NXA-16H
2nd January 2007, 11:05 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, I post this thread in the sincere hope that you may never suffer not only the inconvenience, but also the potential legal ramifications of a bad Motor Vehicle dealership transaction of mine. I'll tell you about it...
Over the past week, my wife and I decided to up-size from our current Barina to a 2001-plated Zafira TT Model, as shown at the bottom of this post. The particular Zafira that we concluded was best quality for best value was listed at a particular Toyota Dealership at ********, NSW.
We both inspected the vehicle several times, to the point of initiating negotiations over the selling price.
This is where the whole process got ugly...
Although the Vehicle had been in this dealership's lot for over three weeks, it had still not been serviced by the dealership, despite it being almost 7'000kms past its scheduled 60'000 Km Servicing.
This is where the dealership gets shonky...
1. Toyota Dealership first tries to convince me that the Zafira was indeed serviced, despite the engine oil being black and ashen.
2. Toyota Dealership then tries to play the situation down by showing me a checklist of what they supposedly did to the car.
(Note: 60'000Km Servicing not stamped in owner's Handbook at this point)
3. Toyota Dealership upon being notified that the transaction will not proceed, frustratedly agrees to "change oil and oil filter"
4. Dealership told that just "Oil and filter" not good enough, and that the ENTIRE servicing had to be done, with original GM-Parts.
5. Through gritted teeth, Toyota Dealership agrees to arrange servicing of Zafira at local Holden Dealership, for a final negotiated price of $17'000.00
6. Toyota Dealership notifies me today @ 14:00Hrs that Zafira has been serviced, and is ready for customer delivery.
7. I arrive at Toyota Dealership @ 17:00Hrs to complete purchase transaction. All documents from the Holden Dealership to the effect that the Zafira had its 60'000km servicing appears to be in order.
8. I take the initiative to make a final inspection of Zafira before taking delivery.
Upon inspecting the Zafira, I discover that...
1. Neither Engine Oil, NOR Oil Filter had been changed.
2. Spark Plugs not replaced
3. Pollen Filter not replaced
4. Other Engine fluids not checked for correct levels.
5. Tyre pressures not checked.
(Front right-hand tyre under-inflated. Possibly slow leak, or puncture.)
6. Interior cabin not cleaned or vacuumed
7. Vehicle overall not cleaned, washed, or detailed.
Despite all these points, I was told over the phone, as well as in person, that the Zafira was ready to drive away in.
Now, considering the fact that ALL of tese things were agreed in writing to be completed, in accordance with the purchase contract, both the Toyota dealership, as well as the Holden Dealership, are quite seriously leaving themselves open to litigation if this matter were not to be rectified quickly.
And yes, the Motor Vehicle Trader's Association, as well as the respective Chamber of Commerce and Consumer protection Office may very well be notified.
Now there are a number of morals to this story.
1. Never sign any purchase agreement until you have EVERY promise in documental form. Verbal agreements have no legal weight.
2. Never produce the final cheque for purchase until inspection has been made and any outstanding issues resolved.
3. Never assume, just on the strength of verbal or even documantal advice that a job, like this 60'000km servicing has been done. Double check everything anyway.
4. Never trust a used car salesman. He/she is paid to move cars, no matter what. Even if that means screwing a potential buyer up the @rse. They don't care.
NXA-16H
Over the past week, my wife and I decided to up-size from our current Barina to a 2001-plated Zafira TT Model, as shown at the bottom of this post. The particular Zafira that we concluded was best quality for best value was listed at a particular Toyota Dealership at ********, NSW.
We both inspected the vehicle several times, to the point of initiating negotiations over the selling price.
This is where the whole process got ugly...
Although the Vehicle had been in this dealership's lot for over three weeks, it had still not been serviced by the dealership, despite it being almost 7'000kms past its scheduled 60'000 Km Servicing.
This is where the dealership gets shonky...
1. Toyota Dealership first tries to convince me that the Zafira was indeed serviced, despite the engine oil being black and ashen.
2. Toyota Dealership then tries to play the situation down by showing me a checklist of what they supposedly did to the car.
(Note: 60'000Km Servicing not stamped in owner's Handbook at this point)
3. Toyota Dealership upon being notified that the transaction will not proceed, frustratedly agrees to "change oil and oil filter"
4. Dealership told that just "Oil and filter" not good enough, and that the ENTIRE servicing had to be done, with original GM-Parts.
5. Through gritted teeth, Toyota Dealership agrees to arrange servicing of Zafira at local Holden Dealership, for a final negotiated price of $17'000.00
6. Toyota Dealership notifies me today @ 14:00Hrs that Zafira has been serviced, and is ready for customer delivery.
7. I arrive at Toyota Dealership @ 17:00Hrs to complete purchase transaction. All documents from the Holden Dealership to the effect that the Zafira had its 60'000km servicing appears to be in order.
8. I take the initiative to make a final inspection of Zafira before taking delivery.
Upon inspecting the Zafira, I discover that...
1. Neither Engine Oil, NOR Oil Filter had been changed.
2. Spark Plugs not replaced
3. Pollen Filter not replaced
4. Other Engine fluids not checked for correct levels.
5. Tyre pressures not checked.
(Front right-hand tyre under-inflated. Possibly slow leak, or puncture.)
6. Interior cabin not cleaned or vacuumed
7. Vehicle overall not cleaned, washed, or detailed.
Despite all these points, I was told over the phone, as well as in person, that the Zafira was ready to drive away in.
Now, considering the fact that ALL of tese things were agreed in writing to be completed, in accordance with the purchase contract, both the Toyota dealership, as well as the Holden Dealership, are quite seriously leaving themselves open to litigation if this matter were not to be rectified quickly.
And yes, the Motor Vehicle Trader's Association, as well as the respective Chamber of Commerce and Consumer protection Office may very well be notified.
Now there are a number of morals to this story.
1. Never sign any purchase agreement until you have EVERY promise in documental form. Verbal agreements have no legal weight.
2. Never produce the final cheque for purchase until inspection has been made and any outstanding issues resolved.
3. Never assume, just on the strength of verbal or even documantal advice that a job, like this 60'000km servicing has been done. Double check everything anyway.
4. Never trust a used car salesman. He/she is paid to move cars, no matter what. Even if that means screwing a potential buyer up the @rse. They don't care.
NXA-16H