TroubleShooters: SUV bursts into flames after leaving lot

A teenager was behind the wheel of a car when it started smoking and later burst into flames, less than an hour after it was bought. When she couldn't get her money back from the person who sold it to her, she came to the Action News TroubleShooters for help.

Video of the car fire was posted on online.

"I smelled smoke and then I instantly pulled over because I saw a wisp of white smoke coming out of the hood," said Mackenzie Shaughnessy.

17-year-old Mackenzie and her brother were on Route 422 between Royersford and Collegeville, as their mom, who was following them, watched in horror.

"That I couldn't get to them, that I should have drove - it was just horrible," said Kim Shaughnessy, mother.

Kim urged them on the phone to get out.

"And they ran down the side of 422 to get away from it," she said.

"So we got out of the car, I looked back and it was in flames - I was like heartbroken," said Mackenzie.

Heartbroken, she also wanted her money back from the man who had sold her the vehicle less than an hour before it burst into flames.

"He said it was in excellent condition. He kept telling us it was in excellent condition," said Kim.

Kim says she found the vehicle on Craigslist in the private dealer section - a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer as Mackenzie's first set of wheels.

The Shaughnessys test drove it, then Mackenzie paid the seller all the money she'd saved up which was $1,350.

However about 35 minutes later, the car was in flames.

When the Shaughnessys demanded their money back, the seller refused.

"And he goes, 'No, I sold it as is - it's your problem,'" said Kim.

So the Shaughnessys called on the Action News TroubleShooters. We tracked down Ramone Orlando Lista in Reading.

"If I feel any problem, I put the car back to auction and I don't sell it to the person because I don't like if somebody sell the car with me like that - you know," said Lista.

Lista also told us if he could see proof of the fire, he'd give them a refund.

"Yeah, I'm not a bad person, you know," said Lista.

After Action News TroubleShooters got involved, the Shaughnessys got all of their money back.

"You guys have been absolutely wonderful," said Kim.

"I'm shocked I got it back but I'm really glad I did," said Mackenzie.

If you need help with a problem visit 6abc.com/troubleshooters, email troubleshooters@abc.com, or through our Call for Action volunteers by calling 1-866-978-4232.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office offers the following tips:

Buying a Used Car: Tips to save you money in the long run

Buying a vehicle, even a used vehicle, can be an expensive endeavor, but if you do some homework and shop around you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. By doing a little bit of research, you can learn about vehicle models, prices and repair records. This information is readily available on the Internet and in auto buyer guide books.

Once at the dealership, inspect the car yourself by running down the "Used Car Checklist." Some things to look for are rust on the exterior, poor suspension and functionality of seatbelts, locks and windows. After examining the car, take it for a test drive, paying close attention to the brakes, acceleration and alignment. It is also a good idea to take the car to an independent mechanic for a mechanical and safety inspection. If the dealer will not allow you to do this, you can ask the dealer to have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice or have your mechanic visit the dealer.

If the inspection checks out and you now want to purchase the vehicle, you must consider the following:

Purchase Price: Make sure the price is consistent with one of the publications that you consulted and most importantly is within your budget.

Payment options: Unless you pay for your car with cash up front, you will have to finance your car over time. Remember that the higher the down payment you can provide, the lower your interest and monthly payments will be. The interest rate, however, is largely tied to your credit rating.

Warranty: Be sure to understand the warranty that accompanies your used car:

-A written warranty covers only what is explicitly contained in the writing. You have a right to see the dealer's warranty before you buy a car.

-A vehicle that is sold "as-is" means that there is no warranty and the purchaser will bear the cost of repairs. However, vehicles that are sold must be roadworthy and be able to pass state inspection unless disclosures are made by the dealer. Be very cautious when purchasing a vehicle "as is."

-Under federal law, warranty information (buyers guide) must be posted in a visible place in the automobile.

Service contract: A service contract covers certain repairs and/or maintenance for a specified period of time. Not all dealers provide service contracts. Unlike a warranty, the cost of a service contract is not included in the price of the car.

If you are buying a used car from a private party, follow the same advice as though you were purchasing a car from a dealer. Note, however, that when purchasing a used vehicle from a private party, that transaction may not include a warranty.

For more information contact the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555.