My question involves vehicle maintenance laws for the State of: Arizona (Phoenix)
Basically, I bought a car from an independent dealership. The very next day, less than 24 hours, the check engine light came on. I took it back to the dealership and he said it was the emissions code and I need a new catalytic converter.
He said it would cost $400 for the part and he would order it and he didn't. Two weeks past and he still didn't order it and now another week has past and I still haven't heard from the guy.
I took my car to the Honda dealership for a used car inspection. Oh what joy!!! Not only do I need a catalytic converter that is going to cost me $1800. because someone installed an 'after' manufacture installation one on my car, but the welded all the pipes together so now I need extra everything.
The mechanic said some of these guys buy the cars at auction, the car won't pass emissions test and they have a way to shut off the code so it won't detect that you need a new catalytic converter. The code will go off for about 24 hours, which mine did. Now that I purchased the car, am I totally screwed? The dealership was calling around to see if this is even a legal policy for these guys to be doing this. They couldn't find the answer for me.
I specifically asked this independent dealership if there was any maintenance I would have to be doing immediately. He said they run a used car inspecition and check for everything. Well, I have discovered I have over $5000 repairs now because of leaking this and that, broke part on the suspension, bad break pads, and the original dealership was going to put on new rotors, which the new dealership said those are perfect, they need pads and something to do with the boot. I have all the paperwork, I can get more technical.
I am most upset about this emissions issue that is going to cost me $1800, which I have to do even if I decide to sell the car now.
What do you think?

