I have mentioned here before that my 97 Explorer that I bought SIX weeks ago has had an intermittent check engine light issue. I decided to take it to Midas for an oil change and have them look at my rattling noise (CE light is out now, of course), since I suspected a bad cat anyway. I would have taken it to Meinike but the closest one is 30 miles from me. Anyway, sure enough I have a bad cat. I pulled a carfax and the truck failed a smog, then passed the next day. I am suspecting the scumbag used-car dealer took it elsewhere (where he could get it passed with a bad cat) for the smog. So, Midas tells me you can only get the catalytic converter from the dealer, so I go to the nearest dealer, and they tell me they don't accept third-party warranties ( I bought one from Best Choice for $1500 through the dealer). They tell me there is a dealer one town over that will take the warranty. I call them and THEY tell me I will be stuck with a $196 diagnostic fee if Best Choice won't cover the cat, even if I have nothing done. The paperwork I have doesn't make it clear what is covered, and says for the shop to call before they do the work.

I just called Meinike and they will check it for me and give me a free estimate and call Best Choice for me and see if it is covered. I have a $100 deductible, but my question is this:

Should I go after the dealer that sold me the truck for fraud? I was trying to contact them repeatedly for the last 3 or 4 weeks about my CD magazine that they promised to get me and never did. I suspect they thought I was calling about the cat and maybe that is why they never returned my calls. Of course, if my cat isn't covered by the warranty they sold me, I am going to go ape*****.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am at my wits end!

 

I would consult an attorney...you have a pretty strong case from what I have read.