Used Car Purchases

This link leads to a PDF document written by the staff at the Northwest Justice Project discussing the following issues related to the purchase of a used car in Washington State:

  • The car dealer did not offer any warranties (guarantees) on my used car. Does this mean that my car is not covered by any warranties even if it develops major problems soon after I bought it?
  • What is an implied warranty of merchantability?
  • Is there a checklist showing what problems an implied warranty covers?
  • A sticker on the car said the car was being sold “as is,” and the sales contract seems to say I waived (gave up) all warranties. Have I given up my right to an implied warranty of merchantability?
  • The dealer sold me a service contract. Does this mean I waived the implied warranty?
  • What can I ask the car dealer to do?
  • Do I have any rights with the lender?
  • Can I get help resolving my dispute with the used car dealer if I cannot do it myself?
  • I tried mediation. It did not help. What can I do?
  • What if my sales agreement or loan agreement has an “arbitration” clause?
  • Can I get a court order forcing the car dealer to make specific repairs?
  • What should I do if I want to cancel the contract, return the car, and get my money back?
  • What should I do to get ready for trial if I decide to sue in Small Claims Court?
  • I have paid to have repairs done. Can I deduct the cost from my car payments instead of going to court?
  • What is my risk of repossession if I deduct the cost of repairs from my car payments?
  • What will happen if my car is repossessed?
  • What else can I do if I do not want to keep the car and do not want to keep making payments on it?

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