car older than what it was sold as...?

Question

my sister bought a car about 8 months ago from a used lot (it's attached to and owned by a major new dodge dealership). She bought it as a 2001 dodge stratus and all her paperwork and loan info says it's a 2001. It recently broke down and she found out (and confirmed) that it's actually only a 2000. What should she do? And what effect would this have on her sale contract with the dealership and with the loan with the bank?

Answer 1

If the vehicle identification number on all the paperwork is correct & matches the VIN on the vehicle, then everything is valid.

If there was a mistake made in typing the VIN, then the entire deal can be voided. ( your sister may even be able to get a free vehicle out of it)

The 10th character- Identifies the model year. For example: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L), 1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T),
1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y)------2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)


It is nearly impossible to falsify the year of the vehicle ... that is if the paperwork was done through a computer....
If a contract was hand written or typed without the use of a computer, then there is plenty of room for error.
If the paperwork was falsified, that is considered fraud!

Answer 2

A car's price is based on many factors, including its condition, mileage, etc. A 2000 car in the same condition and with the same mileage as a 2001 won't sell for much different a price, but it will probably be slightly lower.

I'd approach the dealership with this information and request a reduction in the price. If the dealership will not cooperate, calling the local better business bureau might bear some fruit.

Incidentally, in North America tenth digit of the VIN (serial number) will tell you the year of the car. A 2000 will have a "0" and a 2001 will have a "1". If you google you can find a complete table of all the codes.

Answer 3

Before doing anything else, verify this new information by calling the Manufacturer and the DMV with the VIN and also by checking the VIN against Kelly BlueBook.
If you find the vehicle is in fact a 2000model and not a 2001, first make sure you have all the paperwork in order -make copies. Then contact the dealership and alert them to the fact that you now know they sold you a 2000 and represented it as a 2001. Find out what remedy they are offering to rectify the situation.
If they suggest you go in, be careful and take the copies ...NOT the originals of all your paperwork. You should keep whatever original signed copies you have AWAY from them lest they make your paperwork "disappear".

If you find that you are getting nowhere with them, contact your financier with this new information and the Attorney Generals office (as someone already suggested) or file a case in small claims court if the difference in value is within the boundaries of small claims in your state(assuming you are in the states).

Even when you buy a used vehicle as is, the seller may NOT grossly misrepresent the vehicle. Claiming a vehicle is a year newer than it actually is ...that is
GROSS MISREPRESENTATION !!!
It is also FRAUD (which would warrant a criminal case) !!

Answer 4

There is a very good chance that the build date that you will see on the door is MY 2000 but the car is actually a 2001. But the vin is the true way to tell. If it turns out to be a 2000 then the dealer will owe you some money. Or may even have to take the car back.

Answer 5

She may have a case against the dealer, by mis-representing the car as being newer than it is. Besides, the taxes on a car one year older is lower, so they basically cost her money. She should approach them and ask for some money back, and if not, get a lawyer. There's no reason to belief that the dealer could not know it wasn't a 2000. If it was a hole-in-the-wall dealership, I can understand why it may have happened, but either way, she got taken, and deserves some compensation , because SHE won't be compensated if its' found out the car isn't what it's supposed to be, legally. I don't like lawyers, and suing people, but in this instance, it may be a supportable course of action.
- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 6

It's probably going to be difficult for her to do anything about it at. 2001 model vehicles were actually made in 2000 for the up coming year. However, she should contact the dealership about the problem. Most of your bigger dealeships will do something to rectify the situation, but she did buy the car "as is", and might be stuck with it.

Answer 7

hmm...that sucks first off! The dealership should have known, and my guess is-they did! I would call the bank with whom she has the loan and report it. Also call the dealership, complain to the sales manager or as high up as she can go to complain. Also, maybe contact a lawyer that is willing to answer questions. I may be wrong, but that sounds like fraud to me!

Ps-i worked at a dodge dealership and they are all scumbags! good luck!

Answer 8

If you are assuming this from the date of manufacture, it will usually show 2000 for a 2001 "model" vehicle. (If it was made in 1999, then it is a 2000)

Answer 9

Chances are 2000 was when it was built but it is a 2001. Call the dealer and discuss it with them. They'll explain it.

Answer 10

Contact the Attorney Generals office of consumer affairs. If the vehicle was sold under fraudulent terms, the seller may be liable and would have to refund the purchase money and take the car back as is.