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I'm in Wisconsin. I bought a used 2002 Ford Focus. 160 miles after I bought the car, the check engine light came on, so something has to be done before it passes emissions.
I was under the impression that in Wisconsin, if you buy a car and it isn't a 'private party' sale, the dealer has to make sure it'll pass emissions before selling it. Does a used car lot not count as a dealer? They transferred my plates, after all.
I'm in Wisconsin. I bought a used 2002 Ford Focus. 160 miles after I bought the car, the check engine light came on, so something has to be done before it passes emissions.
I was under the impression that in Wisconsin, if you buy a car and it isn't a 'private party' sale, the dealer has to make sure it'll pass emissions before selling it. Does a used car lot not count as a dealer? They transferred my plates, after all.
Why not call your local DMV and ask them the law regarding used car sales and passing the State Inspection?
I'm in Wisconsin. I bought a used 2002 Ford Focus. 160 miles after I bought the car, the check engine light came on, so something has to be done before it passes emissions.
I was under the impression that in Wisconsin, if you buy a car and it isn't a 'private party' sale, the dealer has to make sure it'll pass emissions before selling it. Does a used car lot not count as a dealer? They transferred my plates, after all.
How do you know it will not pass an emissions test without getting it tested? Have you checked the codes? Maybe its just a service code telling you it needs an oil change? Light probably has to off in order to get passed for an emissions check, but just because light is on does not mean it won't pass. And since technically when they sold it to you, the light was not on, so they did nothing against the law. Cars have lots of parts, and parts break, its just the way it is.
a used car lit is a dealer, since they have to have a dealers license to do business. however when tehy sold you the car, if the check engine light was off, they have no responsibility to fix the car for you, unless you pay for the repairs.
Are you sure you screwed the gas cap down properly, right number of clicks. My wife's CRV has to click at least 4 times before it is sealed properly or the light will come on.
Used car s sometimes come with a 30 day warranty, did yours and are you still in its time frame?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I doubt there was any kind of warranty on a car that's 13 years old. In your state, dealers have to disclose any problems they know about the car, and post it on the window, but are not required to do any kind of testing. In fact, they can sell a car that is not even legal to be driven on the roads due to defects as long as you are made aware of it.
States license dealers. In order to maintain a dealer's license, you have to buy and/or sell a minimum number of cars per year, and have a display lot where a minimum number of cars can be parked visibly for sale. If you have a dealer's license, you're a dealer. If you don't, you're not
The condition of general and safety equipment items.
It is legal for a dealership to sell you a vehicle with safety or general condition problems. They can even sell you a vehicle that is not legal to operate on Wisconsin roadways. However, they must disclose these problems on the "Wisconsin Buyers Guide."
Last edited by Me007gold; 03-30-2015 at 06:40 AM..
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