1997 Toyota camry blown head gasket?

[Computergeek1337]

My sister bought a 1997 Toyota camry le and drove it from las vegas to los angeles (about a 4 hour drive). About a block away from her home, he engine shut off due to it overheating. She poured some water in the radiator and was able to make it home. She later noticed a crack in the radiator, and knew that it needed to be replaced. I told her to buy some engine coolant and pour it into the radiator. I also told her that should could still drive the car as long as she did not let it overheat. So the next day she drove the car to the gas station, bought some coolant and poured it in the radiator. She was on her way to the shop (with a friend following her) when white smoke and coolant started pouring out of her tail pipe. I know that she has a blown head gasket, but here is my question.
We bought the car from a small dealership in Nevada. I know that dealers need to do some type of inspection on there cars before they are able to sell them. I also know that radiators do not just go randomly, it takes time for them to go. Obviously the head gasket being blown was caused by the car overheating/the radiator being blown.
Is there anything we can do in reguards to the dealership?
What should I say when I go in and complain?
Would I be able to take this up in small claims court?
any info you can provide would be helpful.

 

[br549]

Don't complain. It was bought "AS IS WHERE IS" and I'm sure that a NO WARRANTY release was signed at the deal.

There is no way to know when a head gasket is going to fail. Your sister may also have caused the bulk of the problem. She drove it for 4 hours, probably pretty fast (I've made that trip many times, everyone goes fast!). Engines don't just "shut off due to overheating" without warning. There had to have been a gauge on the dash that she paid no attention to.

You said, "She later noticed a crack in the radiator" and also said "She poured some water in the radiator." Cold water on hot parts can cause trouble! You also say "I also know that radiators do not just go randomly" well yes they can! I'm sure that the overheating during the trip caused excess pressure build up in the radiator. The tanks are plastic, they can't handle too much.

Now I am not saying that this was her fault, but I am saying that had she noticed the overheat and immediately had it checked, the cause could have been a minor trouble and the major trouble may could have been avoided.

Again. Don't complain ( as in whine, demand and act like the car lot owes you something, because legally they do not. You can however inform them of the problem and ask if they can help with repair costs, or another vehicle. Being so far away, I doubt they will but you can try.

One other thing here, You also said; "I know that dealers need to do some type of inspection on there cars before they are able to sell them" That isn't really true. There are some state inspections that must be done in some states, not sure about Nevada. There were no state inspections when I lived there. No laws require any inspection of longevity though. As long as the brakes, lights and safety stuff is good, it can go!

Your sister ought to complain to the independent mechanic who did the pre purchase inspection for her! ( I am betting that didn't happen huh?).