On 8/13, I purchased a 1987 Porsche 944 with just over 80,000 miles from Rick Roy of J. & R. Auto Sales in Durham, Maine (“We pride ourselves in customer satisfaction and knowing that you will drive away happy”). I spoke with Rick once on the phone. All other interaction, including the in person sale was with Jeff. At the time of purchase, I was provided a folder of service records for the car.
As agreed, once my check cleared the bank, the Porsche was delivered to my local auto shop for a State Inspection and road preparation. But, when reviewing the most recent service records (from 2016), it was noted that several problems with overheating had been reported by the previous owner. This problem had not been corrected; the car still overheated when running in place for a few minutes. A combustion test was performed and gasses were found in the coolant. This indicates a cracked block, bad piston, blown head gasket, or some combination of these. Additionally, the timing belt was heard to ‘sing’, indicating that it had been over tensioned when installed.
Counsel was requested from a couple of Porsche experts and the consensus was that it would be financially irresponsible to spend the money required to repair the car. Despite the fact that the car was in very good shape except for the engine, and there being no suitable alternative, it was junked.
Used car dealers in Maine are required to inform potential vehicle buyers of “Any major mechanical problems with the car (motor, transmission, etc.) even if the car has been repaired”. I was not informed of any problems with the car.
While Jeff informed me that the transaction was considered a person to person vs. dealer purchase, the car was displayed on the J. & R. Auto Sales lot, was listed on the J. & R. Auto Sales web site under Inventory, was advertised on Craigslist under For Sale >Cars & Trucks – By Dealer, and sported a J. & R. Auto Sales tag in the front license plate holder in online photos and in person. I am not a lawyer but believe this clearly represents an attempt to associate the car with the dealership. I also believe that this clearly represents a willful decision to knowingly sell me a car with major mechanical problems. ~Mark
used car dealer