Does a licensed car dealer have to guarantee that a used car will pass inspection?


car
Bman31164 asked:


I recently purchased a used car from a NJ licensed car dealer. The car appears to have an emissions issue which the dealer is reluctant to address. The current inspection sticker is good for a few months, but if I wish to have it inspected by the state now, does the dealer have an obligation that it will pass?

This entry was posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 am and is filed under Buying & Selling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

6 Responses to “Does a licensed car dealer have to guarantee that a used car will pass inspection?”

  1. kelly_f_1999 Says:

    no guarantee it will make it off lot
    is why one check used car before they pay for it

    type into search box

    how to check a used car

    learn to look for signs of problems with a checklist to help

    once you pay for it its yours and what problems it has is your problems
    dealer has no obligation other than to hold your money kelly_f_1999

  2. GJ289FIA Says:

    There is usually a sticker on the window of used cars indicating the type of warranty that exists, anywhere from what’s left of the manufacturer’s warranty, perhaps a limited 30 day by the dealer, or “you bought it, it’s your problem” (i.e. no warranty). In the absences of such a sticker, what was in the paperwork you signed. If all you had was promises, well, “we stand behind every auto we sell . . . while we’re pushing it off the lot.” GJ289FIA

  3. JetDoc Says:

    I guarantee any car I sell for thirty days. Or thirty feet. Whichever comes first. JetDoc

  4. Lifetime Car Guy Says:

    Unless the dealer includes such a guarantee in writing, he will not be held responsible for your vehicle inspection. Most states however, require the car or truck to be inspected prior to sale.

    To require that the dealer be held responsible for routine maintenance issues after the car is sold, and delivered, would invite everyone who needed new tires, wiper blades, oil changes, and (as in your case) vehicle inspections, to simply demand the dealer pay for it. It would be a nightmare for every dealer, and would cause most of them to either charge much, much more for their vehicles, or close their doors for good.

    That being said, if you have noticed a possible problem, and the dealer is reluctant to discuss it, what you should ask for is a written guarantee addressing that specific problem. In other words, you would still be responsible for the inspection, with the exception of that specific issue. The dealer may STILL be reluctant, but relieving him, or her, from blanket responsibility may make it an easier pill for him, or her to swallow.

    If, the problem is causing you MAJOR concern, you should either pass on the car, or at least, have it check by your mechanic.

    The simple answer is that your dealer is NOT responsible for future inspections; only the one glued to the window when you drive off the lot.

    Good luck to you. Lifetime Car Guy

  5. Emily Says:

    type into search box Emily

  6. N Says:

    It already passed inspection.

    The dealer isn’t responsible for what might or might not pass months or years into the future.

    After you buy a used car as is, if it falls in half, you own both halves.

    If you have a warranty that says they guarantee the car will pass inspection in a few months then at that time you can ask them to repair it. Without a written guarantee, they owe you nothing. N

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