, the van I traded for broke down. The transmission went out on it. It was acting up not long after I got onto the highway. Do I have any rights at all in VA, or am I screwed on this one?

Answer
The laws regarding the private sale of motor vehicles varies from state to state, so you'll have to check with VA to know for sure (the attorney general's office may be able to answer your question).  Here in New York (home of the strongest consumer-protection laws in the country), you'd have to prove fraud in order to have a case; otherwise, it's buyer beware.