Q&A: What are my legal rights when buying a used car in MI?

Question by manvillerc: What are my legal rights when buying a used car in MI?

HI i recently bought a 95 Sunfire from a used car lot. I test drove the car and everything seemed fine for a car that was 600. but on my 15 mile commute back to my house without plates and insurance, I was rounding the corner 1 or 200 ft away from my drive way the frame snapped on me causing both wheels to do this /– and the right tire to swing all the way right while the left stayed straight.
after having it towed 200 ft cause it wouldn’t move i took the wheel off to see that on the passager side between the lower control arms the frame snapped and all along the engine cradle which also hold all the steering components together was very heavly rusted like 50% of the metal is missing

which brings me to my question… The frame could have snapped on me while i was going 55 down a highway causing me to lose all control and hit another car or just go straight into a ditch
do I have a leg to stand on if i was to take the place to small claims for selling me a extremely unsafe vehicle???
I understand that It was bought ” as is” and if the car would have got into the drive way and the engine blew id be mad but that’s fair game
but that issue could have killed me
plz help anyone that has experience here!!!
sry didn’t relise it posted twice the website had been messing up all morning for me

Best answer:

Answer by bryan c
I just answered your other question on this topic. I used to sell new cars in michigan, so my knowledge can be useful here. At the dealership I worked at, which was a chrysler dealership, every used car had to have a safety inspection done. we checked everything, noted all the issues and fixed what we deemed appropriate for the price point of the car. This was done not only because is was required, but we didn’t want to get sued either. Now with a price of $ 600, it looks like you bought from a buy here, pay here lot…like a Georges used cars or something along those lines, these are commonly referred to as “B” lots.

I would contact your local Secretary of State office. and explain the situation. as them if they have or can point you in the right direction of finding out what is required of “B” lot dealerships in terms of safety inspections for used cars. It may different than what was required of my dealership because we sold new and used cars. also, you call the dealership and ask for the safety inspection sheet, if they even did one, which I doubt. Make sure to take tons of pictures, you will need them later.

I would seriously consult with an attorney. you may need to do some looking for one that specializes is this area. Don’t call any of the TV lawyers you see ads for all the time. look for one that knows the law and how it relates to automotive issues.

Now to the biggest question…how did you leave a dealership with out plates and insurance. I know for a fact the state of michigan requires all vehicles to be plated and have insurance. especially cars that have just been purchased from a dealership. This a huge red flag here. I get the feeling this is a guy without an actual dealership license and is just selling cars as if he is one. this could work to your advantage with a threat of turning him in if he doesn’t refund your money.

good luck

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