Calling all used truck lawyers

Flew down to another state and bought a used truck. Had to leave before the truck was ready because it had a bad cat and couldn’t afford to stick around so had the GM sign a paper stating that “Cat would be fixed.”

Took the truck on the first long drive (40 miles) and wouldn’t you know it, CEL. Pull codes and it’s 420/430. Same as before.

What do you think are my options?

 

probably none unless they offer some type of warranty on vehicles purchased there. My guess is that you are on your own and they may have just cleared the codes rather than replace the cat. I would check and see if they actually replaced the cat. Maybe they did replace it, could be another cat that is bad or some other issue.

 

What year is the used truck with the catalyst codes? I would think what you have in writing would provide some protection. Wach truck comes with an emissions warranty for all components critical for maintaining emissions compliance. It's much longer than what most people think and from what I've seen, no dealership volunteers when a repair should be covered under emissions warranty. It used to be 5 years 50,000 miles and I thought it has been increased over the past several years. Also, if it is a catalyst issue, it was problem the victim of some other problem. I would be worried about what caused a catalyst to fail. I'm not a lawyer but hopefully there are some thoughts to help.

Just googled the emissions warranty and found this: Under federal law, the catalytic converter and engine-control module are covered for eight years or 80,000 miles.

 

His signature shows the truck as an 08, so long past any warranty.

 

Maybe

 

From what I see, they cleaned up the welds on the previous cat and painted the pipe.

Again though, having a signed “We owe you” notice from the dealership stating that the cat will be “fixed,” and after ten miles it’s plenty evident that it didn’t get fixed. I’d hope that means something to the dealership. Or if not them, to corporate.

 

Truck is a 14. 85k on the odometer.

 

What state did you buy it in? Is this the truck bought in Texas from another thread?

If it was Texas, you may be protected by the email stating it would be fixed, since this could meet the requirements of a "warranty" claim.

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/automotive-scams/buying-new-or-used-car

 

Brother-in-law had a similar situation. It ended up being cheaper and easier for him to just fix it himself, unfortunately.

 

Those codes could mean bad oxygen sensors bank 1 and bank 2. Did they replace the oxygen sensors?

Have you tried to contact them? They may be willing to help and make it right.

 

Yes, this is the same guy that said he "Stole a Texas Tundra":
https://www.tundras.com/threads/stole-a-texas-tundra.84477/#post-2130739

 

Thought it might be, I would contact them first and see what they say and if they will attempt to make it right. Then if they don't, a note to the Attorney General here in Texas might be in order. You would be amazed at the amount of help that office will provide, for free, that a lot of people spend money on with lawyers first.

 

Thanks for that link!

 

OP, I am in the Houston area. What dealership did you purchase it from?

 

Reached out to selling dealer. Received a call back requesting that I take the truck into a local dealer, get the diagnostic performed and get them to generate a repair quote. So that’s what I’m doing today.

 

Yes. Show the kiddos this thread and tell them that crime don’t pay.

 

Seriously, give their office a shot if the dealer doesn't come through. The OAG sends reps out to talk with my students about what they offer for free for Texans and Texas businesses, so it wouldn't hurt, if it comes to that.

 

Appreciated. I’ll obviously let this play out until I hit an impasse but that information is invaluable. Kudos to you.

 

Seriously, if I didn't teach and have them come out and talk to my classes, I would have never thought there was so much offered for so cheap. I had always assumed you had to hire a lawyer to get anything done, but there is basically free access to representation for tax payers. I guess it is the non-criminal equivalent of a public defender, which makes sense that it exists.

The work they do in Texas in child support, custody, and paternity cases is really amazing. Too bad almost no one knows about the good work they do.

 

Good to see you still have a sense of humor
Best of luck to you getting this issue resolved quickly and painless

 

Caveat emptor

 

Coincidentally our pet cat, the greatest dog in cat format succumbed to his age and pre existing conditions this week. So maybe that’s what the note about the cat being “fixed.” Had to say goodbye the same day I received the truck just to add to the joke.

 

Punching the side of the truck didn’t work so I figured I’d give calm and humor a shot.

 

Local dealer said the truck had an aftermarket exhaust installed with an O2 setup that never would have passed emissions. The rear discs that the selling dealer noted were resurfaced prior to delivery are so warped they’re causing a lot of rear end shimmy. Recommends complete replacement of cat sections and 02s. Rear discs and pads.

Want to play guess the estimate?

 

$8685

 

You’re way off on the price but your avatar is spot on to how I feel about the seller.

 

Yikes. A lot higher? We know they’re not going to pay for it. Hopefully they’ll atleast take the truck back so you don’t have to deal with this.

 

Nah lower. I’m in contracting and construction management so I’m used to dealing with people who think they can skate on an contract. Not thrilled to do it on my personal time but if they’re planning on me rolling over due to inconvenience they’re very much mistaken.

 

$5275

 

Oh lower is good. Good luck.