Hey folks! I’m in a bit of a pickle here in PA. Just got a used 2013 Chevy Malibu through in-house financing. Put $2k down on it. Four days in, the check engine light popped on and the car died while I was driving. Towed it home, then to a shop. They heard engine knock and said to return it.
Called the dealership Monday. They towed it back and said it needs a new engine. No other details given. They offered a 2004 Honda Civic with 150k+ miles as a loaner. No timeline for repairs.
Still paying $130 weekly for a car I can’t use. What should I do? Any advice?
Oof, that’s a rough situation Sophie. Unfortunately, this kind of thing isn’t super uncommon with buy-here-pay-here lots and in-house financing. The market’s been tight lately, so some dealers are pushing riskier inventory. 
Have you looked into your state’s lemon laws? PA has some protections, but they can be tricky with used cars. Might be worth a quick chat with a consumer protection lawyer - some offer free consults.
In the meantime, I’d push hard for that payment pause. No reason you should be shelling out $130 a week for a paperweight. And definitely don’t accept that ancient Civic as a loaner - that’s just adding insult to injury.
Keep us posted on how it shakes out. These situations can be frustrating, but stay firm on your rights as a consumer. Good luck!
Man, that’s a tough break. Dealerships can be sketchy sometimes, especially with in-house financing. Sounds like they’re trying to dodge responsibility here.
I’d definitely push back on those payments. No way you should be paying for a car you can’t even drive. And that 2004 Civic? Come on, that’s ridiculous. You’re not getting what you paid for.
Have you thought about looking into PA’s used car laws? Might be something there that could help. Or maybe try calling the attorney general’s office? I’ve heard they sometimes step in on consumer issues like this.
Either way, don’t let up on the dealership. Keep bugging them for updates and push for a better solution. This kind of thing can drag on if you don’t stay on top of it. Good luck, hope it works out for you!
Dealership’s pulling a fast one here. Classic bait-and-switch with that junker Civic. First, stop those payments immediately. You’re not obligated to pay for a car you can’t drive. PA has some decent consumer protection laws - leverage those. Demand a comparable loaner or rental car compensation. If they won’t budge, file a complaint with the PA Attorney General’s office. They take this stuff seriously.
Don’t accept that engine replacement without a fight. Push for a full vehicle replacement or refund. Get everything in writing. If they start stonewalling, mention you’re considering legal action. Often just the threat can light a fire under them.
Remember, you hold more cards than you think. They sold you a lemon, and now they’re on the hook. Stay firm, document everything, and don’t let up until you get a fair resolution. This isn’t just about the car - it’s about not letting shady dealers get away with this crap.