Is a dealer supposed to notify you of damage?

[Raptor626]

Nothing's wrong with my car ^. I saw another Camaro with the same gaps. I was just posing this question so that at my next purchase I'll be much more thorough.

[Raptor626]

And as for me "digging mighty hard" I'm doing it because knowledge is power and I'm trying to uncover as much as possible.

[Cbrenthus]

I'd really like to see the people saying for sure either way post up some proof. Simply put, this deals with state laws. I looked through FL statutes awhile back and found nothing concerning this, however, I did find a law in NC says it has to be x percent of the purchase price.

[Baba]

Originally Posted by Raptor626

And as for me "digging mighty hard" I'm doing it because knowledge is power and I'm trying to uncover as much as possible.

Relax fella. Just a figure of speech and not intended to imply, construe or connote anything but.

If you want an expert's opinion whom you might be able to reasonably trust, contact your insurance co. and have them either send an adjuster out to you or refer you to a body shop they recommend for an assessment of the area(s) that might be suspect.

[Raptor626]

^ Cool. I mean I looked over my car very carefully at delivery, and everything seemed fine and still is fine. The issue here is if a fender was replaced. In that case unless the dealer told you something you would never know. That's why I wanted to know if they're obligated to disclose such info.

[Hannibal]

This disclosure type is specific to each state. Look up the law for your state and the answer will be there bro.

[Wizard1183]

What kinds of repairs are you talking about? If it was repaired flawlessly, before you buy check the carfax on it, you wont be able to tell anything was done. But to be flawless, only thing I can think of is replacing body parts. If body work was done to the panels, you most def. can tell because it will be good, but not flawless. Though Ive done body repair at a GM dealership so I can tell if bondo is put on a car. sf for undercarriage being banged up, you CANT get that flawless if youre just repairing it and noone can tell unless you disassemble the car. So I dunno. Just cause a car is there a few days before they call you doesnt mean its been damaged, Maybe they forgot tocall you.

[CCbusa09]

My wife and grown kids think I'm taking it a bit too far when I order a new vehicle, but it definitely cuts down on the chances of being disappointed later on when you drive your new car home.
I ordered back on the 5th, left a "refundable" $500 deposit and explicit written instructions that I am to be notified immediately when then the transport truck arrives at the dealer.
There will be no PDI OR washing performed. All plastics will be left in place for me to personally remove to inspect for imperfections and damage. I'll wash the car properly at home, no swirl marks allowed in my garage!! IF she passes my critical eye, then it's out on the road for a test dirve to insure there are no rattles, unbalanced tires and a smooth shifting tranny, etc..
My dealer balked initally, but relented and said OK (they want money, could care less about you and your car). I also gave strict instructions to not fill 'er up with 87 octane, that I will do that with my own $$$ to insure nothing but 91 (max octane in this state) goes into the tank.
Don't trust your dealer to do anything for you, you'll be sorry if you do, period!!

Jim

[Raptor626]

No, I actually got the call the day it came in, but unfortunately it was during a snow storm. The salesman and I therefore scheduled a pick up 5 days later.

Btw, how would you be able to tell if something like a body filler was used, aside from using a magnet.

[epkmvuoq]

Originally Posted by Raptor626

Let's say your car is damaged during shipping or once it's at the dealer getting prepped, does the dealer have to notify you before he makes repairs? Let's also say that you actually ordered the car specifically how you wanted it and paid for it in advance. Let's also forget about decency and morals for a sec.


I'm asking because I heard of a story where a guy bought a "new" car off a dealer's lot and once he went home and inspected it, he realized that it had been damaged and the dealer never told him.

In louisiana a dealer must disclose any damage that is above 499 dollars. That's the law.

[moonshine]

Originally Posted by epkmvuoq

In louisiana a dealer must disclose any damage that is above 499 dollars. That's the law.

incorrect sir

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=321505

RS 32:1264

§1264. Damage disclosure

A. Whenever a new vehicle subject to regulation pursuant to this Chapter is sold to any person, the seller shall notify the purchaser of any body damage or mechanical damage which the vehicle has sustained that exceeds six percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price or, in the case of recreational vehicles, six percent of the manufacturer's wholesale price. Such notice shall be in writing and a copy thereof shall be delivered to the purchaser prior to or simultaneous with transfer of the vehicle title.

B. Replacement of a new recreational vehicle's instrument panels, appliances, furniture, cabinetry, televisions, audio equipment, or similar residential components shall not be deemed "damage" pursuant to this Section if such items are replaced with original manufacturers' parts and materials.

C. This Section shall apply to all instances of vehicular body or mechanical damage to vehicles and to all actions involving such damage, notwithstanding the application of other codal, statutory, or regulatory provisions, including but not limited to Civil Code Articles 2520 et seq.

Acts 2005, No. 500, §1, eff. July 12, 2005; Acts 2010, No. 1036, §1.

[Raptor626]

Ok so here is the area that got me thinking. Yes, this is my car, and I had the bumper cover off for an LED reverse lights install. The area around the deck lid hinges is sealed up with some filler. On other camaros this area does have the same filler, but it was painted over. So, why is mine like that? This what got me thinking. BTW, both sides are like this.

[Raptor626]

Proof that both sides are identical.

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...disp=inline&zw

[Raptor626]

sorry, here it is.