[IL] [IL] What can I do if a dealership sold me a car with a faulty catalytic converter?
Just a few days after driving it, the engine light came on. I called and they said they couldn’t do anything for me — but on the buyer’s guide, it says I have a dealer warranty. Now they’re saying I forged that document, even though it was the document on the window when the car was transported to me.
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Summary of Your Rights & Next Steps
1. You Have Strong Consumer Rights
Under Illinois law (815 ILCS 505), the dealership cannot:
- Sell a defective car under false pretenses
- Claim you forged documents without hard proof
If you have the original buyer’s guide from the window of the car, that is critical evidence in your favor.
2. Warranty Claims & Misrepresentation
Even if you unknowingly signed a different buyer’s guide:
- The one presented on the car window at delivery is legally significant.
- If the dealership stated the car was in “good condition” and it was not, that may be fraudulent misrepresentation or a violation of warranty law.
3. What You Should Do Now:
- Send a formal demand letter requesting a full refund or a proper resolution.
- File a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
- If no resolution, consider small claims court (Illinois' limit is $10,000).
- You can sue for misrepresentation, warranty breach, and potentially defamation (false accusation of forgery).
4. About the Forgery Claim:
Respond calmly but firmly:
“I have the original buyer’s guide that was in the vehicle window at the time of delivery. I did not alter or forge any documentation. Your claim is unsupported, and unless this matter is resolved, I will be forced to pursue legal options.”
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Full Conversation
Car dealership sold and transported me a car with faulty catalytic converter.
Lexi, Chatbot
I'm sorry to hear about the issue with your car's catalytic converter. When did you purchase the car from the dealership?
The end of May 2025.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you contacted the dealership about the faulty catalytic converter and requested a resolution?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your faulty catalytic converter.
Yes.
Legal Eagle
Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I’m an attorney specializing in this area of law. I’m happy to help you!
Have you experienced any other issues with the car since your purchase, aside from the catalytic converter?
Yes, the car shuts off while driving — every day.
Legal Eagle
Thanks! Just a few more questions.
Do you have any documentation or records of your purchase and communications with the dealership that could be helpful?
Yes, I do.
I also contacted the BBB because I couldn’t find a lawyer. I sent them the screenshot of the dealership saying the car is in good condition.
Just a few days after driving it, the engine light came on.
I called and they said they couldn’t do anything for me — but on the buyer’s guide, it says I have a dealer warranty.
Now they’re saying I forged that document, even though it was the document on the window when the car was transported to me.
Legal Eagle
Understood. What is your ideal outcome with this?
By that I mean, what would make you feel whole here?
I was wanting a full refund, but I don’t know how long that process will take.
The car is not safe to drive, so I’m going to trade it in and get a new vehicle.
I spent $18k and the trade-in value is only $8k — so I’m down $10k.
I just want protection from the company I bought the car from, because they’re saying I forged the buyer’s guide — which I didn’t.
Legal Eagle
Got it. I’ll walk you through the key points and options.
Legal Eagle
Summary of Your Rights & Next Steps
1. You Have Strong Consumer Rights
Under Illinois law (815 ILCS 505), the dealership cannot:
- Sell a defective car under false pretenses
- Claim you forged documents without hard proof
If you have the original buyer’s guide from the window of the car, that is critical evidence in your favor.
2. Warranty Claims & Misrepresentation
Even if you unknowingly signed a different buyer’s guide:
- The one presented on the car window at delivery is legally significant.
- If the dealership stated the car was in “good condition” and it was not, that may be fraudulent misrepresentation or a violation of warranty law.
3. What You Should Do Now:
- Send a formal demand letter requesting a full refund or a proper resolution.
- File a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
- If no resolution, consider small claims court (Illinois' limit is $10,000).
- You can sue for misrepresentation, warranty breach, and potentially defamation (false accusation of forgery).
4. About the Forgery Claim:
Respond calmly but firmly:
“I have the original buyer’s guide that was in the vehicle window at the time of delivery. I did not alter or forge any documentation. Your claim is unsupported, and unless this matter is resolved, I will be forced to pursue legal options.”
They also uploaded to the BBB another buyer’s guide that I allegedly signed.
I may have, but when signing for the car I didn’t read everything.
I don’t remember what I signed — but I do have the guide that was in the window.
I bought the car from Glenville, Illinois.
Legal Eagle
Understood. That’s even more important — Illinois has strong consumer fraud laws that protect car buyers.
Even if you signed a form, you’re protected from deceptive practices like this — especially if the vehicle arrived in unsafe condition and they claimed otherwise.
They told the BBB the car was in “perfect condition,” but when it got to me it wasn’t.
What should I say in response to the dealership accusing me of forging the buyer’s guide?
Legal Eagle
Here’s a suggested response:
“I received the vehicle with the buyer’s guide clearly displayed in the window, indicating a dealer warranty. I preserved that guide and have it in my possession. I did not forge or alter any documents. The vehicle arrived with serious defects that contradict your statement that it was in ‘perfect condition.’ I respectfully request that you honor the warranty and resolve this matter in good faith. If not, I will be pursuing complaints through the BBB, Illinois Attorney General, and legal channels if necessary.”
Legal Eagle
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