Dear Terry, I've had a 2000 VW Beetle for seven months and I owe roughly $11,000 for the car. Recently, the car died on me out on the highway. The dealer stated that I had no oil or cooling -- but I had the oil changed two weeks prior. I can't afford to pay for the car and get it fixed, too. What should I do? -- LakishaDear Lakisha, You don't say whether you have some sort of warranty on the car. A 2000 Beetle is certainly out of the factory warranty period. If the dealer provided you with some sort of extended warranty, you should check the policy to see what the appeals process is when a repair is denied. If you have records of regular oil changes, keep them handy. If you have no warranty, I don't know that you have any recourse. Most used cars are sold on an as-is basis, unless the dealer provides some written guarantees. Check your original sales documents to see what they say about warranties. This week•Solving the mysterious 'check engine' light•As-is car means just that•Fuel mileage not always as advertised•Rip-off deal leaves buyer upside downIf you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter advertisementRelated Links:7 best off-to-college carsNational auto loan averagesWhat changes auto loan rates?Related Articles:All new cars for 20105 steps to 'clunker' dealTake the 'cash back?'
Dear Terry, I've had a 2000 VW Beetle for seven months and I owe roughly $11,000 for the car. Recently, the car died on me out on the highway. The dealer stated that I had no oil or cooling -- but I had the oil changed two weeks prior. I can't afford to pay for the car and get it fixed, too. What should I do? -- Lakisha
Dear Lakisha, You don't say whether you have some sort of warranty on the car. A 2000 Beetle is certainly out of the factory warranty period. If the dealer provided you with some sort of extended warranty, you should check the policy to see what the appeals process is when a repair is denied. If you have records of regular oil changes, keep them handy. If you have no warranty, I don't know that you have any recourse. Most used cars are sold on an as-is basis, unless the dealer provides some written guarantees. Check your original sales documents to see what they say about warranties.
If you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter
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