In my opinion they may tell you to pound sand! They have several ways out of this. They can tell you the previous owner did not disclose, therefore they did not know. Maybe the seller sould to them at night and it was raining? They can tell you they never pulled a Carfax or Auto check as it may not be required, stupid on their part. Or the previous owner may say it was repainted becasue the flock of acid dropping crows crapped all over it and it was repainted. Or they knew the limit of the damage and therefor they did not have to disclose it. I would check on the state laws on what needs to be disclosed. The dealer buyer may have bought it elsewhere where disclosure is not required. I'm guessing you did not pull the background either? Other wise you may not have bought the vehicle. I can't tell you how many peole buy on emotion vs, doing their homework.

 

Not sure about NM, but in PA dealers are not *required* to disclose a prior accident. Only required to disclose if salvage vehicle. Was vehicle VW certified? I don't think VW allows cars with prior accident to be certified. If it was certified, you have a good case for compensation. If not, I don't think the dealer is required to do anything.

 

don't take this wrong because I am not educated enough to give an accurate opinion but I believe they will tell you to pound sand because they can. The big guy usually wins. Everything is about money, please keep us updated as it is a very eye opening thread, thanks!

I hope you do well on this

 

Your basically beat.

If they do anything for you I would be shocked. And you should take whatever they offer you.

Really, they owe you nothing. Do your own due diligence next time.

I sell cars for fun and can't stand this type of crap.

 

While I'm as pissed as the OP just reading his ordeal, I'm going to say a big X2 to Syonara. He's right. Take whatever they give you, but I'll be surprised if they give you anything.

 

Sucks big time. No Carfax or similar report when you first purchased? I know Carfax doesn't always show complete history but its a good start. I would never take a dealer's word on a car's history and would request a Carfax or something similar.

Good luck to you. Hope you get something.

 

CARFAX and Auto Check get their information from public records and from dealers who belong to both parties and report to them. Lots of stuff can be left off especially lemons! Another story on that later!

With used prices so high and used being in demand you can bet there is going to be stuff missing to get those higher prices and profit margins bigger.

Great concept but the fox is watching the hen house!

When buying used I cannot stress enough to go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb. If you do not know enough about a vehicle I would suggest hiring a certified inspector that does not have any ties to a garage or the selling party. If buying a VW from a VW dealer ask to see service records. They won’t reveal the previous owner, but they will give you the records. If they won’t show you that’s a red flag. Due diligence really is the key here. Never buy at night, when raining, sleeting or snowing, under pressure, ect... All of these and more can impair your sight and mind when looking at a vehicle. If you have to buy at night or inclement weather, ask if the vehicle can be brought in under florescent lights where you can go over it. Paint jobs can be easily seen under this type of light and stand out like a sore thumb. Many new facilities have pre delivery bays where you can go over the vehicle.

With the above said good luck to you!

 

So lance, you did not do a check on carfax etc by yourself before you bought either of these vehicles I imagine? Like others said, if the dealership does ANYTHING, i would be surprised, but at the same time, also accept it and move on. I have never heard of a dealership going that far on an old sale.

 

OP: Did you ask about accidents or prior history? Is there a state law in NM about disclosure of material facts? If you can answer yes to at least one of these then you have something.

Otherwise, I think you have a not too expensive ($2,500 on the high end) lesson. Many, including myself, have paid far higher prices to learn a lesson.