What are my rights regarding a dealership selling me a salvage car as an undamagedused car?
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What are my rights regarding a dealership selling me a salvage car as an undamagedused car?
I recently found out through my insurance company that my car which I bought this past February is a salvaged car. This was not disclosed to me. I bought it as a normal used car from a “Buy here, pay here” car dealership. What is the best thing to do?
Asked on December 18, 2010 under General Practice, Virginia
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
First you need to determine if the buy here pay here dealership is licensed as a sales finance company with your state's department of financial institutions. If that agency regulates this type of entity, and this entity is not licensed, file a complaint. Second, every state has certain consumer protection laws regarding unfair and deceptive trade practices (UDAP in some states). Every car must carry some sort of warranty of merchantability with it (even if purchased AS IS) but that warranty is very limited. Remember you have every right to get a car report. Consider demaning all of your money back (including registration costs) and filing a complaint with your state's attorney general for criminal penalties.
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