Which Will it Be?
There is a car dealer in town that's poised to make the S**T List or the N**E List. Time will tell which it will be, and for the time being I haven't told them about either list.
The reason blogging may be spotty over the next couple of days is that we just bought a used car that turned out to be a dud. Within a few days after the purchase the car refused to start. It turned over just fine, but just wouldn't get going. We suspected that the problem was related to a faulty ignition switch that the dealer failed to warn us about. Unless we very carefully set the switch when we removed the key, the radio might stay on and drain the battery. We figured that there could be other problems caused by the switch and asked the dealer to pick up the four-wheel drive brick from our alley. They hesitantly agreed to deal with the switch, but told us we would be paying for the towing.
Today, the dealer called and said that the car had more trouble than their inspection showed. When they went in to fix the ignition switch they discovered damage that led them to believe the vehicle might have been broken into at some time. They obviously saw that this was going to be a very expensive fix, because they offered to trade us a vehicle with fewer miles that was "driven by an elderly couple."
While this sounded like a potential fair trade, there is a HUGE problem. After purchasing the first car I took it to be inspected. I already invested a lot of money in that car, getting it looked at, fixing things just in case, and repairing some of the things we knew to be wrong with it before we bought it. I expect that any "fair trade" vehicle will be in the same condition, so that I won't have to pay for the same work twice! I also expect that the dealer will pay for the second inspection at a shop of my choosing.
So far, they don't seem excited about my bargain. Worse yet, the replacement vehicle they promised hasn't even arrived at the lot. That means they really haven't inspected it for themselves yet. This doesn't instill a lot of confidence, does it?
If any of my readers are familiar with this type of situation, I'd appreciate any words of wisdom and legal advice.
The reason blogging may be spotty over the next couple of days is that we just bought a used car that turned out to be a dud. Within a few days after the purchase the car refused to start. It turned over just fine, but just wouldn't get going. We suspected that the problem was related to a faulty ignition switch that the dealer failed to warn us about. Unless we very carefully set the switch when we removed the key, the radio might stay on and drain the battery. We figured that there could be other problems caused by the switch and asked the dealer to pick up the four-wheel drive brick from our alley. They hesitantly agreed to deal with the switch, but told us we would be paying for the towing.
Today, the dealer called and said that the car had more trouble than their inspection showed. When they went in to fix the ignition switch they discovered damage that led them to believe the vehicle might have been broken into at some time. They obviously saw that this was going to be a very expensive fix, because they offered to trade us a vehicle with fewer miles that was "driven by an elderly couple."
While this sounded like a potential fair trade, there is a HUGE problem. After purchasing the first car I took it to be inspected. I already invested a lot of money in that car, getting it looked at, fixing things just in case, and repairing some of the things we knew to be wrong with it before we bought it. I expect that any "fair trade" vehicle will be in the same condition, so that I won't have to pay for the same work twice! I also expect that the dealer will pay for the second inspection at a shop of my choosing.
So far, they don't seem excited about my bargain. Worse yet, the replacement vehicle they promised hasn't even arrived at the lot. That means they really haven't inspected it for themselves yet. This doesn't instill a lot of confidence, does it?
If any of my readers are familiar with this type of situation, I'd appreciate any words of wisdom and legal advice.
5 Amendments:
I don't have any advice, but I feel for you. I hope you get it all straightened out soon.
I know a good attorney.
Does the "lemon law" apply to used cars? (I've only had one used in my life, and it was an ugly, but good car...till my ex flipped it a few times.) So, I honestly don't know if it does or not.
The only advice I can give is to stick to your guns, state clearly what you want and give them a time limit to give you what you want. Write them a letter stating what you want (return receipt requesed), and then become a real pain in the keester, even if you have to call them several times a day. If they refuse, threaten them with court---small claims court (which you can do yourself) if the value is low enough, and follow through with it.
Sometimes, if the value is more than small claims court allows, just a firm letter from an attorney will make them back off and give you what you want.
Small claims court has always worked for me, because unlike you being able to represent yourself, a corporation has to hire an attorney even for small claims court. It costs them. At least that's been my experience in CA. I don't know the rules in Wisconsin, but I'm sure you can find them easily enough.
If you go to court, have EVERYTHING documented, who you spoke to, the date and time, and what was said. So begin keeping a strict record of everything that passes between you and the dealer. That will be a tremendous help in court. Judges often rule in your favor just for being organized and having good documentation. It's never failed me.
Give me a call and we can talk about it.... I sold cars for 3+ years and can walk you through some of your next options...
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