What are my legal rights for multiple problems with a used car?
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What are my legal rights for multiple problems with a used car?
I have had my car for 8 months, and in these months, I have had it in the shop 3 times for transmission and several other things. Now, the A/C compressor and starter have gone out. Is there any legal right I have to get rid of this car?
Asked on April 13, 2012 under General Practice, Texas
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you purchased a used car from a private party, the lemon law of many states does not apply for the simple fact that the car is not a brand new car. The problem with buying used cars from a private seller is that ordinarily the car is sold "as is" without any warranty.
Your only recourse against the car's seller is that if he or she knew that it had problems with it and did not disclose such problems to you before the sale, you can sue for "concealment" of a material aspect with the vehicle for damages which ordinarily would be the lesser of the costs of repairs or diminution in value at the time of sale. Proving "concealment" ordinarily is a difficult thing to do regarding used cars by the buyer.
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