[PA] Can I take legal action against a dealer for selling an as-is car with undisclosed defects that made it unusable?

I purchased a car from a used car dealership on 12/5/25, paid in full without a warranty. On 12/20/25 the car wouldn’t start and had no crank, so it was towed to a service center for diagnosis.

On 12/24/25 the service center informed me that the key fob for the car was an aftermarket key fob, not made specifically for that car and probably wasn’t programmed correctly, which corrupted all of the electrical modules and made the car unusable. They said all electrical components would need to be replaced, costing about $9,000.

Do I have any legal recourse against the seller for this? I haven’t even had the car 30 days and already cannot use it.

No, he did not mention anything about the key fob.

No, I just realized today what is going on with the car, and I did sign the buyer’s guide noting that the car sale was “as is” and that I am responsible for any repairs or defects after the sale.

We asked about why the sunroof doesn’t open and the clicking in the back when the rear shade was put up, and he dismissed us by saying, “Look, you’re buying a used car. There’s going to be problems with it. You’re either comfortable with it or you’re not.”

He also told us at first that he would sell us the car with a warranty, but when we showed up with cash, he said he’s not giving us the warranty because he’s already taking a loss.

On 12/5/25, my boyfriend and I purchased a car from a used car dealership in full with no warranty. After test-driving the car and noticing the sunroof wouldn’t open and there was a clicking noise from the rear sunshade, we asked the dealer what was wrong.

He said, “You’re buying a used car, there’s going to be problems… I’m not providing a warranty either.” My boyfriend was originally told there would be a warranty, but that was revoked when we paid in cash. We were not given any specific information about problems or a vehicle history report.

On 12/20/25, the car would not start after a short stop. We attempted to jump the battery and troubleshoot but failed. We towed it home ($293), then to Sun Motor Cars Mercedes-Benz service center in Mechanicsburg, PA.

On 12/24/25, the service advisor (Magan Farrow) told us the key fob was aftermarket and improperly programmed, likely due to repossession history. She explained this causes widespread electrical failure requiring full module replacement (~$9,000). We paid $221 for diagnosis. She advised us to go back to the dealer and request repair or replacement, and if refused, seek legal action.

We purchased the car “as-is,” but we only had it 15 days before it became unusable. We paid $7,500 plus towing, insurance, and diagnostics—about $9,000–$10,000 total.

We also contacted our insurance, which is reviewing the claim, but we are concerned it may be denied or the car totaled. Ideally, we want repairs covered or a refund including related costs. We feel misled and not given full information, especially with the last-minute warranty revocation.

At the time of sale, we received a bill of sale and a buyer’s guide stating the vehicle was sold as-is with no warranty, and that we are responsible for all defects. The guide listed general “common issues” but nothing specific to this car.

What are our rights in this situation?