wow I need to vent! sorry long read...
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Joined: October 27, 2007
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When we bought the car, me and my wife asked if they had a carfax on it, the financing department/salesman associate assured us the carfax was clean, and both me and my wife were witnesses to him saying that.
After checking the carfax today, it lists there was an accident on the car in late 2006. Blacks Automotive purchased the car at an auto auction in 2007 as a "fleet vehicle". If the car had a bad paint job to begin with from the original repaint in 2006, somewhere in the time before I purchased it, it should have started peeling, not coincidentaly right after I bought it. Also, it says the car was hit in the front left side, which is odd because my passenger and driver doors have been repainted, as well as both fenders, and rear bumper was also repainted. Just goes to show you
don't listen to sales associates when they state the carfax is clean. It's my fault for not pressing that issue and demanding the carfax even if he ensured it was clean.
I know what you say about pressing a lawsuit. I would love to have this situation fixed and them buy the car back, I just don't want them trying to fix it again, it's just going to get worse. I told them I am done with this car, that I don't want them touching it, and if it gets fixed by anyone, I would most likely pay out of pocket and do it myself. I would however love if they would buy the car back and hook me up with a clean, non wrecked mustang. But, I'm sure they will say their new business plan will most likely make it difficult for them to get me another mustang. But you are right, I am stressed on this issue, and I'm sure adding a little stress with a possible lawsuit might end up paying off in the end. I might have screwed it up emailing them that I don't want them touching the car anymore though, oh well. Anyways, we'll see what they say if they even email me back.
After checking the carfax today, it lists there was an accident on the car in late 2006. Blacks Automotive purchased the car at an auto auction in 2007 as a "fleet vehicle". If the car had a bad paint job to begin with from the original repaint in 2006, somewhere in the time before I purchased it, it should have started peeling, not coincidentaly right after I bought it. Also, it says the car was hit in the front left side, which is odd because my passenger and driver doors have been repainted, as well as both fenders, and rear bumper was also repainted. Just goes to show you
don't listen to sales associates when they state the carfax is clean. It's my fault for not pressing that issue and demanding the carfax even if he ensured it was clean.
I know what you say about pressing a lawsuit. I would love to have this situation fixed and them buy the car back, I just don't want them trying to fix it again, it's just going to get worse. I told them I am done with this car, that I don't want them touching it, and if it gets fixed by anyone, I would most likely pay out of pocket and do it myself. I would however love if they would buy the car back and hook me up with a clean, non wrecked mustang. But, I'm sure they will say their new business plan will most likely make it difficult for them to get me another mustang. But you are right, I am stressed on this issue, and I'm sure adding a little stress with a possible lawsuit might end up paying off in the end. I might have screwed it up emailing them that I don't want them touching the car anymore though, oh well. Anyways, we'll see what they say if they even email me back.
So you never actually saw or were given a copy of the Carfax?
Check your State laws about sellers disclosing damage repair. With the proof you have now that that the car was indeed in an accident, that may be your only recourse.
When you went to pick up your car after 'the repair' you should never have taken it. Did they have you sign anything about accepting the repair?
Report them to the State AG consumer affairs dept, the BBB, the local NEWS agencies Consumer help sections, and the State car dealer association.
Cobra Member
Joined: July 26, 2007
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From: Oregon
Thanks guys for all the support and replies. Half the reason I didn't want to get involved in this case was because of the overwhelming support I'm sure the dealership would have. I know they have many satisfied customers, and I understand this, but it doesnt change the fact I had a bad experience.
I contacted the bar association today and they referred me to a great attorney. They have noted the situation and are currently reviewing it to let me know whether I have a solid case. I should be getting a call back either today or monday.
Worst case scenario is if I don't have a case I bug the dealership until they do a better job. I have made a decision to not give up. Thanks guys for giving me the push to get this taken care of.
I contacted the bar association today and they referred me to a great attorney. They have noted the situation and are currently reviewing it to let me know whether I have a solid case. I should be getting a call back either today or monday.
Worst case scenario is if I don't have a case I bug the dealership until they do a better job. I have made a decision to not give up. Thanks guys for giving me the push to get this taken care of.
Excellent news Dave...Glad your not letting this slip by. Your doing the right thing.
Hopefully the mild arguing between myself and Roger didn't distract the thread to much.
Sorry, you meant that for Dave.
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Bullitt Member
Joined: July 20, 2006
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Bottom line: If I'm going to purchase a used car the best way is to buy it from some friend you know...however, the next best thing is usually from a dealership (in this case the Ford dealership)...remember that lots of owners trade in their cars at the dealer where they purchased it and most importantly the dealer normally keeps all the best cars and allows the rest to be sold off to the small mom and pop car places around.
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Good for you Dave, eventually their going to want to do business again and an unsatisfied customer is not the way to start. Please keep pushing them until they make it right, there past record does not give them an excuse. Your only as good as your last customer 
. Please keep me updated and look me up next time your in o-town.
Roger
. Please keep me updated and look me up next time your in o-town.Roger
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Well, nothing new except the fact that they have not replied to any of my recent emails in the past three or four days. But, hopefully I'll get a call from the attorney later today. The BBB said it could take up to 30 days to see a reply from them, so I guess I'll be waiting that out also.
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Well, they finally emailed me back. They just got the complaint from BBB I guess, so their email was pretty short and wasnt the nicest either. I gave them plenty of options, I didnt want it to come to this.
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Joined: October 15, 2008
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From: Brew City
glad to see that you did not let this go, but hope you can get things settled without too much additional grief. Best of luck.
Looking forward to hearing a positive update about them doing the right thing.
Looking forward to hearing a positive update about them doing the right thing.
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No, they didnt say they were going to do anything. All I got was a sarcastic thank you from them for making the BBB complaint. I wrote them back letting them know remarks like that arent necessary. Once again, I asked them what they could do to solve this and end this mess. I have yet to receive a reply from that email.
Member
Joined: September 13, 2007
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From: West Palm Beach
Dave,
Another option which I'm sure your attorney will point out is a letter directly to the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs. Unfortunately, given the facts you've provided on the dealership, this is going to be a lengthy process.
First and foremost, buyer beware.
BTW, is the dealer anywhere near me?
I wish you the best.
Another option which I'm sure your attorney will point out is a letter directly to the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs. Unfortunately, given the facts you've provided on the dealership, this is going to be a lengthy process.
First and foremost, buyer beware.
BTW, is the dealer anywhere near me?
I wish you the best.
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Bullitt Member
Joined: August 11, 2007
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From: Anaheim, CA
Holy crap, that repaint job is horrible. A micky mouse paint job at best. I can understand how you are feeling right now, driving a car that you know is impefect. The paint is probably dull, and not even shiny right? I bet you have the urge to wax the car but the paint is so horrid that it pisses you off. I had a similar situation where a bodyshop screw the crap out of my body kit. The color didn't match, he attached the side skirts on the wrong side and drilled holes everywhere trying to make the sideskirts stay on the car. He even knicked my fender and argued with me when I pointed it out. I'm glad that you took fellow member's advice by going to an attorney. BtW you can alway take this dealer to a small claims court if you want less of a hassle. This will cost you only a couple of bucks to file the suit. I hope you get this matter resolved in your favor. BTW why didn't you just buy a new mustang GT? Dealers are letting them go for as low as 22000 since last I heard. The car would be new and you know it is perfect. You might want to consider this in the future.
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Joined: May 1, 2005
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
I agree that work was shoddy and unexceptable, but didn't you say the car was $5K cheaper than anywhere else? Wouldn't that have been a first clue? I am not excusing the dealer, but I have never seen high end car dealers selling cars at anything but inflated prices. I know it is difficult to see things clearly when you fall in love with a car. I have made some bad deals myself, but I have learned that there is always another dealer and another car out there, and unless the car and the deal are right, I should walk away. I do wish you luck with the dealer, Just because they are changing their business practices, or even going out of business, doesn't mean that you still can sue the owner.
On a side note, only the front seating surfaces are leather. That door panel is vinyl, and has been no problem on my 06, or anyone elses I know.
On a side note, only the front seating surfaces are leather. That door panel is vinyl, and has been no problem on my 06, or anyone elses I know.
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I agree that work was shoddy and unexceptable, but didn't you say the car was $5K cheaper than anywhere else? Wouldn't that have been a first clue? I am not excusing the dealer, but I have never seen high end car dealers selling cars at anything but inflated prices. I know it is difficult to see things clearly when you fall in love with a car. I have made some bad deals myself, but I have learned that there is always another dealer and another car out there, and unless the car and the deal are right, I should walk away. I do wish you luck with the dealer, Just because they are changing their business practices, or even going out of business, doesn't mean that you still can sue the owner.
On a side note, only the front seating surfaces are leather. That door panel is vinyl, and has been no problem on my 06, or anyone elses I know.
On a side note, only the front seating surfaces are leather. That door panel is vinyl, and has been no problem on my 06, or anyone elses I know.
I don't know what is even going to happen with all this. I think it might be a lost cause. The dealership hasnt answered any of my emails, and they are acting like they just don't care anymore. Their last email was nasty, and it was the last I received from them. I still have not heard back from my attorney, I'm thinking it might be a case he might not want to deal with.
I'll try one more attorney before calling all this quits. I still cant believe Blacks would do this to someone.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 721
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From: Pacific NW USA
Decide if you are going to deal with this yourself or utilize the services of an attorney! Then stick with that choice. First of all you need to know if you have an attorney or not??? If you do STOP Futzing it up and let him do his job. If you do not have an attorney, get one.
As far as dealing with this dealer or anyone else for that matter, simply go in to the dealership and walk into the General Managers office and demand he speak with you about it. If you do not have your ducks in a row, a complete list of deliverables you insist on them providing, don't even contact them.
I once years ago bought a used car from a new/used car dealer that had quite a few problems. I went in and told the service manager and the sales manager that if they did not make the required repairs to the car, I would make big 4x8 signs for my pickup truck stating that their dealership rips off their customers and refuses to make it right, yada, yada, yada, and I would spend all day long everyday in front of their dealership protesting their dealership. They decided to fix all of the problems, I never even had to make the signs.
Continuing to "email" them, with no reply is really weak. It is like telling your dog to sit 32 times in a row, and still accepting him not sitting...
BS isn't going to cut it, you need to decide what you expect from them and what you are willing to do to get it. Then explain that to them one time. If they do not make it right. do your thing.
As far as dealing with this dealer or anyone else for that matter, simply go in to the dealership and walk into the General Managers office and demand he speak with you about it. If you do not have your ducks in a row, a complete list of deliverables you insist on them providing, don't even contact them.
I once years ago bought a used car from a new/used car dealer that had quite a few problems. I went in and told the service manager and the sales manager that if they did not make the required repairs to the car, I would make big 4x8 signs for my pickup truck stating that their dealership rips off their customers and refuses to make it right, yada, yada, yada, and I would spend all day long everyday in front of their dealership protesting their dealership. They decided to fix all of the problems, I never even had to make the signs.
Continuing to "email" them, with no reply is really weak. It is like telling your dog to sit 32 times in a row, and still accepting him not sitting...
BS isn't going to cut it, you need to decide what you expect from them and what you are willing to do to get it. Then explain that to them one time. If they do not make it right. do your thing.
Thanks man for the info on the vinyl, I figured it was.
I don't know what is even going to happen with all this. I think it might be a lost cause. The dealership hasnt answered any of my emails, and they are acting like they just don't care anymore. Their last email was nasty, and it was the last I received from them. I still have not heard back from my attorney, I'm thinking it might be a case he might not want to deal with.
I'll try one more attorney before calling all this quits. I still cant believe Blacks would do this to someone.
I don't know what is even going to happen with all this. I think it might be a lost cause. The dealership hasnt answered any of my emails, and they are acting like they just don't care anymore. Their last email was nasty, and it was the last I received from them. I still have not heard back from my attorney, I'm thinking it might be a case he might not want to deal with.
I'll try one more attorney before calling all this quits. I still cant believe Blacks would do this to someone.