Here's the deal: I bought my 91 Accord from guy on Craiglist back on February 2008.
He paid $797.39 to get the following replaced before putting it up for sale:

timing belt
water pump
cam seal
crank seal
balance shaft seal
oil pump seal
valve cover gasket
p/s belt
a/c belt

I took my car today to a mechanic and he said that the cam seal is leaking and that the timing belt was never replaced.

I still have the receipt the seller gave me from all the "work done" in the car back in February 2008.

I feel so dumb for not checking if the work was indeed done..
And I know it's not a fake receipt. I don't think the guy would pull a move like that.

I can't do anything about, can I?

 

Can't really do anything about it. You bought the car "as is". The previous owner should have checked the work that they had paid for.

 

Small claims court?

True, the sale was an 'as is' type (person to person)' but by supplying that reciept he misrepresented the product (car). That document was a part of the transaction, is a legal document and represents a fraudulent transaction.

He would have been smarter to have supplied just the sales reciept. I'd certainly talk to a lawyer. If you can't afford one, look up Legal Services or your local Bar Association. They both support programs when they will offer guidance free.

The only kicker? may be a statute of limitations may have some bearing....

P

 

Thanks P_Adams!
Apparently I can contact the BBB (better business bureau) to see if they can help me.
But I will also check out the small claims court.

It just sucks that there are crappy people out there.
How can they have peace of mind when they rip off people?
I guess they just don't give a crap..

Do you think I could get help even if the receipt is in the seller's name?
I could try contacting the seller..

 

Until I spoke to counsel I wouldn't telegraph my intensions just yet.
This could be important: Is this reciept a professional printed document with the Repair Shops info printed across the top, or is it just a hand written scribble on a note pad? Hopefully, it's the former.
At some point (if you persue this) you're going to need a statement from your mechanix that he (she) can attest that in "his opinion" the belt was never changed.

P

 

What if the seller was not aware the repair had not been done?

 

Good advice.
Yes, it is an "official" receipt. It has the name of the shop and stuff.
This is such hassle...I hope I can get my money back..

 

I'm pretty sure that's what happened.
And I know the seller doesn't know much about cars.
He woudln't pull a move like on someone..

I should have checked if the work was done but oh well...

EDIT: Apparently the AC and power steering belt were replaced. So they only worked on the "outside stuff."