Got cheated in Texas - bad car

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Texas law has it that there is little to no recourse when buying a used car labeled "as is."
I let myself be duped by a man who told me everything works. Well, it started nicely and we took a smooth ride. The A/C was cold. My wife drove it too and said she wanted it. We paid cash for it. One trip to town and back and the check engine light came on. I had it 'read' at a parts store and it came back I need a catalytic converter (possibly two). I saw the inspection read out and it showed that the emissions were passed but not tested. I reported this to the public safety people who have not yet responded to tell me how legal that was. There are some lesser issues, but as far as I can tell, there is no recourse.

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Type: Question • Score: 4 • Views: 3,271 • Replies: 30

@edgarblythe,

who does your inspections, ed?

a government agency (shirley not in texas) or a local shop that pays for the privelege?

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@edgarblythe,

I have a friend in Philly. Well call him Sally Ruggieri (That's a made up name). Sally will give you his last dollar, but will beat the snot our of you if you disagree with him. He will beat the snot out of you and your whole family if you cross him. Having such a friend is often desirable , especially if I lived in Texas where you seem to be left pretty much on your own in everything.

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@Rockhead,

Top calling him SHirley

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@edgarblythe,

Most states, as far as I know, have that "as is" policy.
When you buy it "as is", especially from a private seller, you really have no recourse if the car turns out to be a lemon.

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@edgarblythe,

edgarblythe wrote:

Texas law has it that there is little to no recourse when buying a used car labeled "as is."

A good way to reduce the risks of unknown (to you) problems when buying a used car is to get it thoroughly inspected by an experienced mechanic. There are a number of places that provide this service and the cost is about $100. They will often provide a detailed report that you could try to use to get the price down.

edgarblythe wrote:

I saw the inspection read out and it showed that the emissions were passed but not tested. I reported this to the public safety people who have not yet responded to tell me how legal that was.

Not all counties in Texas require an emissions test during vehicle inspections and the type of emissions test required for older (model year before 1995) vehicles varies (some do the TSI test while others do the ASM test). See http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/inspection/inspectionCriteria.aspx for more details.

People who know a vehicle will fail an emissions test often get it inspected in a neighbouring county with less stringent inspection requirements. This is not strictly legal but easy to get away with.

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@Rockhead,

Rockhead wrote:

who does your inspections, ed?

a government agency (shirley not in texas) or a local shop that pays for the privelege?

I get my inspections done at a place in Tomball. We are not allowed to inspect a car if the check engine light is on. The man in question had it done in the same county. I emailed the DPS to find out why they bypassed the tests.

1 Reply

@edgarblythe,

Sorry to hear of your trouble Ed, what a sickner.

I can't believe putting a sign on sumthin that says "as is." cancels out what I presume are your statuary rights as a consumer.

This is why we elect people, isn't it?, to pass laws and enforce regulations to protect us from shysters like that.

Hope you get some recompense Ed.

1 Reply

@edgarblythe,

Damn it, EdgarB.

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@eurocelticyankee,

We pass laws and have government to protect the rich. Otherwise maddened crowds would tear them to bits.

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Every time I see this thread in the new posts list, I want to read it as God cheated in Texas--bad Carma.

Have you gone back to the owner to see if they'll do right by you?

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@Butrflynet,

Not yet. I am waiting on the DPS reply.

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The time I bought the brand new chevy from hell - thirteen times it not starting in the morning (I had a job), and going back to the dealer, and yada yada, I sold the ******. I barely knew that word then. It was the catalytic converter causing all the hazarai, and I sold it (take over payments) to the guy downstairs, who'd designed the Vector. I assume the van embarrassed him, but he needed it at the time. That might have been a deal for him, as I assume he fixed that. Or got rid of it.

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@edgarblythe,

Sounds like a classic case of the The Man sticking the Little Guy right in the neck (at least the way edgar tells it).

If the seller knowingly misrepresented the condition of the car you have recourse, but you will need to consult an attorney, not a bureaucrat.

You bought a used car. Did you really think you were buying a cream-puff?

You've neglected to tell us if you bought the car from the owner or a dealer. Sounds like it was a private sale.

A bad catalytic converter (or two) is by no means the same thing as a bad engine. They usually last for at least 100,000 miles or so and therefore I am assuming the car you bought wasn't owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays.

If you buy a used car that has high mileage, it only stands to reason that you should expect it to have some wear and tear issues.

You've left out a lot of information so we don't know what year the car was or how much you paid for it, but unless the CC was defective, the car was old.

I don't have a problem with a law system that assumes people have common sense. Deliberate deception is something that can overcome common sense and Texas law addresses such a situations. Contrary to the common belief among Yankee Libs, Texas doesn't embrace bandits.

If you need the government to hold your hand through every transaction you conduct as an adult, and to step in and protect you from stupid mistakes, you shouldn't live in Texas.

It sure would be nice if everyone in the world was an honest and honorable individual, but of course they are not. You don't have to be a cynic to be skeptical.

Caveat Emptor

3 Replies

@Finn dAbuzz,

Finn Killdabuzz...

Ouch me neck .... I'm getting whiplash from straining to look up at you on that extremely high ******* horse you just rode in on.

1 Reply

@Finn dAbuzz,

actually finny, the little old lady that only drives to church on sundays is the most likely candidate to lose a catalytic converter.

I think you should stick to topics you understand for releasing your bile.

unless you just have a special thing for attacking edgar...

"It sure would be nice if everyone in the world was an honest and honorable individual, but of course they are not."

(because you live in texas where every other person is an asshat.)

1 Reply

@Finn dAbuzz,

Finn dAbuzz wrote:

Sounds like a classic case of the The Man sticking the Little Guy right in the neck (at least the way edgar tells it).

If the seller knowingly misrepresented the condition of the car you have recourse, but you will need to consult an attorney, not a bureaucrat.

You bought a used car. Did you really think you were buying a cream-puff?

You've neglected to tell us if you bought the car from the owner or a dealer. Sounds like it was a private sale.

A bad catalytic converter (or two) is by no means the same thing as a bad engine. They usually last for at least 100,000 miles or so and therefore I am assuming the car you bought wasn't owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays.

If you buy a used car that has high mileage, it only stands to reason that you should expect it to have some wear and tear issues.

You've left out a lot of information so we don't know what year the car was or how much you paid for it, but unless the CC was defective, the car was old.

I don't have a problem with a law system that assumes people have common sense. Deliberate deception is something that can overcome common sense and Texas law addresses such a situations. Contrary to the common belief among Yankee Libs, Texas doesn't embrace bandits.

If you need the government to hold your hand through every transaction you conduct as an adult, and to step in and protect you from stupid mistakes, you shouldn't live in Texas.

It sure would be nice if everyone in the world was an honest and honorable individual, but of course they are not. You don't have to be a cynic to be skeptical.

Caveat Emptor

**** you, finn. I didn't even read your ****. An d I put you on ignore. This time, my idea - not yours. Don't expect me to peek at your posts on any thread, ever.

Got cheated in Texas - bad car

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