Screwed by Dealer on Vehicle Purchase
09-10-2010 | 06:55 AM
#21
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 1
From: mass
Ok, I need some advice, suggestions, and guidance on this issue as I am not sure what to do, short of hiring an attorney.
Long story short: I purchased my JK on 8/25 (just 2 weeks ago) from a dealer about 90 miles from my home. It is a 2008 Certified Pre-Owned Wrangler X purchased with 39,500 miles. The day after purchase, I discover it needs an oil change. After the oil gets changed, I discover that the differential fluid has not been changed and have that done as well. Then, I discover that the tires on the Jeep are the original stock tires with now 40k miles on them and are at or less than 4/32" tread life. The outside of the tire is more worn than the inside. So, I go today and have 4 brand new tires put on and take it to a dealer for an alignment. Not only do they find that the alignment is off, but that the rear brakes are gone, and I mean completely worn, down to the plate. Also, the rear wiper (hard top) is missing a blade and the whole assembly must be replaced.
So, my Certified Pre-Owned vehicle has cost me $180 (oil and differential service), $793 (new tires), $90 (alignment), $330 (rear brake job), and $70 (rear wiper assembly). So we are looking at $1500 in money out of my pocket in 2 weeks of ownership. Naturally, I called the dealer where I purchased the car (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealer) and they look up my info while I am bitching. The guy has the nerve to not only admit to me that the vehicle had just come in on a trade, but that they never inspected it! It never went through the Certified Pre-Owned inspection process because "I bought it too fast". Also, due to credit issues, he states that "the only person who made money on this deal was the lender". So, "there is no money left to fix anything on the Jeep". Because they "had to work so hard to get me financed, there is nothing he can do".
I couldn't believe it. I tried to argue that my credit and financing had nothing to do with them failing to inspect the vehicle as advertised, but he refused to see it my way. I then called the 1-800 Jeep customer service number and was told that this is a dealer dispute and they can do nothing to help. I was hung up on after I became irate. The guy from the dealer called back and said that his "boss" said they should take a look at the brakes and I can bring it in. I told him I wasn't driving 90 miles with no rear brakes and that it could get repaired at my local dealer. He refused, stating "we are not paying another dealer to do the work".
I paid the local dealer the money to get the brakes fixed ASAP. Based on my knowledge of the law, they have a material misrepresentation of their product, based on false advertisement and flat out fraud. In addition, I feel I have a negligence case since the brakes and nearly bald tires could be a safety issue. The foundation for this is that they advertised the vehicle as being Certified Pre-Owned, which includes the warranty and their 125 point inspection. Any reasonable person (consumer) would believe that the vehicle not only was inspected but passed this inspection.
Can anyone offer any advice or ideas? Has anyone been down a similar path with Chrysler? I appreciate you reading the lengthy post and any help you can provide. Thank you!
Long story short: I purchased my JK on 8/25 (just 2 weeks ago) from a dealer about 90 miles from my home. It is a 2008 Certified Pre-Owned Wrangler X purchased with 39,500 miles. The day after purchase, I discover it needs an oil change. After the oil gets changed, I discover that the differential fluid has not been changed and have that done as well. Then, I discover that the tires on the Jeep are the original stock tires with now 40k miles on them and are at or less than 4/32" tread life. The outside of the tire is more worn than the inside. So, I go today and have 4 brand new tires put on and take it to a dealer for an alignment. Not only do they find that the alignment is off, but that the rear brakes are gone, and I mean completely worn, down to the plate. Also, the rear wiper (hard top) is missing a blade and the whole assembly must be replaced.
So, my Certified Pre-Owned vehicle has cost me $180 (oil and differential service), $793 (new tires), $90 (alignment), $330 (rear brake job), and $70 (rear wiper assembly). So we are looking at $1500 in money out of my pocket in 2 weeks of ownership. Naturally, I called the dealer where I purchased the car (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealer) and they look up my info while I am bitching. The guy has the nerve to not only admit to me that the vehicle had just come in on a trade, but that they never inspected it! It never went through the Certified Pre-Owned inspection process because "I bought it too fast". Also, due to credit issues, he states that "the only person who made money on this deal was the lender". So, "there is no money left to fix anything on the Jeep". Because they "had to work so hard to get me financed, there is nothing he can do".
I couldn't believe it. I tried to argue that my credit and financing had nothing to do with them failing to inspect the vehicle as advertised, but he refused to see it my way. I then called the 1-800 Jeep customer service number and was told that this is a dealer dispute and they can do nothing to help. I was hung up on after I became irate. The guy from the dealer called back and said that his "boss" said they should take a look at the brakes and I can bring it in. I told him I wasn't driving 90 miles with no rear brakes and that it could get repaired at my local dealer. He refused, stating "we are not paying another dealer to do the work".
I paid the local dealer the money to get the brakes fixed ASAP. Based on my knowledge of the law, they have a material misrepresentation of their product, based on false advertisement and flat out fraud. In addition, I feel I have a negligence case since the brakes and nearly bald tires could be a safety issue. The foundation for this is that they advertised the vehicle as being Certified Pre-Owned, which includes the warranty and their 125 point inspection. Any reasonable person (consumer) would believe that the vehicle not only was inspected but passed this inspection.
Can anyone offer any advice or ideas? Has anyone been down a similar path with Chrysler? I appreciate you reading the lengthy post and any help you can provide. Thank you!
09-10-2010 | 06:58 AM
#22
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 3
From: Columbus, Ohio
if you have in writing that the jeep is CPO, then yes you should have some type of feet to stand on with the dealer... if it was just the salesman that said it was CPO then you are out of luck, they will just deny it was CPO.. and say it was an as-is where-is...
the fact is a vehicle neglected as such im not sure id want any part of.. sounds like its original owner never performed any maintenance on it and then just traded it for a new one when things started to go wrong...
I have used TV news services to help me in the past and they do work... TV news services Love to rag on people.. but they will make sure all your facts are 100% straight before they go after the dealer...
I also have to ask you if you really looked the Jeep over.. a tear in a seat is easily spottable, tires too....
as far as credit issues go, if you had taken that $1500 you just spent in repairs and used as a down payment you may have been able to get into a brand new 2010... but thats all water under the bridge now...
and hopefully you saved the old parts from the repairs you had done, not just the repair orders.. that way you can show them or the TV station the old worn out tires, brakes, etc...
since this is not a lemon or such claim an attorney will want a pretty big retainer for sure.. that you will just lose if the judge rules against you... and in fact if you lose you may very well get counter-sued by the dealer to pay their lawyer fees and costs...
-Christopher
the fact is a vehicle neglected as such im not sure id want any part of.. sounds like its original owner never performed any maintenance on it and then just traded it for a new one when things started to go wrong...
I have used TV news services to help me in the past and they do work... TV news services Love to rag on people.. but they will make sure all your facts are 100% straight before they go after the dealer...
I also have to ask you if you really looked the Jeep over.. a tear in a seat is easily spottable, tires too....
as far as credit issues go, if you had taken that $1500 you just spent in repairs and used as a down payment you may have been able to get into a brand new 2010... but thats all water under the bridge now...
and hopefully you saved the old parts from the repairs you had done, not just the repair orders.. that way you can show them or the TV station the old worn out tires, brakes, etc...
since this is not a lemon or such claim an attorney will want a pretty big retainer for sure.. that you will just lose if the judge rules against you... and in fact if you lose you may very well get counter-sued by the dealer to pay their lawyer fees and costs...
-Christopher
09-10-2010 | 07:05 AM
#23
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
I am not trying to nickle and dime everything. I am only wanting to be reimbursed for the items that the dealer would have addressed had they actually attempted to meet the standards for CPO that they advertise.
Again, I am aware that I did not measure the tread depth. I am aware that I did not check the oil. I am aware that I did not remove the tires on the lot and inspect the brakes. I am aware that I did not crawl under the vehicle on the lot and check the differential fluid. I am aware that I did not pay another mechanic hundreds to check all of this and the alignment before purchasing the vehicle. However, I am also aware that I have never seen anyone do any of this at a dealership.
Everyone may think I am retarded or stupid or whatever for not checking these things out. The simple facts are a) I am not familiar with nor experienced with mechanical wear b) I do not know what to look for and c) I simply did not do it.
As a consumer, I felt that the vehicle should have things like 50% brake lining left in the rear when the dealer states that the vehicle was inspected and met the criteria of that inspection. I shouldn't have to check the pads, they said they were fine. I realize that you may have done things differently as the others on here would have, but in the end it is a deceptive business practice. It is not the same as saying "I am selling you my used Jeep as-is with no warranty". They are in fact stating "We have performed a 125 point inspection and the vehicle meets these standards outlined in the inspection." They did not perform said inspection and the vehicle does not pass said inspection. Deceptive business practices.
Again, I am aware that I did not measure the tread depth. I am aware that I did not check the oil. I am aware that I did not remove the tires on the lot and inspect the brakes. I am aware that I did not crawl under the vehicle on the lot and check the differential fluid. I am aware that I did not pay another mechanic hundreds to check all of this and the alignment before purchasing the vehicle. However, I am also aware that I have never seen anyone do any of this at a dealership.
Everyone may think I am retarded or stupid or whatever for not checking these things out. The simple facts are a) I am not familiar with nor experienced with mechanical wear b) I do not know what to look for and c) I simply did not do it.
As a consumer, I felt that the vehicle should have things like 50% brake lining left in the rear when the dealer states that the vehicle was inspected and met the criteria of that inspection. I shouldn't have to check the pads, they said they were fine. I realize that you may have done things differently as the others on here would have, but in the end it is a deceptive business practice. It is not the same as saying "I am selling you my used Jeep as-is with no warranty". They are in fact stating "We have performed a 125 point inspection and the vehicle meets these standards outlined in the inspection." They did not perform said inspection and the vehicle does not pass said inspection. Deceptive business practices.
I was going to say the same thing...
you bought a car then discovered the tread on the tires were low? i could understand the brakes but just because it was certified doesnt mean you dont check things out...
Dealers are suppose to change the fluids on cars (that was the norm for every car in the dealership i worked in)
But... the tires is your own damn fault for not paying attention... the fact that it was certified and they did not actually certify it is cause for false advertisement and such... but dont dry to nickle and dime everything you see wrong, its a USED car.
you bought a car then discovered the tread on the tires were low? i could understand the brakes but just because it was certified doesnt mean you dont check things out...
Dealers are suppose to change the fluids on cars (that was the norm for every car in the dealership i worked in)
But... the tires is your own damn fault for not paying attention... the fact that it was certified and they did not actually certify it is cause for false advertisement and such... but dont dry to nickle and dime everything you see wrong, its a USED car.
Last edited by DustinLH00; 09-10-2010 at 07:08 AM.
09-10-2010 | 07:52 AM
#24
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 2
From: Fort Benning, GA
I suspect the dealer would have made good on many of these items if you were willing to drive the 90 miles to have them fixed. The rear brakes, you can almost justify the safety issue of driving, however 80% of braking is done in the front, and I trust the majority of your 90 miles is not stop and go traffic either.
I think you have a bonified complaint, i'm confident you can work it out with the dealer, but you need to be willing to go there.
I think you have a bonified complaint, i'm confident you can work it out with the dealer, but you need to be willing to go there.
09-10-2010 | 08:14 AM
#25
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
The dealer refused to do anything to help me, until finally offering to "look at the brakes". Yes, the 90 miles is all stop and go, no interstate route gets me there. It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive it last time. And it is acually 81 miles, so that should give you an idea of the traffic/stop and go drive. In all honesty I don't even want that dealer touching the car ever again based on their track record of lies. As far as I know, they would take used brakes off another wrangler and stick them on mine. They were not willing to work with me at all. You weren't on the phone when you heard him laughing at me because of my finance situation...
Also, the items are fixed. The brakes are repaired, the wiper module is ordered, the fluids changed and tires installed. What I need now is my money back.
Also, the items are fixed. The brakes are repaired, the wiper module is ordered, the fluids changed and tires installed. What I need now is my money back.
I suspect the dealer would have made good on many of these items if you were willing to drive the 90 miles to have them fixed. The rear brakes, you can almost justify the safety issue of driving, however 80% of braking is done in the front, and I trust the majority of your 90 miles is not stop and go traffic either.
I think you have a bonified complaint, i'm confident you can work it out with the dealer, but you need to be willing to go there.
I think you have a bonified complaint, i'm confident you can work it out with the dealer, but you need to be willing to go there.
Last edited by DustinLH00; 09-10-2010 at 08:19 AM.
09-10-2010 | 08:57 AM
#26
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: East Texas
dude, i dont think you are getting your money back because you already fixed the problems and they were all normal wear items.
I had a similar issue with my truck when i bought it about 2 months ago. I drove off of the lot and within 10 miles the axle bearing started making noise like it was going out. I called the dealer and spoke to them and they at first didnt want to do anything about but i stayed on them and eventually called the owner of the dealership. that is when the ball got moving with my problem.
then they fixed the WRONG freaking bearing and tried to tell me that they fixed the bearing on the side that I said the soudns was coming from without checking it out for themselves. so I didnt leave until they sent me to the nearest toyota dealership to get me out of their hair. So, i got two bearings fixed for zero even though I probably should have been responsible by staying on their backside.
if you are hell bent on getting your money back the the bottom line, in my opinion, is to stay on them and go past the salesmen to the used car manager then when they dont help you out go past them to the general manger of the dealership then to the owner. be professional and dont berate them even if they treat you like an idiot.
getting a lawyer is stupid because you are going to spend more than you will get back.. jsut what i think take it for what it is.
and good luck to you.
I had a similar issue with my truck when i bought it about 2 months ago. I drove off of the lot and within 10 miles the axle bearing started making noise like it was going out. I called the dealer and spoke to them and they at first didnt want to do anything about but i stayed on them and eventually called the owner of the dealership. that is when the ball got moving with my problem.
then they fixed the WRONG freaking bearing and tried to tell me that they fixed the bearing on the side that I said the soudns was coming from without checking it out for themselves. so I didnt leave until they sent me to the nearest toyota dealership to get me out of their hair. So, i got two bearings fixed for zero even though I probably should have been responsible by staying on their backside.
if you are hell bent on getting your money back the the bottom line, in my opinion, is to stay on them and go past the salesmen to the used car manager then when they dont help you out go past them to the general manger of the dealership then to the owner. be professional and dont berate them even if they treat you like an idiot.
getting a lawyer is stupid because you are going to spend more than you will get back.. jsut what i think take it for what it is.
and good luck to you.
09-10-2010 | 09:21 AM
#27
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 3
From: Columbus, Ohio
You weren't on the phone when you heard him laughing at me because of my finance situation...
Also, the items are fixed. The brakes are repaired, the wiper module is ordered, the fluids changed and tires installed. What I need now is my money back.
Also, the items are fixed. The brakes are repaired, the wiper module is ordered, the fluids changed and tires installed. What I need now is my money back.
if a dealer laughs at me like that over my finance situation I walk away!!.. and trust me I was there once, after being beaten to a pulp financially from a previous partner.. so I know what it is like to be in those shoes..
trouble is the salesman has you by the hooks.. he knows you want the jeep and chances are you call and call and call to see if there is anything they can do to get you financed( I know I used to do that).. and when they call and say "guess what we got you approved!".. you just go and get the jeep because you are glad to be through with the finance mess....
and they know this.. so they "neglect" to perform the inspection on the jeep and send you down the road with it.. only to deny anything being wrong with it when you find out several days / weeks later...
they like to claim you broke it or ruined it....
now onto business.. like I mentioned before since oyu have the CPO in writing you have a decent case to go after them on it.. but be aware they will likely try and say "customer abused the jeep".... if it had never left their lot then you have a bit more power to deal with this
I think we have all been there and been screwed over by a dealership before.. and honestly they like to prey on lower finance customers.. because those customers have less options when it comes to buying a vehicle....
a guy with a 760 credit score and no income issues can walk into any dealership and out within an hour in any JeeP they want...
the guy with a 560 score (esp in this economy) has to rely on the few dealers out there that have the power and size to get him financed.. so in the end it means that dealer can toss a "less than prime" vehicle at that customer.....
doesnt make it right or ethical... its just how the system works unfortunately....
-Christopher
09-10-2010 | 09:41 AM
#28
JK Freak
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: North East MD
For about $250 you could get an attorney to spell out your demands in a certified letter from their office. It would be more of a bluff then anything else, but it may get you a compromised settlement of your out of pocket money. I would at least try it.
09-10-2010 | 09:44 AM
#29
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, Co
I didn't read everyone else responses. Sorry my JK brothers.
I had the same thing happen to me on a used SUV a few years back. Bought it with the "used car warranty 30000000 point inspection" that turns out to have never been done. The dealer gave me the finger. I went on the internet and found the names of some high ranking folks in the company (was a large national chain).
Wrote 5 letters (not emailed, not called but WROTE and mailed).
I had all five of those people make sure I got everything fixed. That included a new transmission in a used SUV.
I had the same thing happen to me on a used SUV a few years back. Bought it with the "used car warranty 30000000 point inspection" that turns out to have never been done. The dealer gave me the finger. I went on the internet and found the names of some high ranking folks in the company (was a large national chain).
Wrote 5 letters (not emailed, not called but WROTE and mailed).
I had all five of those people make sure I got everything fixed. That included a new transmission in a used SUV.
09-10-2010 | 09:44 AM
#30
JK Super Freak
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I may have missed it, but you should have taken it back for them to fix. They will say you are out of luck now because you didn't take it back to them. In our state you the dealer has to put on a new sticker. I just bought a 4Dr. When I test drove it it had a sticker from when they took it in a couple months ago. When I picked it up the other day, it had a brand new sticker.
It's a bit late now, but I would have the rest of it checked over to see if there is anything else wrong.
It's a bit late now, but I would have the rest of it checked over to see if there is anything else wrong.