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OK, I asked another question yesterday about "unknowingly being sold a car with a salvage title" -- http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061128073937AAwWAu9 -- which the dealership is supposedly still uncertain of.

Well, the saga continues. Now they claim they should get the title today, they're just waiting for the auction people to send it. I've been told that the auction part is normal, though them not knowing any details about their purchase seems odd, to say the least.

They're claiming they're in the same position I'm in! Isn't it their responsibility to know? Plus when I asked they insisted it hadn't been in a wreck, and they went further to give me a warranty.

Assuming the car has only been in a wreck (that resulted in a settlement for $13k in 12/2005) how does that effect the so-called "bumper-to-bumper" warranty they gave me? Is this alone fraud, even if it doesn't have a salvage title?

Shouldn't they reduce the price? Am I stuck?

(I'm in TX.)

2006-11-29 03:02:31 · 5 answers · asked by PiggyGirl 2 in Cars & Transportation Buying & Selling

I purchased the car 11/22 but didn't get the insurance stuff until after the Thanksgiving holiday. That's when my insurance agent discovered the wreck, on 11/27.

I have called the TX Attorney General and the DMV and they're telling me to submit a complaint. I'm going to call the legal people provided through my job later today, but I was hoping to settle this peacefully.

Initially they seemed to won't to resolve this, yesterday they implied they were already looking for a new Ion, and insisted they wouldn't leave me in a wrecked vehicle.

Now it just seems like they're trying to get out of it and shirk responsibility. But I don't think ignorance is an adequate defense. At the very least I think the price should be lowered, or I should be released from the contract.

I do know that I would not have bought the car had they told me it was in a $13k wreck and they acknowledge that that's likely the case. Still, they insist the wreck doesn't effect our deal.

2006-11-29 03:18:34 · update #1

I got it from a smaller local dealer called "Auto Max."

My issue with the wreck is that I specifically asked if it had been in a wreck and they said no. I asked two separate salesmen and they both said no.

My insurance agent only found the $13k claim through one insurance company -- he was checking them all for the lowest price. None of the other insurance companies were showing this claim BUT I'm sure the dealership knew what was what.

I can't accept that the auction didn't let them know the history of that car -- I'm sure the truth of the matter was in the price they paid for it. If they got a severely discounted price on it they had to know why, in my opinion. I doubt they got gypped too.

Though, I did initially give them the benefit of the doubt, thinking maybe they really didn't know, but now I'm thinking the shock was more a reaction to the fact that I found out about it, rather than true ignorance/innocence.

And still, they claim they don't have the title.

2006-11-29 08:05:52 · update #2

5 answers

As a car salesman, I can tell you that it is possible to know wether or not a vehicle has been "in a wreck".

First of all, a "wreck" doesn't constitute a SALVAGE TITLE. Every town in America has several reputable Auto Body shops. And, it doesn't take much to have several thousand dollars worth of damage. It does seem possible that they might not know about this, considering that your insurance agent only found the accident records on one source, but not all.

And if the vehicle was not issued a SALVAGE TITLE, and only had extensive body work done, then they are under no obligation to tell you. The fact that you asked is commendable, but as they say, "This vehicle is being sold As-Is. All warranties are issued in Writing at the time of the sale. No Verbal assurances or warranties or Implied guarantees are valid. You agree that you are purchasing this vehicle AS IS." And if they threw in the bumper to bumper warranty....then, what's your problem? If something goes wrong...have it fixed.

However, if it was a salvage title...and for some reason, they DID know, but didn't tell you. They are probably breaking some law somewhere.

We don't go to what are called "Open Auction" (where any licenced dealer or broker can register and buy or sell anything they want). We only buy vehicles at the "Closed Auction" (where only Ford Motor Company sells to only Franchised dealers)....so I don't know exactly how the "open auctions" work. But I can tell you that, even at the Closed Auction, you don't SEE the title before you buy it. You base your purchase on the vehicles appearance, and quality. The auction is under the obligation to inform the purchaser if there is a SALVAGE title....but once again, what if they didn't tell anyone?

And the dealer sounds on par with what we see at auction...meaning the titles may come in shortly after the vehicle does. They shouldn't have sold it without the title, but nonetheless, it is possible to have happen.

The entire scenario sounds plausible. And It does sound like they are trying to work with you to make things RIGHT again in one way or another.

If you wanna get lawyer happy...go ahead. But then they could get lawyer happy, too...and who knows what will happen. If they are making attempts to correct the situation, and make you happy, then I think you have yourself a dealer that apparently wants to earn back your trust. They realize that they may have made a mistake, but are trying to correct it.

2006-11-29 10:48:32 · answer #1 · answered by glenspot 3 · 0 1

If the dealership bought the car at an auction. it would have been disclosed at the time of sale - whether it was a salvage title, frame damaged, etc. If this is the case and they did not disclose to you the title imperfections. You have a case of fraud. However, if the vehicle has been wrecked and has a clear title then you bought the vehicle as is with all faults. Dont worry most used cars have been wrecked. There are warranty companies that cover salvaged title vehicles. Remember just because it has been in a wreck does not mean it has a salvage title or is a bad vehicle. IF it is a SALVAGE/REBUILT title you probably should not buy it unless it is dirt cheap.

2006-11-29 13:43:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

You didn't by any chance, buy this car from CarMax did you? They have to honor the warranty as long as you have it in writing. Other than that, dealers assume you have the liability to research the vehicles history. The more things change, the more they stay the same with car sales. The only way you'll be able to get out is if they can only get salvagable title and then the sale would fall under deceptive practices. If they're looking for another vehicle, that means they already know they're in the wrong. Good luck. I feel for you.

2006-11-29 15:47:20 · answer #3 · answered by Dimomma 1 · 0 0

ask the local dmv if you can even reregister a salvage car,we cant here,if thats the case then the dealer is on the hook for the car and should refund your money.this could be a katrina car and bad news.right now the dmv will be your best source of info as they may also be able to tell you where the car came from by the serial number.good luck and dont let the dealer sweet talk you into something you may regret

2006-11-29 11:09:25 · answer #4 · answered by doug b 6 · 0 0

Even if they reduce the price I wouldn't buy it.

Call your local TV station, the one with a consumer hotline, and ask them what you should do. If they smell a story opportunity you will have a powerful ally on your side.

2006-11-29 11:56:34 · answer #5 · answered by Kasey C 7 · 0 0

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