[MD] What legal options are available if a car dealership misrepresented a vehicle’s inspection status?

MD Consumer Protection

Liz

46,810 satisfied customers

View context

Solved

Under Maryland law, when you purchase a vehicle, it is expected to be fit for its intended purpose, a baseline protection known as the implied warranty of merchantability under (MD Commercial Law Code § 2-314). If the car was not roadworthy at the time of sale, it may not meet this standard.

If the dealership knew about the car's defects and failed to disclose them, this could be considered fraudulent misrepresentation, and depending on the facts, could also amount to an unfair or deceptive trade practice under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, (MD Commercial Law Code § 13-301) and (§ 13-303). How much was it?

Official Demand Letter

Create Document

Full Conversation

I'd like to know if I have a case.

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that you're seeking clarity on whether you have a case, which can be quite stressful. Can you briefly describe the situation or issue you're facing?

I bought a car 23 days ago. The dealership lied and said it passed inspection when it did not. I am now stuck paying out of pocket to have the car fixed to be road legal.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already taken any steps, such as speaking to another lawyer or gathering evidence related to your case?

Yes, I have a state trooper inspector say that it does not pass and the dealer messed up.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your car dealership issue.

No.

Liz

Hi there! Welcome. My name is Liz and I've been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. Just so you are aware, our service is a legal information only site. No attorney-client relationship is formed from our conversation. So I can best help, in what state did you purchase the car?

Maryland.

Liz

Thank you for sharing that, did they give any documentation of its supposed condition?

Yes, they gave documents saying it is in good condition and passed inspection. After having my local state certified inspector look at the car, he found multiple things that do not pass, including rotors, bushings, and tints.

Liz

Got it, thanks for clarifying. Since it is not in the same condition, have you already demanded a refund?

They are giving lousy solutions like paying for parts or having me give the car back to them and they fix it, but they already put over 900 miles on it after I bought it and they still had it in their possession, so I don't want them to have it anymore. They can't be trusted. The car should have been road safe when it was purchased.

Liz

The car was $32,500 out the door. The dealer is going to say they didn't know about them and their inspector said it passed.

Liz

It was obvious though? Because even if they didn't actually know, they can be held liable if they should have known.

Yes, it was obvious and non debatable.

Liz

That could give you the right to file suit for the fraud, if you can't come to an agreement. Is that something you've considered?

Yes.

Liz

Before filing, you could give them one last chance by sending a demand letter, letting them know you are going to file if they will not settle.

Okay, and what can I demand in the letter?

Liz

You could demand they refund any funds and take the car back, unraveling the sale.

Can I ask them to pay for parts?

Liz

If you wanted to keep it, yes.

Do I need an attorney to write the letter?

Liz

You can write it yourself.

Thank you.

Liz

Of course! Is there anything else I can assist with?

No, that is all I guess.

Liz

I hope I was able to help! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need assistance!

Liz

46,810 satisfied customers

Welcome! Have a similar question?

By messaging AskALawyer, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Dan

Law Partner

4.53 (30,625)

What can I do if a car dealership closes without providing the title after purchase?

Answered 2 hours ago

Richard

4.26 (76,546)

What legal recourse do you have if a body shop uses used parts instead of what was quoted?

Answered 1 week ago

Lawyer, Esquire

Attorney at Law

5.00 (25)

[TX] How does an abstract of judgment help collect an unpaid court judgment?

Answered 1 week ago

Disclaimer

By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.