Bought a 2000 commodore from car dealer that i thought was a reputable car dealer. He said they had structural guarantee so thought i was safe. However taking it to my mechanic found it has been in an accident (and stuctural does not mean the body of the car but the chassy etc). It is ok ( a few body imperfections though) but i am really upset about it. Upset at myself as well for not being more careful. Now it is going round and round in my head what to do. I really want to sell it but i am really honest and would have to tell people its been in an accident. I just dont want to keep the car and have the constant reminder and disapointment that i was "done over". What do other people think? Help please as my mind is stewing over this and i cant believe how upset it has made me.
2006-10-23 06:30:45 · 14 answers · asked by Nic 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
It looks like you got some responses quickly , so that should tell you your not the 1st person or the last to have this happen to. You had a mechanic look at it, wow , that takes action and desire to be wise. To stew over it is normal especially when your honest and hope ever body would be too,but in the long run you will be better off than the dishonest. As far as the car, believe to sell it to a private buyer who is looking for an honest seller (you) and you may have to sacrifice some money but it is a process that makes you know more people and will make yourself a better, wiser person and teacher to someone else who may go through the same thing.Getting back up after a fall is painful but the irony is still the joy you get from the trial and victory you have over your own reactions.
2006-10-23 07:03:17 · answer #1 · answered by padonwheels 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ethical or not, there is no legal requirement to disclose previous accidents with a car. The dealership might not have even known about any accidents since the previous owner may not have told them.
Normally, I would check the carfax history and/or take it to a mechanic before ever purchasing it. The dealership didn't pull a fast one on you, you just didn't do your homework.
You can't complain about body imperfections since you should have been able to see those yourself. If the mechanic had never mention anything, you would have gone on your merry way and probably never run into any problems from the past accident. You should still try to do that.
2006-10-23 16:12:18 · answer #2 · answered by lepninja 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretty unpleasent situation, I had something similar but different last year when paying substantial downpayment for a used car and at the last instant it turned out that the miliage counter was manipulated (the difference was"only" 40.000 miles....). In that case I talked very politely and calmly to the dealer saying that I am convinced : it is not his fault but a misunderstanding and he was himself cheated and also that I am sure he does not want any inconveniances for himself. He volontarily paid back the downpayment.
As for your case: first you should check your contract very carefully looking for any closure which enables you to claim many back (considering also, that the value of a car that took part in an accident -depending of course on the severity of the damage- differs from the value of an unhurted car). Depending on the accident the car took part in, it may also had an effect on the structure of the car. Secondly you can try to talk to the dealer in a way described above. If he is a reputable one with good busieness he might not want any trouble or bad feeling with you and perhaps he will buy the car back or gives you discount. Thirdly (if we disregards the possibility to sue him) you can try to register a claim at the local chamber of commerce, or at the dealers's association (if there is any of which he is a member of). Thirdly if there is any in your country or in your city you can contact any organization for customer protection who may be also interested in your case and have the knowledge how to treat it.
Would be nice to learn the outcome, I wish many success for you!
2006-10-23 14:06:46 · answer #3 · answered by ge 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you really dont want it cause it has been in an accident, then sell it. I sold my car which had been in an accident, but not a major one, when the people bought it, they never even asked if it had been in an accident, so I decided not to tell them. The only time you actually have to tell them if its been in an accident or not is if they ask, or if the car was a total loss because of the accident!
2006-10-23 13:34:18 · answer #4 · answered by Molly323 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there was non structural body damage, there really was nothing major wrong with the car. Drive it, enjoy it, and learn the lesson that you should always have a used car checked out by your own mechanic prior to purchase!
2006-10-23 13:35:21 · answer #5 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states (Kentucky is one) the Attroney General's office will tell you that the state law regarding car sales is "as is" unless otherwise stated. --And "let the buyer beware."
I called them after getting stiffed with a lemon. The Attorney General's office told me, in so many words, that nothing could be done because state laws aren't written to protect the buyers of cars in this way.
Investigate the law in your state. Maybe call the Attorney General, as I did. Good luck.
2006-10-23 13:35:00 · answer #6 · answered by martino 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you bought it from a person and not a company you are stuck with it. In pretty much every state a sale between two people is an "As Is" sale and you should have done a check on it before you bought.
If you bought it from a company, you will have to see what kind of waranty they gave you and how long your state waranties used cars.
Adam
2006-10-23 13:39:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you say it is fine don't feel too bad, I had a buddy buy an eclipse with a bent frame and he is stuck with it. He has to replace tires constantly. I would go back to the dealership and tell about it. I would also look into any type of lemon laws. Let that dealership know how you feel and if they don't work with you tell them you highly recommend people not go there. Hell, let me know who it is, cause I know I wouldn't want to go there.
2006-10-23 14:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by brian m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you buy a car from a dealership in the future, no matter how reputable their reputation, have them provide you with a Carfax report. You may also want to check on lemon laws in your state to see if there's anything that can be done as far as returning it.
2006-10-23 13:34:50 · answer #9 · answered by Nae Nae 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
how long ago did you purchase it? You can get a lawyer and you can sue him for the cost of the car and probably court costs as well. By law he has to tell you if there is any history that he knows of. Also from now on try carfax.com, it tells you if it has been in any accidents. Good luck.
2006-10-23 13:33:50 · answer #10 · answered by Barbara C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋