Thread: How many Kms should a "new" car have?

I can remember my father going into AVCO (Holden dealer in Brisbane) to buy a new EH wagon,after looking in the engine bay the salesman slammed the bonnet down,and a large piece of bog about 12-14 inches jumped up from it,a poor damaged bonnet repair,salesman very embarrassed,I was watching from the spare parts counter where I was working (doing my 1st year training) they supplied a new bonnet painted in the correct colour for the car (Burnt Umber= dark brown with Fowler's Ivory roof) they still had some run-out EJ's on the showroom floor (older grey motor)very heavily discounted.

I left AVCO to go to Sydney to train at BMC/Leyland in spares.


cheers

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Dealers never reveal that cars have been damaged in transit either. They are repaired and sold as new. Pranged by delivery drivers, come loose on (or off!) car carriers, break loose on the ships and float around damaging several others in the process.

Reminded me of a stuff up that happened when I was working at a holden dealer. Middle aged couple had just come into some money and bought 2 anthracite(black) HSV statesman's, his n hers, as the delivery driver backed them off the truck the upper level was about 2mm to low and put a white gouge along the middle of the roof of both cars, unfortunately they where there to see them about 1hr later! Not happy to say the least, but where still talked into taking the cars, with a further discount and service sweeteners.

Given how much they stuffed me around you would think they would have offered me something as a sweetener. No dice. Take it as it is or leave it. His reason for 40 unexplained kms?

"I cant explain it, it must have been one of the subbies".....

Im drafting a letter to LRA as we speak.

Originally Posted by JamesB71

Given how much they stuffed me around you would think they would have offered me something as a sweetener. No dice. Take it as it is or leave it. His reason for 40 unexplained kms?

"I cant explain it, it must have been one of the subbies".....

Im drafting a letter to LRA as we speak.

I don't like your chances of getting any sort of recompense. I am sure the dealer considers that you have been delivered a new car and that you are bunging on. The conversation in the lunch room would have gone something like "You wouldn't believe what this head (or ******, or wood duck) is carrying on about. He thinks a new car shouldn't have any miles on it. ---- me, we meet some mugs in this game. No wonder I go home smelling of strong drink."

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Dealers never reveal that cars have been damaged in transit either. They are repaired and sold as new. Pranged by delivery drivers, come loose on (or off!) car carriers, break loose on the ships and float around damaging several others in the process.

I processed more than a couple of transit damage claims that were substantially more than a "stone chip" and I wouldn't have been happy if it were my car but exactly where do you draw the line between telling the customer and staying hushed. It was a very blurred line.

Originally Posted by Stuck

I processed more than a couple of transit damage claims that were substantially more than a "stone chip" and I wouldn't have been happy if it were my car but exactly where do you draw the line between telling the customer and staying hushed. It was a very blurred line.

When it looks as though the part was put on with a sledge hammer and the dings, missing paint and rust are still clearly visible to anyone willing to squat down?

James,
I'm not looking to stir you up but the way that I think the dealer would be looking at is that you knew how many clicks were on it when you signed on the line and unless you can prove that there'd been an "unreasonable" amount of mileage added between that time and delivery I think you'll be in for a tough time in getting any sort of compensation. As Sean (SBD4) mentioned, contacting Voltron to find out when he drove it could go a long way towards helping your case. Without seeing the damage to the front end I wouldn't like to comment but in my 16 years in pre delivery unless it was noted at delivery you'll learn that these blokes have more moves than a chess tournament.

Thanks for the input guys, but I'm not looking for compensation. It was noted at delivery and I accepted it on the provision the problems were fixed.

I'm just very surprised at what's considered acceptable in that industry, and I think most others from outside would too. If I was selling something for 50 G's I would probably have a squiz underneath prior to giving it to the client.