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A woman bought a $17,000 SUV from a used auto dealership thinking that the 2018 Nissan Rogue would be a reliable option for her family. However, the dealer failed to mention that it had a salvaged title and needed $13,000 worth of damage repaired. 

A woman wasn’t told that her used SUV had a salvage title or damage 

A mother in Michigan found herself facing $13,000 worth of repairs for her $17,000 used Nissan Rogue after the purchase was completed. 

Moise Nshizirungu, the son of the mother who purchased the Rogue, shared that she was paying $500 a month for the used SUV and needed to take it in for repairs after hitting a deer. 

The repair shop said it couldn’t repair the vehicle due to prior damage and incorrect repairs. It was rebuilt incorrectly with screws that weren’t supposed to be in some places. 

The screws were golding prices together and rusted metal components should have been replaced, but it was covered up by the bumper. She was quoted $13,000 to properly repair the vehicle and its value was estimated at $10,000. 

However, the dealership told the owner that the Nissan Rogue was rebuilt and all of the damages were repaired prior to sale. 

It wasn’t until after the paperwork was signed that she was told the vehicle had a salvaged title and the vehicle was being sold as is. Because she signed ‘as is’ paperwork, there was no wrongdoing by the dealership. 

The 2024 Nissan Rogue parked by a city
2024 Nissan Rogue | Nissan

If you look up the Nissan Rogue’s vehicle identification number, it lists the salvaged title and the need for $13,208 of repairs. She could have done more research before buying the Rogue. You’re even allowed to have a mechanic look over a vehicle before buying it. 

Adam Taub, a consumer attorney, shared that when you buy cars as is, it doesn’t matter if they’re unsafe or if it’s worth one-tenth of what you paid for them. As is means that you fix it, and drivers can’t always afford that. 

If a dealership isn’t willing to stand by their cars in writing or to provide a warranty for at least three months or 30,000 miles, then run away. 

The amount of unsafe vehicles on the roads with salvaged titles and improper repairs is staggering. These vehicles put families, drivers, and passengers in danger. 

Luckily, the dealership that sold the Nissan Rogue offered to buy it after state regulators started investigating the matter.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.