Dealership refusing to compensate for their negligence

[u/PopularGrapefruit150]

Dealership is an absolute pain to deal with, I just want to know if I have a leg to stand on here or if I'm SOL. It's a minor bill ($500 including towing), but I feel like this isn't something I should have to deal with 300 miles after buying a car. Just looking for a second opinion, I don't care about the money, I can afford a $500 bill, but I'm just pissed about the situation.

Anyways here goes...

About two weeks ago, I purchased a used vehicle from a dealership. The vehicle was represented as being in proper working condition at the time of sale, passed their 10 point inspection. I purchased a 2023 Hyundai with 39,328 miles. I ran into this problem at 39,600 miles.

Shortly after purchase, I was away for several days. Upon returning, I discovered the vehicle’s engine oil was practically empty. Given the severity of the issue, the vehicle was immediately towed to an independent mechanic that I am familiar with and trust for inspection and repair.

The independent mechanic performed a full evaluation, cleaned the affected components, and identified the cause of the failure as an improperly installed or defective O-ring. The mechanic has documented the condition of the vehicle, the diagnosis, etc. I have photos and videos of the improperly installed o ring as well as how much oil leaked onto the bottom of my car that had to be cleaned.

Based on the timing of the failure, occurring within a week of purchase (only 300 miles) and the nature of the defect, the issue appears consistent with improper servicing or faulty installation existing at the time of sale or delivery (aka negligence).

The vehicle experienced a major loss of oil that, had it occurred while driving long distance, could have resulted in complete engine failure and left me stranded out of state. Thankfully when I went out of state my brother drove us in his car instead of taking mine (I purchased it on Tuesday and we left that Friday, got back Monday night).

I contacted the dealership to request coverage of the repair costs and associated expenses. The dealership has refused, stating that since the vehicle was not brought to them for service they are not required to compensate. I do not believe this is reasonable given the circumstances, the safety risk involved, and the need for independent diagnosis after a mechanical failure immediately following purchase as a result of their negligence.

[u/bsizzle_99]

I see your point but the dealer does not have to compensate you. You likely had a 3-6 month warranty from the dealer but that is only good at the dealership. You chose to go outside of that process and lose the benefit.

However, if you reach out to the GM and explain your position and politely let them know you would be leaving a review the dealer may be more motivated to help you. Such as maybe split the bill.

[u/PopularGrapefruit150 → u/bsizzle_99]

Yeah GM was very rude and didn't budge. Appreciate the help though.

[u/GatorWok → u/PopularGrapefruit150]

Bro. Car purchases are the 2nd most important and expensive purchase in most people's lives. And almost every car buying resource for decades has recommended getting a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). You'd have to work hard to avoiding this advice.

For homes, people get all kinds of inspections - title search, four point, wood-destroying organisms, etc etc. Yet for cars, somehow (I'll never never understand it) people who have zero qualifications to inspect very complex machinery just slap it on the hood and ask where do I sign, with no due diligence.

Again, six billion sob stories across car internet forums over the years could have been avoided with a PPI. Dealerships have well-developed ironclad As-Is and Verbal-Promises-Don't-Count legal documents developed across millions of transactions.

Some ratio of the millions of used cars sold per year will break down shortly after purchase - it's just math. Your job as a buyer is to get a PPI to minimize the chances it's you.

I'll never understand it. Sorry for the tone. It's a life lesson, though - don't buy the second most significant thing in your life without due diligence beforehand.

[u/PopularGrapefruit150 → u/GatorWok]

Yeah I should’ve done PPI. I did bring my dad with me who has been working on cars his whole life, he looked over everything in the hood, wheels, what he could see under the car without lifting it. Besides the o ring everything else is in great condition.

Definitely a lesson learned though, don’t mind the tone. You’re not being a dick about it or anything.