Misrepresentation of vehicle by Dealer

[sid vicious]

What is the name of your state?CA

Bought a Corvette on EBay from a registered dealer in CA specialising in Corvettes, spoke to him before bidding & got a verbal description of car. Shipped car at my expense to New Zealand. Briefly, car is definitely NOT as described. Description includes:

"mileage appears genuine" - speedo & odometer don't work!
"interior perfect" carpets, seats ripped, missing many parts!
"no previous collision damage" - front, rear chassis & suspension bent!
"runs smooth as silk" - just can't stop it though - no brakes!

Electrics don't work, doors won't open, brakes almost non-existent.

Although bought "as is" do I have any recourse given vehicle was fraudlently represented (odometer) & grossly unsafe (brakes, suspension, tyres, rear screen loose & now opaque, steering wheel loose, no horn). As he has not replied to emails, faxes unlikely I will get any financial recompense but I can't believe dealers are allowed to sell dangerously unsafe vehicles in CA without any liability.

 

[racer72]

Come to California and sue him. And you cannot be reimbursed for traveling expenses. You should have had the car inspected by an independent mechanic prior to purchase. It's a bit late for that now.

 

[sid vicious]

Thanks Racer72, I will be coming to CA, would it be worthwhile to sue given cost of legal fees? Would the DMV take any action (not on my behalf) considering safety isues?

 

[Bluff Man]

You can always sue, the question is, can you win and can you collect. I doubt if you have a chance without the vehicle being available for inspection. You could try getting affidavits as to the required repairs and their costs, but I think your chances are slim of winning and even if you won it would be difficult to collect. Verbal promises are worth about as much as the paper they are printed on !