I was wondering if you could describe how your Jeep broke down... I too have never heard of "melted" cam bearings. Were you experiencing any loss of coolant in the months before this happened? Sound like it may be due to a cracked head.

Something else I'm having trouble getting my head around is why someone from California buy a Jeep in Ohio... there got to be only a few thousand XJs closer to you for sale.

It is within his right to sell you a vehicle with problems, but it is also within your rights to examine the vehicle before you purchase it. I know this isn't really nice to say, but chalk this up to valuable experience and... well fix the Jeep or part it out. As for putting it to this dealer, take out an ad or write a letter to the editor of his local newspaper. Start a small website with the dealers name in the web address and link it to google, with all your details about your bad experience with him. Then send him a link to it and tell him to make good on your purchase before you'll take it down.

Just some thoughts for ya.

if you go to court you will end up spending more money than you will just getting a used motor and putting it in ,if vechicle was bought as is thats what it means ,its the buyer res to check the vechicle as best they can and make the decision to purchase .........

"Lemon Laws" are laws that apply only to new vehicles with respect to how often the vehicle ends up in the dealership being repaired, or the number of defects it has. I can think of no place where they apply to used cars.

After the number of miles you cite since purchase, I don't think you can even establish a connection to the dealer.

This is called blackmail, and is illegal.

Get an engine, they are pretty cheap around here, bout 300-350 at any reputable junkyard.

How is this OEM tech? Lets post in the right areas.... moving to Cherokee chat...

Nobody can know a motor is going to blow after 17000 miles! alot can happen in more than likely a year of driving. motor wise i would say has nothing to do with the dealership. the frame you should have fought when the vehicle was delivered and you found the frame rusted.

Okay So just to chime in here.

When buying a vehicle it is the BUYERS responsibility to ask probing questions, do a thorough inspection (in some cases calling in or taking he vehicle to a mechanic). If you sign the papers stating that the vehicle is acceptable and you want to purchase it is now YOUR responsibility unless specifically stated under the warranty.

it is ****ty business to not disclose any information, but they are NOT required to UNLESS the BUYER asks. If they BUYER asks all of the probing questions and the dealer answers falsely then you have a case(only if it is documented of the questions and answers).

but since you "trusted" the dealer and the miles that have passed you have no chance in any compensation and the deal has every right to laugh at the situation.

I am sorry to say it. But the most you can do is write your experience and then move on since you have no case.

and there are PLENTY of xj's in california.... or even in Arizona that are problem and rust free.....

Be very careful of any negative public statements that you make toward the dealer. If you do not have the proof to back up what you say, post, publish, or otherwise, you could be sued by him for loss of business due to false allegations and slander.

They only care about clean air in California, so a smog check is the only real inspection. Who cares if you fall through the floor boards on the freeway? As long as the tailpipe is blowing clean, you're good to go. Now if there is a salvage title in the process, it does have to get inspected before a title can be issued. But all they really check are the lights and brakes, other problems have to be really sticking out like a sore thumb to be noticed. If the vehicle is in an accident and somebody is killed, there will be an inspection depending on what county you're in.

I don't really think so, but either way I would just go get a new engine... And not buy vehicles online before you have seen and inspected them in person

Okay, please see enclosed pics. I put in a warranty'd rebuilt engine. To answer a few questions that I saw on this thread about my jeep. Yes, I made a mistake "trusting," this guy Jason Robinson at Golden Rule Auto Sales in Tallmadge, OH with his BS internet video walkthru. Lesson learned, but I have all the proof in the world in pics and documentation to show what he did wrong, so I welcome him suing me. He is a coward and will get his I'm certain of it. Also, the cam sensor and synchronizor was melted. I wish I had a pic, but may be able to find it, and the bearings were practically worn down. My mechanic said this engine easily had over 200K as opposed to 87K on it per the odometer. The engine bay looked solid, so putting the new engine in is was worth it. So far, I've done the following on this jeep, changed out the rusted rear end, rusted leaf springs, rusted brake lines, replaced with new drums and pads, replaced both rear and front rusted drive shafts, and repaired rust holes in the frame, and lastly, pulled old engine and replaced with a new one. It only has 30 miles on it so far, so I will keep everyone updated. I was going to junk it, but I figured with all I've put into it, I might as well not quit now.

1) New Engine
2) Old Engine
3) Old diff and Leafs

x2!

Gotta say... you really need to be careful what you post as stated before. Any kind of a comment that can be considered slander will get you sued... badly. Sorry to hear about how it went for you though. Looking at the pic's of the rear end it doesn't look all that rusted. Actually your rear axle and leafs look like mine does... but then again I live in MI. Hope things work out for you.

The picture doesn't do it justice. The breakline literally fell apart as we were working the rear end off. It is not slander if it is the truth telling what he sold me or failed to disclose as it is in this case, and like I said I have all the documentation to prove it. This guy is way too much of a coward to do anything about it because he knows it was an unethical sale on his part, and he is probably more afraid I will sue him. Maybe I will.