I purchased a 2003 SUV in late December for $17,099. I was so happy because I am a full time student working a fulltime job, and having a car in my own name felt so good. I felt that I had accomplished something with my hard-earned money even though the interest rate was 16.79% and I put $3,000 down.
It needed repairs within the first year I had it. Since then, it has needed repairs at least once every year (not due to regular maintenance). An insurance company later told me that it had been in a major collision. She looked at me with a horrified look, wondering how I could have ever purchased this car at all. I went to the dealership and got the run-around and was turned away.
Unfortunately, I didn't know my rights. People will not tell you you're rights for fear of being sued.
I figured that with every repair, the car would be fixed. I am not naive enough to think that a car won't need any repairs at all, but I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs.
Now, the car won't run at all. Mechanics recently told me that it cannot be repaired. I figured that I would finish paying it off so that my credit will not be ruined (December would be my last payment.) However, I can't afford to pay for it anymore after all those repair costs. The car will be repossed soon.
When I went to Munday Chevrolet last Saturday, I laid out options for them to help me. I still owe approximately $9,000 on this car. They kept telling me that it is not their repsonsibility to tell me if the car had been in a collsion or any other damage.
They told me that it was my responsibility to ask for a Carfax report. (To my knowledge now, the best way to get the history on a car is through an insurance company.) They claimed that they didn't know that the car had any previous damage. I told them that I understand that they are not going to willingly disclose this information, but I was seeking help now.By the way, when we went on Saturday, I didn't hear any of the salesmen offer Carfax reports, but on Tuesday when we went back, they were offering Carfax reports to everyone.
I asked them at the very least, to cover the cost of towing the car and repairing it. I figured that they could have their own mechanics see it if they didn't believe me or the many other mechanics who couldn't fix the car.
They refused, offering only to tow it back to their shop and charge me a discounted rate to fix it (after I've already paid $600 in the last 4 months for repairs).
Ideally, I would love for them to just pay off this car for me. Then, I can either try to get another car if my credit is good enough, or I'll just ride the bus. As of right now, I am driving a relative's Toyota without a problem.
I now hope to educate other people, especially students, about buying a used car. Since I work, I don't have time to research all this information, but I had help this time in researching this. I plan on sharing my experience with others in any language and any means of communication.
I understand that dealerships employ people in our community, and they have to make a living. It's sad that someone can sell you a car and not care about your safety. I wouldn't wish this on their family. My youngest sister was driving this car by herself when the front axle broke and driver side wheel bent so badly that it had to be towed. I am so thankful that there were caring strangers (with a tow truck) around to help her. I wish I still had the name of that tow truck company.
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