Trade in value changed

[EdKrimmer]

Jurisdiction

California

Had a vehicle that quit running. Took it to a shop and was told that the coils were bad. While they could be replaced it wouldn't run right and best to replace the engine.

Went to a dealer, couldn't drive the vehicle there and explained to them what the garage had told us. After some back and forth (what we felt was a low trade-in offer) they asked what it would cost me to fix it and sell it ourselves. Told them $2-3K. "Fine, give us $2,000 and the car and we'll make a deal" Went home with a new car the next day and several days later they sent a tow to pick up the trade-in.

Now they are telling me "the engine is blown, that's not what you said" and are going to want some more $$ or we go to court.

I said - hey, you bought the car, it's yours now and I'm not ready to run down with a check. They had ample opportunity to come check the vehicle for themselves. They were told it runs but not well enough to bring to them. I'm planning to stand my ground - they only gave me $3,000 for it...

 

[mightymoose]

Now they are telling me "the engine is blown, that's not what you said" and are going to want some more $$ or we go to court.

Was the condition of the trade in detailed anywhere in the contract?
It seems unusual for a dealer to buy a trade-in unseen, but if they did they take the same risk as any other buyer. It's their car now.
Are you saying that they have changed the contract or are they just demanding a payment from you?

 

[EdKrimmer]

Was the condition of the trade in detailed anywhere in the contract?
It seems unusual for a dealer to buy a trade-in unseen, but if they did they take the same risk as any other buyer. It's their car now.
Are you saying that they have changed the contract or are they just demanding a payment from you?

No, the condition of the trade in was not specified. We were very clear it wasn't drivable. They did not choose to inspect it. I agree with your position - it's their car now. They are expecting a payment after they determine the difference from what they are offered for it from a wholesaler.

 

[adjusterjack]

I hope to heck that you have your purchase contract sitting in front of you and have read every word of it thoroughly and carefully and aren't just guessing about its terms and conditions.

However, if it is as you say it is you are free to tell the dealer (with my blessings) to pound sand, kiss off, or f*** off, and ignore any future attempts of the dealer to get money out of you.

I caution you to avoid ANY conversation with the dealer about it. It's the talking that gets people in trouble. Just keep saying "no comment" and hang up.

And if he does take you to court, so be it, you defend based on the terms and conditions of your contract.

 

[EdKrimmer]

I hope to heck that you have your purchase contract sitting in front of you and have read every word of it thoroughly and carefully and aren't just guessing about its terms and conditions.

However, if it is as you say it is you are free to tell the dealer (with my blessings) to pound sand, kiss off, or f*** off, and ignore any future attempts of the dealer to get money out of you.

I caution you to avoid ANY conversation with the dealer about it. It's the talking that gets people in trouble. Just keep saying "no comment" and hang up.

And if he does take you to court, so be it, you defend based on the terms and conditions of your contract.

Thank you. I will certainly be reading it over when I get home.

 

[EdKrimmer]

Thank you. I will certainly be reading it over when I get home.

I found nothing in the contract relating to the trade in other than the agreed upon price. Thinking out loud here - I'll be they could screw around with paying off the previous loan. We'll see...

 

[adjusterjack]

I found nothing in the contract relating to the trade in other than the agreed upon price.

Good.

Thinking out loud here - I'll be they could screw around with paying off the previous loan. We'll see...

Wouldn't put it past him. Used car dealers are mostly scum.

You might call the previous lender and see if the old loan has been paid off already.

 

[mightymoose]

You might call the previous lender and see if the old loan has been paid off already.

Yes. Stay on top of this. Continue making monthly payments on the old car if you need to. Don't let it ruin your credit.