In July 2023, I purchased my 51,000 miles 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE (used/financed) from a dealership in Phoenix, AZ. Everything seemed fine. Around March 2024, I took my vehicle in for regular maintenance - maintenance scheduled (60,000 miles) - I had already taken it for oil changes previously, etc. however at this time it was discovered my catalytic converter is an aftermarket piece installed that does not meet the standards for my vehicle. I was advised it seems to be a poorly welded repair attempt. I went back and forth with the dealership and they were uncooperative. They offered a $500 goodwill gesture which I have not accepted nor denied.

I submitted a complaint to the Attorney General and ever since it has been going back and forth checking on the status - they informed me the dealership has not reached out to them since the first complaint was filed. I am within the year of the statue of limitations since discovery, but wanted to ask if anyone had advise here?

I understand that I should have had a mechanic come with me to buy the vehicle and that I should have done this and that - lesson learned will do that next time so please know I acknowledge my mistake.

There were no disclosures or anything. The dealership offering me $500 kind of tells me that they know they neglected their investigation of the vehicle before sale... So what do you think and should I take further action?