What action can I take againsta dealership for lying about fixing my car?
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What action can I take againsta dealership for lying about fixing my car?
I purchased a car and the check engine light came on; the dealership checked it and said they could find nothing wrong and turned the light off. The light came back on 2 months later and a different mechanic said there was $3000 worth of stuff that has never been done to the car. Is there any action to take against the dealership?
Asked on August 5, 2011 South Carolina
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If the dealership charged you for work that was not done, that is fraud--you can sue to recover what you paid. Similarly, if they either intentionally or negligently caused damage to your car (e.g. because they didn't correct the problem, matters worsened), you could sue for those costs or damages, too.
If they lied about fixing the problem but did not actually do any damage or charge you any significant amounts for the alleged repairs, however, then even though they are technically liable for their actions, there probably is no point in suing them--since what you can recover is comensurate with the damages or costs you incur, with no or little damage or cost, there is nothing to sue for.
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