[WA] Do I have legal grounds against someone who sold me a used car without mentioning a very costly repair?
I purchased a used car in Washington State, and I have evidence that the seller concealed a very expensive repair that basically totaled the car. I’m curious if I have a case here.
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In Washington State, private car sales are governed by contract law and the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86), which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in the sale of goods, including used vehicles.
Although private sellers are not held to the same standard as licensed dealers, they can still be held liable for fraudulent misrepresentation or concealment if they intentionally withheld known material defects.
Your situation sounds promising, because you have both:
- A Craigslist listing and
- An email from the seller acknowledging the issue that was concealed.
If this issue was not disclosed before purchase, you can argue that the seller intentionally misled you about a known defect that materially impacted the car’s value or safety. A court could find in your favor for:
- Rescission (undoing the sale),
- Compensatory damages (repair or loss costs), or even
- Treble damages (triple the amount) under the Consumer Protection Act — if you show the deception harmed the public interest.
1. Next Steps You Can Take
- Send a Formal Demand Letter
- Detail the misrepresentation.
- Attach your evidence (Craigslist post and email).
- Demand a refund or contribution toward the repair costs.
2. If They Refuse to Cooperate
- File a claim in Small Claims Court (for disputes under $10,000 in Washington) or in Superior Court if damages exceed that.
3. Legal Foundation
- Washington courts recognize fraudulent inducement claims for used car sales where a seller has superior knowledge of hidden defects.
- Fraud and misrepresentation claims generally have a three-year statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.080 — but that clock starts when you discover the fraud, not necessarily the date of sale.
4. Gather Supporting Documentation
- Repair estimates, mechanic reports, and the current value of the car.
- All correspondence with the seller.
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I purchased a used car in Washington State, and I have evidence that the seller concealed a very expensive repair that basically totaled the car. I’m curious if I have a case here.
Lexi, Chatbot
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Can you tell me more about the evidence you have regarding the concealed repair?
I have a Craigslist post from the previous seller, as well as an email from them, that clearly describes the issue that was concealed.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you tried to address this issue directly with the seller or sought legal advice before taking further steps?
I have, and they refuse to deal with me.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your consumer protection issue.
Yes.
[WA] Do I have legal grounds against someone who sold me a used car without mentioning a very costly repair?
Good afternoon, and welcome to JustAnswer. Please give me a moment to review your question.
[WA] Do I have legal grounds against someone who sold me a used car without mentioning a very costly repair?
In Washington State, private car sales are governed by contract law and the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86), which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in the sale of goods, including used vehicles.
Although private sellers are not held to the same standard as licensed dealers, they can still be held liable for fraudulent misrepresentation or concealment if they intentionally withheld known material defects.
Your situation sounds promising, because you have both:
- A Craigslist listing and
- An email from the seller acknowledging the issue that was concealed.
If this issue was not disclosed before purchase, you can argue that the seller intentionally misled you about a known defect that materially impacted the car’s value or safety. A court could find in your favor for:
- Rescission (undoing the sale),
- Compensatory damages (repair or loss costs), or even
- Treble damages (triple the amount) under the Consumer Protection Act — if you show the deception harmed the public interest.
1. Next Steps You Can Take
- Send a Formal Demand Letter
- Detail the misrepresentation.
- Attach your evidence (Craigslist post and email).
- Demand a refund or contribution toward the repair costs.
2. If They Refuse to Cooperate
- File a claim in Small Claims Court (for disputes under $10,000 in Washington) or in Superior Court if damages exceed that.
3. Legal Foundation
- Washington courts recognize fraudulent inducement claims for used car sales where a seller has superior knowledge of hidden defects.
- Fraud and misrepresentation claims generally have a three-year statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.080 — but that clock starts when you discover the fraud, not necessarily the date of sale.
4. Gather Supporting Documentation
- Repair estimates, mechanic reports, and the current value of the car.
- All correspondence with the seller.
[WA] Do I have legal grounds against someone who sold me a used car without mentioning a very costly repair?
Does that make sense?
Yes.
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