Unmasking Devious Dealer TricksWhen an automobile has obvious defects and the owner appeals to the dealership to assist them in taking care of the vehicle problem, sometimes difficulties can arise. What is meant by difficulties? Well, unfortunately, many automobile dealers will try to pull a fast one so they are no longer liable to compensate you. In other words, you may be the victim of devious dealer tricks. So what are some of these common tricks that dealers use to get off the hook? What follows is a brief outline of four top dealer tricks that are used and ways you can expose them. The first trick a dealer may use is to say that you have had enough attempts at repair to qualify under lemon law for refund or vehicle replacement despite the fact that the law is very explicit on this point. They may even to the extent of writing a different reason for the visit on a work order even though you brought the vehicle in for the same problem. The way to defeat this trick is to be conscientious about record keeping. Make sure that the copies of repair records match up with what you know was done in the shop. Do your part to keep them accountable. The second dealer trick is to downplay the extent of the vehicle's defect. They say that since the problem is not a substantial issue with the vehicle's performance that it isn't covered by lemon law. Certainly, the degree of defect and its effects on operation of the car has an impact under state guidelines but one can appeal to the federal lemon law statutes if they feel the case warrants it. Federal lemon law operates under broader guidelines for determining the validity of a lemon claim. The dealership should not be allowed to determine solely whether a defect is "substantial" or otherwise. (Is this not the purpose and prerogative of lemon law?) A third dealer trick comes in the form of an accusation. The dealership may say that you abused or neglected your vehicle and this is the reason for the problem. Usually this trick is built on a pretty flimsy foundation and can quickly be unmasked for the "blame game" that it is. They want to remove themselves from responsibility and accountability to the consumer. The way to defeat this devious trick is to keep a record. Your vehicle service record can be a godsend when such a claim is made about your use of the vehicle in a court of law. Don't let their accusations silence your desire for restitution. The fourth trick is one of misdirection. I this case the dealer may try to pass off problems and defects as normal vehicle operation, saying "this normal" or "all the vehicles do that." It should be clear to anyone who paid attention to the listed or advertise functions of the vehicle what is and is not proper operation. Don't let the dealers confuse you or pass off the problem. Defects are not marks of reliability and you shouldn't settle for them. You paid for a fully functional vehicle! Of course, though these are some common dealer tricks that are used on gullible and uninformed consumer, there are other tricks out there. Be warned and protect yourself by learning what you can about lemon law and other relevant consumer protection laws. |