I purchased a 1987 Buick Century from a car dealership in January of 2003. I have bad credit and no money. So I put down $350 and am paying $145 bi-weekly to pay the car off. The purchase price was $2800, plus I purchase an extended warranty for an additional $1500. Every since January, this car has been giving me tons of major mechanical problems (i.e. alternator, engine, radiator, etc.). Since April, I have not driven the car, and am still paying the note on time every other week. Never have I been late on a payment. I spoke to owner of the dealership and he is suggesting that I file for 'voluntary repossession' because I can not continue to afford to pay a note on an old car that does not even work. I asked that they give me a trade-in, and they are unwilling to take any other roads. What should I do? At this time I do not have another $400 to get the car fixed, nor can I afford to pay $290 a month for a vehicle that does not work.H E L P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(screaming LOUDLY!!!!)

-- Shakira Hancock (Shakiradhancock2002@yahoo.com), May 13, 2003

Answers

Shakira,

I'm afraid this is a United Kingdom site for people who have had their homes repossessed. Voluntary repossession means handing back the vehicle voluntarily to the vendor. Sounds like a bad deal, doesn't the warranty cover the problems?? Check around for a US internet site to give you local advice.

-- M Amos (idgroms@hotmail.com), May 13, 2003.

Under UK law you are entitled to return the goods as being "unfit for purpose" and demand a refund. To my knowledge you can also do this under US law. I suggest you seek professional advice but continue to pay the mothly repayments and threaten the dealer with court unless they give you a refund.

-- Neil (notsurebut@co.com), May 14, 2003.