Is it up to the dealer to find the faults on a part ex?
Discussion
Or should you actively point them out to them?
Last week I went to see a used car I was interested in after work.
It had just come in and still had to be prepared for sale, etc. but the sales guy had a quick look round mine, declared it was in excellent condition, just what they were looking for and would retail it out no problem.
He then did a walk round appraisal and, based on that, the numbers worked out OK and I have placed a deposit on the car I was interested in - dependent on having another look once it has been prepared for sale as they would for any of their other cars.
Now, the problem is, I know there is one 'problem' area on my car in that there is a scuff on one of the door handles where something has rubbed against it ages ago and the panel around the handle has a small ripple in it that will need body work to sort it out - which is why I haven't had it sorted out myself.
This did not appear to be picked up on by the sales guy - he didnt mention it when he did the appraisal - but then neither did I point it out to him as he was doing the walk round.
The car I am interested in is now ready to be viewed after being prepared and with hindsight I think them not picking up on this damage may come back to haunt me.
When I go and see them tomorrow should I ask them to confirm that the valuation was based on the current condition and did they notice the scuff and take that into account?
The alternative is not to say anything but I dont feel this would be fair as when someone else looks at it, they will spot it straight away - the valeter certainly will - and I don't want to then have the 'angry' phone call asking what I was playing at or get into the argument about how that happened after they initially appraised it and I am trying to pull a fast one, etc.
Bearing in mind that I will use them for servicing as well I could really do without pissing them off.
So my current thinking is to point it out to them tomorrow when I go and see them and if the numbers change as a result, get the deposit back and walk away. Or they might be 'pleased' that I pointed it out and continue with the deal anyway.
Any thoughts?
Last week I went to see a used car I was interested in after work.
It had just come in and still had to be prepared for sale, etc. but the sales guy had a quick look round mine, declared it was in excellent condition, just what they were looking for and would retail it out no problem.
He then did a walk round appraisal and, based on that, the numbers worked out OK and I have placed a deposit on the car I was interested in - dependent on having another look once it has been prepared for sale as they would for any of their other cars.
Now, the problem is, I know there is one 'problem' area on my car in that there is a scuff on one of the door handles where something has rubbed against it ages ago and the panel around the handle has a small ripple in it that will need body work to sort it out - which is why I haven't had it sorted out myself.
This did not appear to be picked up on by the sales guy - he didnt mention it when he did the appraisal - but then neither did I point it out to him as he was doing the walk round.
The car I am interested in is now ready to be viewed after being prepared and with hindsight I think them not picking up on this damage may come back to haunt me.
When I go and see them tomorrow should I ask them to confirm that the valuation was based on the current condition and did they notice the scuff and take that into account?
The alternative is not to say anything but I dont feel this would be fair as when someone else looks at it, they will spot it straight away - the valeter certainly will - and I don't want to then have the 'angry' phone call asking what I was playing at or get into the argument about how that happened after they initially appraised it and I am trying to pull a fast one, etc.
Bearing in mind that I will use them for servicing as well I could really do without pissing them off.
So my current thinking is to point it out to them tomorrow when I go and see them and if the numbers change as a result, get the deposit back and walk away. Or they might be 'pleased' that I pointed it out and continue with the deal anyway.
Any thoughts?
AndyT77 said:
Are you for real?
The guy appraised your car, and gave you a valuation, based upon what he saw. If he missed something blindingly obvious that's his hard cheese.
Only if something happened to the car after the appraisal would i be willing to come clean.
As a car salesman, I agree.The guy appraised your car, and gave you a valuation, based upon what he saw. If he missed something blindingly obvious that's his hard cheese.
Only if something happened to the car after the appraisal would i be willing to come clean.
It happens more than you think, some people skip the process and give part exchange numbers on cars without looking at them properly.
It's the dealers problem not yours, the salesman will get a kicking for not appraising properly. That's his issue.
AndyT77 said:
Are you for real?
The guy appraised your car, and gave you a valuation, based upon what he saw. If he missed something blindingly obvious that's his hard cheese.
Only if something happened to the car after the appraisal would i be willing to come clean.
That is my initial thought but I guess I am a 'nice' guy hence my question.The guy appraised your car, and gave you a valuation, based upon what he saw. If he missed something blindingly obvious that's his hard cheese.
Only if something happened to the car after the appraisal would i be willing to come clean.
My concern is more the aftermath after they take it in to stock then give it a proper look over (yes they should have done this initially) and discover this issue and claim that it happened after the initial appraisal and me trading it on but I kept quiet in the hope they would not notice (until afterwards anyway).
KTF said:
Or should you actively point them out to them?
Last week I went to see a used car I was interested in after work.
It had just come in and still had to be prepared for sale, etc. but the sales guy had a quick look round mine, declared it was in excellent condition, just what they were looking for and would retail it out no problem.
He then did a walk round appraisal and, based on that, the numbers worked out OK and I have placed a deposit on the car I was interested in - dependent on having another look once it has been prepared for sale as they would for any of their other cars.
Now, the problem is, I know there is one 'problem' area on my car in that there is a scuff on one of the door handles where something has rubbed against it ages ago and the panel around the handle has a small ripple in it that will need body work to sort it out - which is why I haven't had it sorted out myself.
This did not appear to be picked up on by the sales guy - he didnt mention it when he did the appraisal - but then neither did I point it out to him as he was doing the walk round.
The car I am interested in is now ready to be viewed after being prepared and with hindsight I think them not picking up on this damage may come back to haunt me.
When I go and see them tomorrow should I ask them to confirm that the valuation was based on the current condition and did they notice the scuff and take that into account?
The alternative is not to say anything but I dont feel this would be fair as when someone else looks at it, they will spot it straight away - the valeter certainly will - and I don't want to then have the 'angry' phone call asking what I was playing at or get into the argument about how that happened after they initially appraised it and I am trying to pull a fast one, etc.
Bearing in mind that I will use them for servicing as well I could really do without pissing them off.
So my current thinking is to point it out to them tomorrow when I go and see them and if the numbers change as a result, get the deposit back and walk away. Or they might be 'pleased' that I pointed it out and continue with the deal anyway.
Any thoughts?
They should have checked the car thoroughly, and they should do a walkaround before handover - but most dont bother.Last week I went to see a used car I was interested in after work.
It had just come in and still had to be prepared for sale, etc. but the sales guy had a quick look round mine, declared it was in excellent condition, just what they were looking for and would retail it out no problem.
He then did a walk round appraisal and, based on that, the numbers worked out OK and I have placed a deposit on the car I was interested in - dependent on having another look once it has been prepared for sale as they would for any of their other cars.
Now, the problem is, I know there is one 'problem' area on my car in that there is a scuff on one of the door handles where something has rubbed against it ages ago and the panel around the handle has a small ripple in it that will need body work to sort it out - which is why I haven't had it sorted out myself.
This did not appear to be picked up on by the sales guy - he didnt mention it when he did the appraisal - but then neither did I point it out to him as he was doing the walk round.
The car I am interested in is now ready to be viewed after being prepared and with hindsight I think them not picking up on this damage may come back to haunt me.
When I go and see them tomorrow should I ask them to confirm that the valuation was based on the current condition and did they notice the scuff and take that into account?
The alternative is not to say anything but I dont feel this would be fair as when someone else looks at it, they will spot it straight away - the valeter certainly will - and I don't want to then have the 'angry' phone call asking what I was playing at or get into the argument about how that happened after they initially appraised it and I am trying to pull a fast one, etc.
Bearing in mind that I will use them for servicing as well I could really do without pissing them off.
So my current thinking is to point it out to them tomorrow when I go and see them and if the numbers change as a result, get the deposit back and walk away. Or they might be 'pleased' that I pointed it out and continue with the deal anyway.
Any thoughts?
He may well have noticed the problems, but didnt bring it up with you as it could have added a negative slant to the negotiations - some people get a bit "funny" about you criticising their trade in, so easier to go for the "you've kept your car in really good condition and its a credit to you" line.
Likewise he may plan on trading your car on, or sending it to auction so maybe isnt too bothered about the odd mark.
If you want to avoid any potential subsequent confrontation, you could mention it in passing conversation, but play it down as not being major issues, along the lines of "i just wanted to check you'd spotted those couple of marks on the bodywork, in case you think they happened subsequently".
daemon said:
They should have checked the car thoroughly, and they should do a walkaround before handover - but most dont bother.
He may well have noticed the problems, but didnt bring it up with you as it could have added a negative slant to the negotiations - some people get a bit "funny" about you criticising their trade in, so easier to go for the "you've kept your car in really good condition and its a credit to you" line.
Likewise he may plan on trading your car on, or sending it to auction so maybe isnt too bothered about the odd mark.
If you want to avoid any potential subsequent confrontation, you could mention it in passing conversation, but play it down as not being major issues, along the lines of "i just wanted to check you'd spotted those couple of marks on the bodywork, in case you think they happened subsequently".
Yes, I realise they may well just send it on to auction, etc. but its a bit more than a mark on the car. The scuff on the handle you can spot easily. The ripple behind it, you can see if you look down the side of the car and know where to look. But then he did that as well and seemingly didn't spot it.He may well have noticed the problems, but didnt bring it up with you as it could have added a negative slant to the negotiations - some people get a bit "funny" about you criticising their trade in, so easier to go for the "you've kept your car in really good condition and its a credit to you" line.
Likewise he may plan on trading your car on, or sending it to auction so maybe isnt too bothered about the odd mark.
If you want to avoid any potential subsequent confrontation, you could mention it in passing conversation, but play it down as not being major issues, along the lines of "i just wanted to check you'd spotted those couple of marks on the bodywork, in case you think they happened subsequently".
Its more that I have used the garage to do all the servicing on mine since I have had it and will plan to use them for the replacement so could do without the animosity.
In reality, its probably not the time this has happened and wont be the last but Its just bothering me, thats all...
So the consensus seem to be to keep my mouth shut then rather than say by the way did you see this?
You won't achieve anything by mentioning them.
All that will happen is
A) they won't be bothered
B) they'll try and chip you for the cost
If they notice subsequently then all they can do is try and recover the cost from you I.e option b. However if this after the deal as been complete they most likely wouldn't even bother.
If you've let them appraise it and answered questions honestly then it's their funeral IMO. In all likely hood the salesman and/or sales manager has spotted it already.
All that will happen is
A) they won't be bothered
B) they'll try and chip you for the cost
If they notice subsequently then all they can do is try and recover the cost from you I.e option b. However if this after the deal as been complete they most likely wouldn't even bother.
If you've let them appraise it and answered questions honestly then it's their funeral IMO. In all likely hood the salesman and/or sales manager has spotted it already.
*Al* said:
In that case I bet there will be more faults on the car you are buying! They view your car, and value it and if you're happy then there is no problem.
Ok, that was my understanding as it is best not to volunteer information when they are appraising it as they will only use it to knock the price down.Guess I am just too nice :P
waterwonder said:
If you've let them appraise it and answered questions honestly then it's their funeral IMO. In all likely hood the salesman and/or sales manager has spotted it already.
Ok, like I said, he did look down the side of the car with the damage on it but not the other one so maybe he did spot it even if it wasn't noted down on the appraisal sheet.I honestly dont think he did as he has only been there for a short time and did the deal without the sales manager being present - it was the end of the day and everyone had gone home.
But thats his issue as you say.
waterwonder said:
Are we talking about something that the dealer will retail?
He gave the impression that they would retail it. Its a 7 year old car with 30k, full history and no other damage apart from the door handle area.Just the sort of thing I would expect to see on their forecourt in a week or so with a crazy markup on it - no issue with that as thats business.
turboteeth said:
the tyres were all shot
Ah, I forgot that the rear tyres on mine were the originals and should really ger replaced before they start cracking.Strangely me not mentioning that to them doesnt bother me at all. I guess its less visible than the panel damage. He certainly didnt look at them.
waterwonder said:
I think you can see what the consensus is.
Yes, I will go for the keep my mouth shut/be all surprised if they do call afterwards and point out that they appraised it before valuing it option(s). Assuming I go through with the deal once I have seen the car now its been prepared tomorrow...
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