I was just wondering if someone crashes during a test drive what happens? does the dealer fix the car and sell it as is? do they have to disclose whether it was crashed or not?

i am suspicious about mine because the steering wheel alignment is off and it seems to pull to the right. also the fender-hood gap really narrows toward the front bumper on the right side and the right wheel was scratched. i didn't notice it at the time i took delivery.

it only had 13 miles on it when i drove it for the first time and 6 of those miles were from the mitsu initial test that was documented.

any ideas?

 

its the dealers responsibility

although they MAY try to make you pay for it

 

the dealer has to disclose an accident prior to first titling of the vehicle (if its used-ask for a car fax-if its new, they need to disclose it). The dealer has what is called Lot Insurance-blanket auto insurance for hail, damage, accidents (customer and employee related). Most dealers ask that you present a valid DL, some ask for proof of Insurnace prior to a test drive (depending on type of car, location, ect). Some Lot Insurance Co's require dealers to obtain a copy of the DL/Ins prior to leaving the lot. If yours was in a crash, there would be a Carfax report on it-as long as it was claimed with the ins co-no claim....no record!
I'd speak with the dealer-if its a new car-you have a "free" adjustment w/in the first 12/12 of ownership-used-they should take a little care of you for the first month or so. Hope this helps!

 

it's an evo x. when i mentioned the right wheel looking like it ate the curb they told me basically was screwed since i never notice it. i thought it was just someone at the dealship messing up with parking it too close to a curb since the balancing seemed fine. then the gap thing and the steering wheel alignment. i leased the car and just don't want to have this blamed on me once i give it back to them in a couple of years.

 

You get an alotted amount of wear and tear on a car (nothing too extreme, but a curb isnt going to cost you, imo). I've worked with Ford MCL and their estimaters at lease end, and there is a little play in there. I wouldnt worry too much about that right now-as for the dealer telling you you're screwed....I'd say great-give me the GSM and we can talk about that-and if they dont fix it-I'll help blast them on every forum I know of....a-hole dealers (I'm part owner of a Chrysler jeep Dodge, and Loan/Compliance Officer for a Lending Co....I hate that sh**. Help a new car byer out....).

 

so you think i should have them replace the wheel? it doesn't bother me that much. no one but me will notice it. it isn't bent and in the end the car isn't mine. i just get a new one in a few years. if i bought it i would be all hot and bothered by it.

i am just concerned whether it was all a part of something bigger like a crash considering all the other seemingly obvious correlations i am realizing.

 

if you test drive it and wreck it you are resonsable for the dealer's deductable on their insurance. it is up to the insurance company weither or not it is repaired or total lossed. If it is repaired, the dealer must desclose it if it is being sold as a new car that it was involved in a accident. Plus the vehicle will be marked in autocheck/carfax as being wrecked at one point. It is still considered a new vehicle even after the wreck.

 

i dont think that they have to disclose unless damage is beyond certain % of the value of the vehicle. A decent percentage of new vehicles shipped from overseas ends up with scratches or dents; that stuff is then fixed at the port (same place they put accessories on) Make sure you examine your car VERY CLOSELY for any signs of bodywork/paint

 

Every car that I've bought (including the Evo) that had damage repaired by the dealer has had a disclosure statement that I have had to sign.

This is in Texas though. Maybe it varies by state?

 

That is true. We've fixed many cars for dealers that are new un-sold stock. I can't remember the exact number but I think they have to disclose if it sover 1k or something like that. Still makes me sick each time one leaves with a redone bumper, knowing its not gonna get noted appropriately.

 

On the alignment part, the dealership should fix that under warranty. Just tell them your alignment seems off. My Evo IX needed a simple alignment adjustment after about 6 months and it was covered under warranty. Not sure if the X still has that under warranty, but worth a shot.

Sorry to hear about the situation. You could ask them if it was ever in an accident or if any repairs were ever done before you purchased the car. If you ask, they are entitled to tell you.

 

Not to sound like im quesitoning, but what if they lie? Who would know? Happens all the time.

 

wow! i know this is OT, but leasing an Evo? thats crazy...

 

My X had an alignment issue from Day one...they fixed it under warranty. No big deal. Not sure about the body panels though...may just be an oversight from the factory.

 

You're exactly right and make a good point. They definitely could lie...we all know dealers aren't the most ethical people.

I suppose the OP could take the car to a reputable body shop and they would know if there was an accident that happened at some point. The OP could go back to the dealer and tell them definitively that there was body work done and that it didn't happen before him owning the car. Maybe that would work?