Help, please! I think I've been shafted...

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I would like to begin by saying "Hello" from Texas!

Next, I would like to ask if anyone can point me in the right direction with regards to my newly acquired vehicular problem child.

Three days ago, I purchased a 1997 Nissan PathFinder from a dealership in the DFW, Texas area. The auto was sold "as-is". The very night I drove it off of the lot... (within 20 minutes) the "check engine soon" light came on. I called the salesman immediately and he said he would check with their service department and call me back (He never called back). In the meantime... I took the vehicle to my local mechanic and had him run a diags check. The test came back showing that the "bank one" Catalytic Converter was out. Nissan wants $900 just for the part, then my guy wants $125 for install. Ouch!

Of course, when I called the salesman... he "him hawed" and said he didn't think, since it was sold "As-Is", that the dealership would repair it. -Lovely for me!!!

I thought that Texas had a 3 day right of recission clause, but found out from the Consumer Commission Office that it is not true in Texas for used autos.

However, my mechanic did tell me that he thought it was a violation of Texas law to sell a vehicle with a bad Catalytic Converter. If that is true... then I may have some leverage on my side.

I do know that when I took the vehicle, it was 9:00 pm and the clock in the Pathfinder was showing 6:30. Perhaps it was coincidental, but I personally believe they (the dealerhip) unhooked the battery cable for a period of time - which will reset the "Check Engine Soon" light - at least for a short time. Thus, failing to disclose known problems to me.

If anyone can point me in the right direction or offer any suggestions as to the best way to handle this incident - I would be highly appreciative of the assistance.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Kind regards,

Ronnie B
Disgruntled Car Buyer

there is nothing you can do now except sell the car or repair it, this is a main reason i dont go to used car dealerships, i, and many friends have been "shafted" frmo these guys, and sure, sometimes they will have a good car, but the bottom line if they have something you really want/need i would take it to a certified dealer, like if its a toyota, take it to a toyota dealership, tell them to do a full checkyup, it'll take about an hour, and cost 100$, but its a much better situation than your in now.

Thanks gigglesnirt,

I appreciate your kind response.

I did find one thing that may come into play here:
http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/tampering.html

Vehicle Sales
Texas law prohibits any person from selling, offering for sale, leasing, or offering to lease any vehicle not equipped with all emission control systems or devices in good operable condition. Violators are subject to penalties under the Texas Clean Air Act of up to $25,000 per violation. Buyers are advised to have the vehicle checked for all required emission control devices prior to purchasing a new or used vehicle.

But, the dealership may get around this because I didn't have it inspected prior to purchase.

I am trying to contact some government agencies now, to see if there are any other alternatives.

Again, much appreciation!

Ronnie