‘Dateline’ Examines Hidden Hazard In Buying Used Car
Sit down to tonight’s “Dateline NBC” at 9, and you may find yourself muttering about yet another way that honest, hard-working people get shafted by the system.
An investigation by correspondent Chris Hansen reveals that there’s a potential disaster lurking for anyone who buys a used car. The case in point involves June Wood of Erie, Pa., who paid $11,000 for a used auto. But not long after driving it off the lot, police told her the dealer had unknowingly sold her a stolen car.
Now, like many caught in the same trap, she’s without a car and out $11,000.
Here’s what Hamilton found to be the problem: When a stolen car is confiscated, it is evidence. It’s not legally stolen unless the thief is found, charged and convicted.
If there’s no conviction, the car is returned to the original owner. But the person who bought it used is left holding the bag.
“The dealer is not obligated in any way, unless the investigation proves that the dealer was knowingly selling a stolen car,” a “Dateline” spokesman explained. “It’s a real Catch-22.”
How can you reduce your chances of ending up like June Wood? If you’re thinking of buying a used car, this is a report you may want to watch.
Highlights
“Mark Russell,” KSPS at 7:30: Another year, another salvo of satirical songs from Washington’s troubadour of timely tunes. Targets include 1996 presidential contenders Bill Clinton and O.J. Simpson.
“Ellen,” ABC at 8: When Buy the Book is burglarized, Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) volunteers to be the “bait” in a police sting operation. What are the chances she’ll keep her cool?
“Beverly Hills, 90210,” FOX at 8: Kelly’s dad (John Reilly of “General Hospital”) moves into town, and this time she thinks he’ll stick around. Also, Brandon remains uncertain about what’s up with Susan (Emma Caulfield) and her old boyfriend (Carl Evans). Roger Corman makes a cameo appearance when Steve stages a Corman film festival.
“TV’s Funniest Families: The Neighbors,” NBC at 8: From Fred and Ethel to Tim Taylor’s philosophical backyard buddy on “Home Improvement,” next-door co-stars have been a big part of sitcom success stories. The hour looks back over 40 seasons of laughter. Repeat.
“Bless This House,” CBS at 8:30: Robert Harper (“Frank’s Place”) and Jane Carr (“Dear John”) guest-star as Burt and Alice’s (Andrew Clay, Cathy Moriarty) new neighbors. Suffice to say, they don’t get along - so much so that the police pay a visit.
“Frontline,” KSPS at 8: Part 2 of “The Gulf War” analyzes the down side of the allied effort, what one expert calls “an inconclusive war … a modest victory snatched from the jaws of triumph.”
“Party of Five,” FOX at 9: Tax problems reunite Kirstin and Charlie (Paula Devicq, Matthew Fox). Sarah and Justin (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Michael Goorjian) get caught in a fight between Julia and Bailey (Neve Campbell, Scott Wolf).
“The Naked Truth,” ABC at 9:30: Nora (Tea Leoni) finds that one of her wild and rowdy college friends (Stacey Travis) has become a nun, causing her to rethink the meaning of her life. But don’t count on the zany comedy getting too serious.
Cable Calls
“The Road,” TNN at 5 and 9: Slide guitar player Lee Roy Parnell and singers Aaron Neville and Mary Chapin Carpenter are profiled.
“Bad Boys” (1983), TBS at 7:30: Sean Penn is young and raw in this uncompromising prison story. It’s been criticized as contrived, poorly edited and gratuitously violent. Even the makeup has been panned.
Despite its shortcomings it evokes a visceral response, thanks in large part to Penn’s convincing performance.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor-comedian Dana Carvey, child actor Haley Joel Osment (“The Jeff Foxworthy Show”) and musical group Tears for Fears. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Sandra Bullock, actor-comedian Marlon Wayans and musical prodigy Laurence Tai.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Boxer George Foreman, actress Kylie Travis and musical guest Edwyn Collins. Repeat.