In some jurisdictions, dealerships may be required by law to provide a warranty or guarantee on used cars. If such a warranty is provided and the car breaks down within the warranty period due to a covered defect, the dealership may be responsible for repairing or replacing the defective parts or providing a refund.
In other cases, even if no explicit warranty is provided, the dealership may still be held liable for the breakdown if it can be proven that they were aware of the defect or should have known about it through reasonable inspection and failed to disclose it to the buyer. This may be considered a breach of the implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
However, it is important to note that dealerships may not be responsible if the breakdown is caused by wear and tear, accidents, improper use or maintenance, or other factors not related to defects pre-existing at the time of purchase.
To protect your rights as a buyer, it is important to carefully review any warranty provided by the dealership, inspect the car thoroughly before purchasing, and keep records of any discussions or agreements related to the condition and sale of the car. If you encounter issues or disputes after purchasing a used car, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney to understand your rights and options.