I posted this in the Lounge also...

Hey all,

I have a question concerning my car. I bought it 2 years ago from a dealer (that I now know) has a reputation for rebuilding cars through their own shop, and washing out the titles from other states. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but we believe that mine has frame damage, since it won't be accepted by ANY dealer except maybe 2 that I have tried to trade it in on other cars. I refuse to put the car in Autotrader and make it somebody else's problem, because I'm not unethical like that. Does anyone have any legal advice on what I should do? Most of the dealers believe that it might have frame damage, so I need to get that checked out before I contact an attorney. Do I have any hope?

scott

 

it's possible for a car to have had frame damage and been repaired. you need to find out if it is still damaged and just been covered up.

 

Definately get the frame checked out. I had the same thing happen to me. AutoNation Dodge did this same #### to me! The only defense they will have is that you have had the car for 2 years and you could have wrecked it since purchase. Make sure you get it checked at 2 shops for frame damage.

 

Thanks DV. I plan to have it up on a lift and have a shop check it out with their laser sensors or however they do it. How else would I check to see if it has been repaired?

The car was sold "As is" , adn we asked them if it had been wrecked, which they (reluctantly) said yes. It took a few questions to get them to admit it. However, they didn't disclose any frame damage, if it exists. Do I have any case at all?

thanks again,

scott

 

I've wrecked the car twice (1 at fault, one not) and neither caused any frame damage. Once was my rear left quarter panel being dented, and the other was the !passenger door mod.

scott

 

right-o. You need to have someone put it in writing for ya.

Take it to an auto-body repair shop for inspection....

Only then will you *possibly* have a leg to stand on (not much of one though sad to say). If they told you it had been in an accident (even reluctantly) then they may not have known the full extent. You'd have to find a way to prove they knew (or should have known) to have a chance.

Let us know how it goes, I HATE to hear about dealers screwing people over more than they already do with their high prices, low trade in values, etc...

 

It's been a couple years and you've had a couple wrecks. This is going to be a tough one to win.

 

I do have a couple of dealers that would probably give an affadavit against Alamo City, knowing that they are notorious for this kind of shoddiness. It has been awhile though.

scott

 

The accidents don't help but the timeframe is a big killer. Its been a while since I've read up on the lemon law but I believe its a year and its only on new cars, but I could be wrong.

Ultimately you have to weigh all the facts and see if it will be worth your time and money to pursue. You'll definitely need to have some solid backing and evidence.

I use to work at a law firm and I saw some crazy stuff. Without some solid evidence a defense attorney can really try to make you look silly.

 

yea, they told you it was wrecked.. not really much you can do about it :-/

 

Umm... yeah you can, when they sold you the car they would have to state on the documents that it was wrecked & made sure that it had a title before selling it to you if they knew this information, get it in writing & then show it to the proper authorities that they admit it was wrecked but nowhere in the sales contract does it state this or does it have a title, a dealer is by law supposed to make sure the vehicle has a title if they know of its experience as a wreck.

Hope this helps.

 

I'm a bit confused... the car has a clean title. I have yet to go to the DMV and get it run through their system to see if it has been washed or not. Can you explain further what you are saying? It wasn't stated in the sales contract that it was wrecked, but sold as-is. No mention of a wreck or frame damage. Only verbal mention of the wreck, which they said was a fender bender.

scott

 

Well as I was reading I was beginning to think your case was hopeless. There is a question I have to ask. Did they state that the car was a salvage title car? IS IT actually a salvage title? If its not you have no case. If it has a salvage title and you bought the car even in as is condition then you can still get your money over this. Make sure you have documentation about your previous accidents stating damage and extent there of.

 

Ah yes....The great !passenger door mod! What a beauty to actually see in person. I think everyone should try this one, it really works

Good luck with your case scott, sounds like a toughy.

Kyle

 

Alamo City, is that the one off of Austin Hwy here in SA? I test drove a car once from there...LS1 A4...something was burning under the hood. Mentioned it to the guy that was riding with me. He said it was normal lol Never went by there again. They had a nice 2001 SS White with chromes 10 spoke wheels once...probably another car with probs for its buyer if its the same place I am mentioning.

Chris