Drivetime

[SCMommy78]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? South Carolina

I have a question, my husband and I purchased a vehicle through Drivetime a few months ago. Shortly afterwards my husband (primary driver) started having problems with vibration and in the rearend and squealing brakes. He also had the rear brakes lock up on him on the highway (forgive me I have no idea what he's talking about I'm just repeating) and almost caused him to get into an accident. Drivetime of course claims no responsibility. I know the lemon law doesn't apply to used cars which takes that option away from us. We've only had it a few months and it's not safe to drive with our children in it. I've read horror stories about dealing with Drivetime. Does anyone have advice at how we can give the car back? I know we should've done more research and we are seriously regretting not doing so. I know it will be a black mark on our credit report but it's not worth putting our lives in danger! So any helpful advice would be appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[swalsh411]

Is it financed? If so then stop payments and they might repossess it.

There are these people called mechanics that fix cars. Have you looked into this?

 

[Isis1]

Is it financed? If so then stop payments and they might repossess it.

There are these people called mechanics that fix cars. Have you looked into this?

stop that!! you know darn well the rest of have glasses of something liquid in our hands at this hour!

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? South Carolina

I have a question, my husband and I purchased a vehicle through Drivetime a few months ago. Shortly afterwards my husband (primary driver) started having problems with vibration and in the rearend and squealing brakes. He also had the rear brakes lock up on him on the highway (forgive me I have no idea what he's talking about I'm just repeating) and almost caused him to get into an accident. Drivetime of course claims no responsibility. I know the lemon law doesn't apply to used cars which takes that option away from us. We've only had it a few months and it's not safe to drive with our children in it. I've read horror stories about dealing with Drivetime. Does anyone have advice at how we can give the car back? I know we should've done more research and we are seriously regretting not doing so. I know it will be a black mark on our credit report but it's not worth putting our lives in danger! So any helpful advice would be appreciated!

Thank you!

Most used cars, sold either by dealers or private parties, as sold "AS IS", in that you buy the vehicle as you find it. The exception is when the seller offers you a WRITTEN warranty or guarantee of fitness prior to purchase that covers certain defects or repair issues. No warranty means that you take the vehicle as you see it - along with any problems it may have, seen or unseen.

It's always a good idea to have your own private mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchase, so that any potential problems (both mechanical and cosmetic) can be discovered PRIOR to completing the sale. If you do that, you can be better prepared and make an informed decision on whether or not to buy, and whether or not the asking price is fair for the vehicle's condition.

I suspect that had you gotten the vehicle inspected prior to purchase, you could have found the problems you are now describing. Since it sounds like you didn't, then unfortunately, you have no recourse against Drivetime.

You bought the vehicle, and now you are stuck with your purchase. If you are financed, you will still be required to pay according to your contract until the vehicle is paid for.

I suggest that you invest a little more money into getting the rear end and brakes looked at and repaired, because there's no way to legally force Drivetime to take back the car and refund your money.

 

[SCMommy78]

I have learned alot over the last few months since buying this car. Until recently I didnt even know that the lemon law only applied new cars! My DH financed it due to his awful credit. I thought it was a ripoff from the start but he wouldnt listen and was insisting he had no other choice. We really just want to give them the car back see if we can settle with them and pay something. We just really want to get rid of it. They want to charge $22k for a car thats worth about $8k and unsafe to drive. I was just wondering if anyone has experience with this.

 

[swalsh411]

They aren't going to take a car back that they know has major mechanical issues. They would make no money on that deal. You have no legal right to demand they do anything.

Have you even attempted to get this vehicle fixed?

 

[Zigner]

I have learned alot over the last few months since buying this car. Until recently I didnt even know that the lemon law only applied new cars! My DH financed it due to his awful credit. I thought it was a ripoff from the start but he wouldnt listen and was insisting he had no other choice. We really just want to give them the car back see if we can settle with them and pay something. We just really want to get rid of it. They want to charge $22k for a car thats worth about $8k and unsafe to drive. I was just wondering if anyone has experience with this.

Read the prior replies. The only thing that WASN'T said previously seems to be: Enjoy your new car!

Seriously - it was driven for several months. It's entirely possible that the "problem" (whatever it may be) wasn't even present when you bought the car.

 

[SCMommy78]

I figured that was the case. Well guess we'll chalk it up to a lesson learned. I ALWAY get the warranty...he assured me we didnt need one since it had "low miles" lol

Thank you for your advice!