AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
Question We purchased a used highlander hybrid almost a year ago. The dealer
certified the car before we bought it. We relied on the carfax report as far as
vehicle history. A few months ago the paint on the roof began to chip. We
investigated having it repaired and found that the car had been in a severe
enough accident that the body repair specialist we consulted said the car
should have been totalled. The car was instead repaired and the accident
never reported. On top of the obvious paint peeling issue, we now question
the structural safety of the car and the possibility that the large batteries
perhaps sustained damage that may cause them to wear out prematurely
costing us about $10,000 to replace. We have reason to believe that
SOMEONE at the car dealership knew this car had been basically totalled. We
have spoken to them once and they mentioned carfax buying back the car,
which I know when you read the fine print is not as likely a possibility as one
may think. Since it is under a year, AND the car is certified, isn't it the
dealership's responsibility to buy back this car? BTW, except for the peeling
paint, we never would have suspected anything was wrong. The car has been
very reliable. What is our next step? Thanks
Answer Hi Mary
I wish you would have had a chance to have studied my website prior to purchase as this would not have happened, as for getting anywhere with Carfax will be a longshot.
I am 99% sure the dealership knew about the condition of vehicle. Here is a link on my website for you to read to get some free legal advice http://www.usedcartips.org/dispute.html
