All Michale Guerrero wanted was a dependable vehicle for himself and his family.
"I have four kids. We have school and doctor's appointments and just the normal everyday stuff you have as a family," Guerrero said.
Michale says he bought a used car just a few days before Christmas last December, hoping to get a vehicle that would last. It didn't
The vehicle gave him problems from the very first day he bought it from Gibson Motors. First, there was an issue with the brakes. Then his fuel pumps gave out.
"Now, as it stands, I'm basically on foot," Guerrero said.
He's tried talking to the person that sold him the vehicle. Michale says they have done nothing to fix the problem. And according to the Better Business Bureau, they don't legally have to do anything.
"Most used cars in Texas are sold as is," said Steve Abel with the Abilene BBB.
That means as soon as the ink dries, the car and all its problems belong to the owner. Abel says this time of year, he's flooded with calls from people who have purchased cars from used car dealerships.
"There may be 100,000 miles in them. There may be 10 miles left in them. You want to make sure you're not the one that gets the car with 10 miles in it," Abel said.
"It's like being robbed legally," Guerrero said.
Michale has borrowed a car from one of his friends, until he can save up enough money to purchase a new vehicle.
"Make sure you check all your paperwork. Don't let what happen to me, happen to you," Guerrero said.
"I have four kids. We have school and doctor's appointments and just the normal everyday stuff you have as a family," Guerrero said.
Michale says he bought a used car just a few days before Christmas last December, hoping to get a vehicle that would last. It didn't
The vehicle gave him problems from the very first day he bought it from Gibson Motors. First, there was an issue with the brakes. Then his fuel pumps gave out.
"Now, as it stands, I'm basically on foot," Guerrero said.
He's tried talking to the person that sold him the vehicle. Michale says they have done nothing to fix the problem. And according to the Better Business Bureau, they don't legally have to do anything.
"Most used cars in Texas are sold as is," said Steve Abel with the Abilene BBB.
That means as soon as the ink dries, the car and all its problems belong to the owner. Abel says this time of year, he's flooded with calls from people who have purchased cars from used car dealerships.
"There may be 100,000 miles in them. There may be 10 miles left in them. You want to make sure you're not the one that gets the car with 10 miles in it," Abel said.
"It's like being robbed legally," Guerrero said.
Michale has borrowed a car from one of his friends, until he can save up enough money to purchase a new vehicle.
"Make sure you check all your paperwork. Don't let what happen to me, happen to you," Guerrero said.
Comments
Most pay as you go "lots" have a sign on the car that reads, "No Warranty". Enough said.
J. W.
February 11, 2012 at 10:43 am
If you needed to do a story it should be mine. I got a new car May 2008 with a "5 year" warranty. Then in 8 months started having a problem. Took to dealer they said never hear problem. Finally wised up and made some videos of car making noise as I was driving. Dealer installed new brakes made problem worst. Filed Lemon Law claim and went before judge July 2010. Seemed judge knew car company rep made a point to tell them goodbye after hearing. Judge ruled should be fixed under warranty. That's why I filed in the first place they would not fix. Filed for rehearing switched other other case worker with state lemon law DMV delayed 9 months ruled again no rehearing. In April 2011 got letter of order to repair. Took till June 2011 to try to make repair. Installed new parts noise back in 10 days failed to meet the 10 day rule in repair order. Filed with state dmv saying broke 10 day rule in repair order in July 2011 still no reply back. Called car maker HQ and talked with dept over dealing with claim acted like they were "doing me a favor" by installing new parts on my car. Asked to speak to car plant engineer to tell what my car is doing HQ would not give me a name or email sounds fishy to me. Dealer said Dallas area rep would be down to hear my car he stayed a short time and left without called me. Service manager at dealer says car maker not calling back on what to do about more repairs. He said they're not doing anything. Service manager had me come in and he tried replacing parts with after market brakes but sound is now back after 2 months. Now still have 1 year and 3 months on warranty but it's no good if they will not honor it. Like I told the dealer why is it just the right wheel my 2001 car like this didn't have that noise. This was my first "new" car and is very upsetting and may have caused me to spend 3 days in the hospital with a stroke. Maybe you can help. Thanks for reading.
D S.
February 11, 2012 at 12:45 am
