Screwed by Dealer on Vehicle Purchase
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: KS
To make it short, I believe you would have a legit case if they showed in writing that those items were checked for safety. I also have to add my opinion that you'll never get it resolved without an attorney.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
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!
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
If the claim is under a certain amount ($1K is common), you may be able to take them to small claims court--no lawyer needed. But, I really don't think your answer to this question will be found on this forum. You could put it up to a vote and get lots of sympathy. But, at the end of the day you won't have your Jeep fixed. Go see a lawyer if the amount is higher than small claims court covers. Sometimes, just a letter appearing in the general manager's inbox from a lawyer is enough to make them cooperate. Especially when they are so clearly in the wrong.
LOL: Or, if you really want revenge, make a huge sign describing your problems and drive back and forth past the dealer all day with the sign on top of your Jeep. Be sure to call the local newspaper and local TV news services, especially one that might have a consumer complaint segment. If you do this, be sure to post up pic's!!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: vermont
You should have copies of the CPO papers. CPO is nothing more than a warranty thru chrylser. It costs $$$$ for the dealer to certify a vehicle so make sure they did it. Then, take it to different dealer. That dealer will get paid for the warranty claims and Chrysler will be like WTF? This was just certified. If it is not really certified I believe in most states you have 7 hours to return it.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Sucks
One problem I see is most, if not all, of the issues are considered fair wear and tear. Things that the purchaser would replace even if the vehicle was bought new. I do agree with many of the posters, this seems like a negligent move on the part of the dealership. Do you have anything in writing which states "120 point inspection" or something along those lines? If so, what was inspected? Beware, just because it was inspected doesn't mean they had to or were going to fix it. But they SHOULD have informed you of it, especially the back tires. That is a safety issue.
If your not going to get a lawyer, try reporting them to the better business bureau. Also, post their information on this forum so other potential buyers will be aware of them. Best of luck bro, sorry it came out this way.
Cheers!
If your not going to get a lawyer, try reporting them to the better business bureau. Also, post their information on this forum so other potential buyers will be aware of them. Best of luck bro, sorry it came out this way.
Cheers!
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 2
From: B.F.E, MI
I agree with you. CPO is designed for those folks who don't know a thing about vehicles, but want to know that they are buying a reasonable quality vehicle. It's saying to those customers, "We've had our certified mechanics look at this, so you don't need to."
If the claim is under a certain amount ($1K is common), you may be able to take them to small claims court--no lawyer needed. But, I really don't think your answer to this question will be found on this forum. You could put it up to a vote and get lots of sympathy. But, at the end of the day you won't have your Jeep fixed. Go see a lawyer if the amount is higher than small claims court covers. Sometimes, just a letter appearing in the general manager's inbox from a lawyer is enough to make them cooperate. Especially when they are so clearly in the wrong.
LOL: Or, if you really want revenge, make a huge sign describing your problems and drive back and forth past the dealer all day with the sign on top of your Jeep. Be sure to call the local newspaper and local TV news services, especially one that might have a consumer complaint segment. If you do this, be sure to post up pic's!!!
If the claim is under a certain amount ($1K is common), you may be able to take them to small claims court--no lawyer needed. But, I really don't think your answer to this question will be found on this forum. You could put it up to a vote and get lots of sympathy. But, at the end of the day you won't have your Jeep fixed. Go see a lawyer if the amount is higher than small claims court covers. Sometimes, just a letter appearing in the general manager's inbox from a lawyer is enough to make them cooperate. Especially when they are so clearly in the wrong.
LOL: Or, if you really want revenge, make a huge sign describing your problems and drive back and forth past the dealer all day with the sign on top of your Jeep. Be sure to call the local newspaper and local TV news services, especially one that might have a consumer complaint segment. If you do this, be sure to post up pic's!!!
If they screwed you, do it, and stay just off the dealers property, it would drive them nuts. You will never know what it costs them in lost sales, but probably more than what you paid to fix your Jeep.
My question to the OP is; what does the fine print of the CPO say? That will dictate if it is worth your time to seek legal help.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: lighthouse point, florida
First, I agree with others that you should have checked out the vehicle a little better. I'm not sure you could have picked up on everything (I'm not that mechanical and probably would not have been able to detect some of the issues.) that being said, there is no way that this jeep should have been certified. Is there anything from the dealer in writing which sets forth exactly what they are certifying with a certified vehicle? Also, your state's consumer protection laws may have provisions for the payment of your atty fees. You may want to check before consulting (or hiring) an atty. You don't want to end up paying more in atty fees than what you are out.
Last edited by flaTerp; Sep 10, 2010 at 05:11 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
Thank you everyone for the posts. Because there are so many I don't want to reply to each one separately, lol. The hot topic at the moment seems to be the CPO qualifications, etc...
So we are all clear, when the vehicle is Certified Pre-Owned, it means that you are getting the 6 year/80,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 3 month/3,000 mile Maximum Care Coverage, 125-Point Inspection, CARFAX Vehicle History Report, 24 Hour Roadside Assitance, Lifetime Certified Upgrade Plans, and a Car Rental Allowance. It also includes a free 3 month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio (if equipped). The 125-Point Inspections is what they failed to perform.
Yes, I have paperwork that shows I have a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The CPO policy and 125-Point Inpection checklist is public knowledge and available here: http://www.certifiedpreowned.chrysle...Inspection.pdf
As you can see, I have been financially impacted by items # 37, 38, 39, 71, 72, 75, 76, 77, 80, 81, 86, 87 and 112. I did not mention earlier that there is a tear in the driver seat and item 112 says the seats must meet their interior condition appearance standards. Not sure if a tear fails that. Regardless, the mechanical issues are the others. I am not sure what mis-alignment would fall under, but that would also be more item(s).
Again, I know that I should have done a better job at looking the vehicle over prior to purchase. I honestly thought that by purchasing a CPO Jeep, I was getting something more.
I am going to look at some state laws today and will post my findings. I hope this link and info helps with some of the questions people had about CPO. Thanks again for your input!
So we are all clear, when the vehicle is Certified Pre-Owned, it means that you are getting the 6 year/80,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 3 month/3,000 mile Maximum Care Coverage, 125-Point Inspection, CARFAX Vehicle History Report, 24 Hour Roadside Assitance, Lifetime Certified Upgrade Plans, and a Car Rental Allowance. It also includes a free 3 month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio (if equipped). The 125-Point Inspections is what they failed to perform.
Yes, I have paperwork that shows I have a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The CPO policy and 125-Point Inpection checklist is public knowledge and available here: http://www.certifiedpreowned.chrysle...Inspection.pdf
As you can see, I have been financially impacted by items # 37, 38, 39, 71, 72, 75, 76, 77, 80, 81, 86, 87 and 112. I did not mention earlier that there is a tear in the driver seat and item 112 says the seats must meet their interior condition appearance standards. Not sure if a tear fails that. Regardless, the mechanical issues are the others. I am not sure what mis-alignment would fall under, but that would also be more item(s).
Again, I know that I should have done a better job at looking the vehicle over prior to purchase. I honestly thought that by purchasing a CPO Jeep, I was getting something more.
I am going to look at some state laws today and will post my findings. I hope this link and info helps with some of the questions people had about CPO. Thanks again for your input!
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Lost in the woods, MO
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.