I finally got my hands on my dream car: '00 Cherokee Sport 4D 4WD, sweet sweet poppy red.

Took it to my mechanic and it turns out the seller had flat-out lied about the extent of its problems. I was expecting to put some money into it but per my mechanic it's basically beyond repair.

Hoping to resolve and get back on here with a car I can be excited about. In the meantime, does anyone have tips for taking on a shady dealership?

 

Whats wrong with it, 0331 head crack?

 

Despite repeated assurances that any rust was surface/cosmetic, it turns out that the chassis and brake drums are completely rusted through. The u-joint is shot and the front stabilizer shock, transfer case, and oil are all leaking. Mechanic does not even want to take it on even if I wanted to pour money into it.
Dealership would not allow independent mechanic to review before purchase which should have been a huge red flag. Still have not received copy of dealer warranty.

 

I'm guessing you did absolutely no visual inspection of your own? Sounds like a quick check of the underside would have revealed some of these issues. The dealer blocking an inspection should have been a huge red flag. If the mechanic refuses to work on it due to being beyond repair, that sounds like a safety issue to me. The dealer should be held accountable for selling a vehicle that is not road worthy.
However, since we know no details about the sale, the contract, stipulations, and no knowledge of the law in NY, we can't say exactly how to handle it. In CA you get a copy of the warranty at the time of purchase. Not sure why you wouldn't.

This sounds like one of those small corner dealers that shut down and move in the middle of the night. I don't see any major dealer doing this. I hope everything works out for you.

 

look into lemon law.
usually you will find a lawyer to help you out for free, cause the dealership will end up paying your fees in the end.

 

I mean, I made a ton of mistakes with this purchase--I did do a visual inspection of the parked car but just didn't have the knowledge to spot the serious issues (he insisted rust that I noted was surface/could be sanded off and sealed) and was foolishly comforted by the warranty that never materialized. Was hoping to learn the basic repair ropes with this vehicle.
Amazingly this place has been around for 25 years and has lots of positive reviews (or else would have steered clear).
Since it's unfit to be driven, I can hopefully get somewhere with the shady sellers (or get a lawyer). Thanks for your help!

 

Welcome to the forum, Sorry for the circumstances, wish you good luck on it.

 

Welcome from England.

 

Thanks for the advice and the welcome!
Had another talk with dealership and they want me to exchange but unfortunately most of their inventory is later model Laredos. Fingers crossed they can drum up another XJ in better shape and that I can have pre-inspected.

 

Go back and re-read the contract. Every car I have purchased fro a dealership has had a clause in it allowing you to return the vehicle within a certain number of days. This may be a state law here, but you should re-read your contract and see if its in there.

 

Yeah so they kept promising me my copy of the contract and warranty but haven't provided still. They said verbally several times that we had 30 days.