Can a dealership sell you a damaged car?
Asked by: Mr. Eliezer Turcotte | Last update: August 15, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (75 votes)
Is it illegal for dealerships to sell broken cars?
In many states, it is illegal to sell a new vehicle that has sustained some form of body, structural, collision, or other damage up to a certain percentage of the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the vehicle without first disclosing the prior damage to the buyer.
What happens if a dealership sells you a car that has been in an accident?
The dealership is absolutely liable for fraud in selling you a damaged vehicle UNLESS you accepted it in an ``as is'' condition. If they indicated through oral or written means that the car was in fact never involved in an accident or was ``good as new'', then you have a cause of action against them.
Can I return a financed car if it has problems?
So to answer your question. No you can't return a financed car. It's yours and the finance companies. The only way out is not paying the loan but that will ruin your credit.
What is the law on returning a used car in Michigan?
Consumers do not have the right to cancel a sale of goods or services. Learn more about your contract cancellation rights here. The Lemon Law does include a right to return the vehicle and receive a refund for the purchase or leased price. This only applies to vehicles that have had a reasonable number of repairs.
Problems with Cars and car dealers, getting a repair or return for a faulty car
Can I sue a dealership for selling me a bad car in Michigan?
You can bring a claim if you've been cheated by a car dealer, as long as there was a legal violation. For more information on Auto Dealer Fraud Cases In Michigan, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (248) 843-0550 today.
What if I found damage on my used car after purchase?
The dealership should fix the damage for you. Don't go to a third party repaid without the consent of the dealer, or else you may have trouble collecting, but make the dealer fix it by being persistent over and over.
Can you sell a damaged financed car?
You can try to sell it privately, part it out, sell it to salvage yards or sell it to an online service like CarBrain. The best option for you depends on your know-how and available time. Parting out your car might yield you more overall, with a caveat.
What to do if you buy a used car and it has problems?
Your first step should be to contact the dealership where you purchased the car and explain the situation. Be specific about the problems you're experiencing and what you want the dealer to do about it. It's best to put your concerns in writing – that way, you have proof of your efforts to resolve the issue.
What happens if a car breaks down while financing?
If the car breaks down and can't be driven, you're still on the hook. The vast majority of car loans are just that: loans. The credit union makes the loan in good faith, and you are obligated to payback the money on schedule – regardless of the condition of the vehicle.
Will a dealership buy my car if it has damage?
In short, yes, you can trade in a car with body damage. However, whether it's the most beneficial move for you financially depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your car's overall condition, and the trade-in offer from the dealership. Always do your homework before you make this decision.
What do I do if a dealership sold me a bad used car in Texas?
Filing a Complaint
For the fastest processing of your complaint, go to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Online Complaint System. Following the directions, provide a copy of the sales contract and other documents you may have received from the dealer. For advertising complaints, please provide a copy of the advertisement.
What do I do if a dealership sold me a bad used car in Washington state?
You can ask the Attorney General's Office for help. Visit www.atg.wa.gov/file- complaint. If you file a complaint, they may be able to mediate your dispute with the car dealer (but only if you and the dealer agree to mediation).
Can you sue a dealership if they sell you a bad car?
Under California law, you may have legal recourse against the 3rd party dealership for selling you an unsafe car. Dealerships have a legal obligation to sell vehicles that meet certain safety standards and are fit for operation on the road.
How to get a free car from a dealership?
Are there charity programs that give away free cars? Yes, several nonprofit organizations offer free cars to individuals in need. Programs like 1-800-Charity Cars, Vehicles for Change, and others work with dealerships to provide vehicles to low-income families, single parents, and veterans.
Is it legal for a dealer to sell a car with a broken windshield?
The answer to the question is yes, it is legal for someone to sell his or her vehicle to someone else with a broken windshield. The condition, however, is the buyer must be aware of the damaged glass, and agree to purchase the vehicle under the that condition.
What if I buy a car and it breaks down?
If you've discovered a severe flaw in an as-is car, you're at the mercy of the dealership or private owner who sold you the vehicle. The dealership or the individual has no legal obligation to help you. After all, you knowingly agreed to purchase the car without a warranty or service contract.
What happens if a dealer can't sell a used car?
Generally considered a last resort, the dealer can always try to sell the vehicle at a car auction. This can be risky, as cars typically sell for less than retail at auction. Auction houses typically charge additional fees as well, so selling at auction may result in a loss for the dealership.
What is the Indiana Lemon Law?
Indiana's “Lemon Law” (The Motor Vehicle Protection Act) provides protection to Hoosiers who purchase vehicles that don't meet certain basic standards. Report the problem within 18 months of initial ownership of the vehicle or before 18,000 total miles, whichever comes first.
Can I sue a dealership for selling me a salvage car?
You have a right to rescind the purchase (i.e., get their money back), and may have a right to additional money damages through a lawsuit. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
How do I sell my car with body damage?
The most common ways to sell a car with damage and get a cash offer are junkyards, dealerships, and private buyers.
Is it better to repair a car before trade-in?
Large or financially costly repairs like rebuilding or replacing a transmission, replacing a cooling system, and more, are best avoided. Fixing major issues for minor dollars when you trade-in your vehicle as-is with larger issues is part of how dealerships can profit from buying and reselling used cars!
Can a dealership take back a financed car?
California Car Dealers are allowed to Cancel Your Contract within 10 Days and demand the car they sold you back, but they: CANNOT Keep your down payment or your trade in. CANNOT Make you sign any other contact, regardless of the changes without your consent. CANNOT Force you to increase your down payment.
Will a dealer buy a damaged car?
Dealerships will accept a car with problems. That said, you'll be offered a lower trade-in amount because of the fact that the next owner will need to spend on repairs. Trading a car with problems is an easy way to get rid of your problematic car and you can use the money to get a replacement.
Is it OK to buy a used car with accident reported?
It depends. If the body damage is minor, the vehicle history report explains the type of accident, and everything else checks out; there should likely be no issue buying a car.