Help me understand lemon law- Virginia/DC

[Anonymous]

I bought a car 2 weeks ago from an independent dealer. No warranty and I signed paper work stating it was purchased in as is condition . The car is financed, passed state ( va and dc) inspection however when I went to perform an oil change, jiffy wouldn’t do it because they said a panel was going to come off. I hadn’t seen the panel under the car lose at all but hey it’s clearly there. With fear in mind I took the car to the dealership to ask for a general inspection and turns out I need struts. $2100 worth ( for the front pair) and I’m frankly scared to drive the car. I’m angry at myself and don’t think I have much recourse. The dealer made zero guarantees but does that mean I potentially bought a lemon given the struts situation? The dealer also found an ill-fitting filter which could have caused more damage. Idk do I have any recourse under the lemon laws?

[Anonymous]

It’s not a lemon. Lemon law is for new cars. You bought a new car that needs a repair. This is one reason why people get cars checked by mechanics before they buy used. You just got taken. Take it to another mechanic and get a second opinion.

[Anonymous]

Yep, you are out of luck. I bought from an independent dealer once and will never do it again.

[Anonymous]

Where did you take the car that told you that new front struts are needed? The same dealer that sold you the car? I would take it to an independent repair shop that's familiar with your brand to get some different quotes.

Depending on the age of the car, you may also consider used struts since the part itself is pretty costly - they are intended to last the life of the car.

[Anonymous]

this is why you insist on an independent mechanic inspecting an as is used car prior to purchase