Hello all,
Getting right to it. I bought a used 03 Lancer OZ from a reputable dealership who's business name spans across my state. I've had it for about a year. Yesterday I took it to a Nizzan dealership (not owned by them) and asked what I could get for it as a trade for a diff. car. Anyways, the figures didn't add up, but they did elucidate me to the fact that the VIN number in the dash is different from the VIN on the passanger side door, and that the rear fender had been replaced. No one ever said anything about there being any repair or prior damage to it when I was at the dealership. A carfax was done and nothing showed up. If this car was totaled out, or even damaged enough to where it would need a new door and rear fender does this not violate the Lemon Law? It also lowers my vehicle's trade-in value, thereby hindering me from ever getting a reasonable amount for a trade-in, which was ultimately caused by the dealership's withholding of vital information. Thanks a lot.

 

If the dealer didnt disclose something like that and you can prove it, they have a major problem o nthere hands. Id get written proof of your findings from the nissan dealer and then go confront the dealer you bought it from. If the local place wont do anything and you say they are a big name id call there corporate home office and talk with them.

 

Damn, that's kinda like what happened to my friend. He bought a white 03 from the same place as mine [I drive a white 03, just FYI, what a copy cat, back on topic] and the dealer printed out a carfax and stuff. After he had already driven it to my place to show me I noticed that his front and rear bumper had both been repainted, awfully at that. Orange peel like an actual orange on the rear bumper, and the stock black grille in the front was now white. I asked him how he didn't notice since we both took collision repair in high school and he said he was too into the moment. The vin number on the inside lid of the trunk was even painted over. I was telling him to confront the dealership to see if they would do anything like drop the payments or something, but hes too scared to do it. IMO I think you could definently do a little boat rocking with a claim like that, especially if another reputable dealership can give written proof.

 

CarFax will only show if something was claimed via insurance. If someone was in an accident with the vehicle and payed cash to have it fix it wouldnt show up. The dealer showed due dilligance by checking the car fax and providing you with all the information they were aware of. This is why when you buy a used vehicle you take the VIN number to a dealer where the car was serveced (local to the area usually) and ask them to give you some history on the vehicle....maintance, repairs, OEM replacemnet parts bought etc...
I really don't see any legal ground you would have against the dealer, but thats just my opinion. I think your best bet would be to try tradding in to another dealer or selling privetly.

 

Oh, I didn't know carfax worked like that. It makes sense to me now. They still told him [my friend] that there were no major accidents, though.

 

You didn't post the most important part here... what were they going to give you for it? 6k like mine?

 

weird