Bad move - as is - is there any hope?

[Jordana883]

What is the name of your state? WA
I am sick to my stomach about this! My 20 year old son traded in his great running car that he owned out-right for a $14,000 used car loan he bought from a dealership. The car ran for 7 days, 70 miles, and needs $5000 repair. If there isn't, there should be a consumer protection law about this type of thing. First, they sold him a car he can't afford, second, they sold him a car that doesn't run. It is a sad lesson for him and one that will eventually destroy his credit. Is there anything he could do besides pray that the dealership takes pity on him and decides not to rip him off like this? They did not return his call so he wrote them a letter asking to split the repair bill with him.
Thanks for your answers.

 

[CraigFL]

From your title, you agree this is an "as-is" sale which means he should have inspected the car thoroughly before purchase. I'm assuming there is NO warranty written into the purchase agreement. The only way you could recover from this one is if the dealer made claims that you can prove were fraudulent or the dealer will give you some relief with the repairs. Tough lesson learned...

 

[racer72]

The state of Washington has some of the strictest guidelines when it comes to as-is sales. If the vehicle is sold in an as-is condition, the purchaser has no recourse.

First, they sold him a car he can't afford

He should have realized this himself, the dealer has no obligation to see if a sale fits in one's budget.

second, they sold him a car that doesn't run.

He should have had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic prior to the sale, Washington law allows potential buyers the right to have a vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic prior to purchase.

It is a sad lesson for him and one that will eventually destroy his credit.

He is the one that controls his credit, no one else can be held liable to his poor decisions.

Is there anything he could do besides pray that the dealership takes pity on him and decides not to rip him off like this?

Dealers that rip people off don't stay in business very long. The dealer can help but has no legal obligation.