Ok, here's the situation. I bought a used 05 Roadster two weeks ago from a dealer a few hours from my house. The car is certified as well as an extended 8/80 CarMax. Anyway, When we test drove the car it was snowing very heavily, so we did not drive the car as much as desired, but had a good idea that we liked the car. The TPM light was on when we first got in the vehicle and the salesman said that the tire was a little low from sitting outside for so long and once it warmed up the light would go off. After driving the car for a few minutes we returned back to the dealership to discuss the sale, all the while forgetting about the TPM light. The car came with a Carfax and stated that it was in a "minor accident", but remember that the car is certified... When we drove it home that day and the snow stopped we sped up a bit to see how the car ran, and had an awful vibration in the front of the car. At the time we attributed this to a low tire. A few days later we noticed that the transmission was shuddering a bit when upshifting, so we decided to make an apt. at a local crossfire certifed dealership. It turns out the front wheels are bent, tpm is broken off inside driver tire, car has a misfire, seal and cap for transmission dipstick is missing and water is getting into the trans. The total $ is atleast $3200 if they just drain, replace fluid and filter in trans, replace wheels, tires, and tune up. None of this is covered under the CarMax btw. So I call the dealership we bought the car from and they tell me that they don't believe the local dealership and there is no way the car can be that bad or it would not have passed ceritfication. I of course tell them that it is that bad and the car had only been driven 2x and the rest of the time it has been in the shop. So at this point they think we damaged the car, and want us to bring the car to them so they can verify the complaints. I know they are going to fight us on this, so what would you do in this situation? Thanks in advance.

 

I think, you call a tow truck and take the xfire back, demand your money back as I'm in a hurry like NOW wait until they say we can't and call a taxi or have someone pick you up leave the car and leave saying you'll will not pay for it period ! I will not discuss keeping this pile of crap ! My Lawyer will contact you all soon !

 

Man, you took an awefully big chance trusting an auto dealer. And, one that is far from your house. Call your attorney fast and see what your state laws are about contracts. Most states require a "cooling off" period in contracts. Two weeks is probably past that time but it's worth a check.
BUT HURRY!

 

I agree with Dan, make them back out of the deal. I have heard a few things like this before about Carmax.

 

I don't see where your from but I know Ohio has a lemon law and also a cooling off period. Man, I wouldn't want any part of that car. If you don't get immediate satisfaction I would contact an attorney. Don't let them stall you. You have to let them know that the only remedy is to get your money back. Good Luck and don't let this sour you on the Crossfire. Please let us know how this turns out.

 

The only problem with the lemon law is the same problem has to occur multiple times after being repaired before it is a lemon. I would like to say for the record that the dealership in question is well represented on this forum and I know a few friends who have purchsed vehicles from them with no issues. The local dealer that I took it to said not to give up on the car and it is still a great vehicle as long as the problems are fixed properly. Also, it is not certain that the "minor accident" is the reasoning for the issues. I know they will fight it out with us and I don't think just walking away is a viable option.

 

Exactly the dealer you want a good one they will give up quicker than a bad one! force the issue and act like a pain in the *** ! You'll get better results and demand another CAR like NOW !

 

I would take it back - if they want to play hard ball and tell you that you can't. Remind them that you asked about the light and were told about the tire just being low on air - and threaten them that you'll just leave the cara there and they can "call the bank to pick it up"

I sold cars for 6 years and if the customer does not make the first payment - the dealership is forced to take the car back. So if you threaten them with this they now they'll ultimately have no choice.

Secondly, you were LIED to and you might want to get ahold of your local DMV and speak with them on the matter, but I would definately take the car back.

 

Good points SVO.

 

I have a dealer license too, and I'll tell you without reservation you should demand they take that car back. Don't ask, just tell them that's the only option. Certified is actually more of a marketing term than it is anything else, and dishonest deals happen on 'certified' cars just as frequently as non-certified. Being an honest guy myself, I have no tolerance for dealers that take advantage of people. I do bet you'll be a little more careful next time - Sorry it had to happen at all. Go get 'em.

Mike

 

Could you post the VIN ,and as forum members we can track the unit and advise future owners as to any problems

 

I do have to add though that the Crossfire transmission is a sealed unit and does not come with a fill tube or dipstick. The water in the trans would possibly indicate a front end collision and a breach of the trans. fluid cooling tank, in the radiator. How did they find out about water in the trans? I would also be a little concerned about the repair shop !!!

 

Florida has a lemon law to protect you from unscrupulous dealers. Maybe Ohio has one too...good luck. Under no circumstances should you keep this dog.

 

You need to get back there record the name of everyone you talk with and document everything. Maybe carry the voice recorder. Demand and leave a note in writing that this is misrepresented, you have information that things are not as they appear and you want out.

Any issue, get a lawyer that you feel good about, I have one that has covered many such issues, good lawyers dont cost they earn their keep. You also have the investigation group in your newspaper, state government, and tv station. Start at the top and burn them from there, but ALWAYS BE POLITE AND CIVIL, AS IF A JUDGE WAS WATCHING YOUR ACTIONS. Put your requests in writing and know who you spoke with.....Woody

 

At this point the dealership is fixing the car under warranty. After going through the car with the tech I do feel that the local dealership was a little over zealous in their diagnostics. They assumed that there was water in the trans because the filler tube cap was missing, but when I looked the seal was in place. Either way they ware going to fix or replace the transmission. It also seems that the bent wheel was actually a repaired run flat tire that had a flat spot. I figured that we would give the dealership the benefit of the doubt and let them try to rectify the situation and they have done so to this point. We have a free rental until we pick the car up this weekend, so we hope all will go well. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Yellow Fire,

How's the Crossfire? Just curious to know how you made out. Are you satisfied and do you like your Crossfire? Had the top down yet?

 

So far things are getting better. The transmission still has an awkward shift at around 45mph (almost like the car cuts out for a second). The dealership says that it is normal, but I doubt it is. Everything else seems to be working well as they replaced both front tires and a TPM and flushed the transmission along with replacing the filter. It is a very fun car to drive and as of right now I am happy enough to keep it. If it continues to be a great car down the road I may purchase an SRT-6 coupe. Also, it seems that my local dealership was a little off in their diagnostics as it was not as bad as they had quoted and everything has been covered under my warranty. I just wish MB could honor the Chrysler warranty.

 

I agree - don't make the first payment until they make it right.
If you don't get satisfaction, I would contact your states attn general's consumer protection office. Here is a link if you need legal reference or to ctc the attn gen: http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/consumer/index.asp

 

Carmax......never.....dont think he bought it from them.....

 

One of the main things that I love about my
roadster is the transmission/engine harmony. I
have never ever had an automatic transmission
with the option to shift myself that is so smooth
and free from jerks and surges. It is as smooth
as silk even when it is cold.

My thought is if you still have an issue at 45
something is still wrong. In my exerience with
this Mercedes platform smoothness and the
most civilized electrical and mechanical operations
are what you get. Anything else is a problem.

my .02 worth popeye