[FINAL UPDATE] OOOH CRAP! - Dealer just called...my (soon to be) new car got hit. What should I do???

[The Sauce]

I was about to go pick up my brand new black 2003 Accord Coupe 6-Speed yesterday and the dealer calls to tell me that the car was in an accident. They had completed my add-on's and were taking it out to fill it up with gas before I picked it up. The front left fender got swiped by someone making a right turn in front of the car at the exit to the dealer's lot. The front molding got ripped off, the headlight cover is scratched and the left front fender is scratched and there is some minor denting of the fender. It is at the body shop getting repaired now. It seems very unlikely that there was any structural damage to the car. Repairs are estimated to be ~$2500-$3500 The dealer has offered $1,000 off.

This is a limited production car with only 1,000 being released in the US this year. Sticker is $26,300, invoice is $23,700. New, no one was offering it for under sticker.

I have been told that this forces the dealer to register the car and sell it as used. What would you do? How much has this accident depreciated the value of the car? What should I worry about? Any advice greatly appreciated.

3/20/03
OMFG, you guys were soooooo RIGHT! I went back to the dealer tonight to see the car. The paint job looked kinda crappy - like there were thousands of tiny scratches/streaks in the clear coat. Then the test drive - first I noticed that the clutch did not feel right. It was engaging way too far down. Then I noticed that the alignment was HORRIBLE. I had the wheel a quarter turn to the left the entire time (car pulling to right). And then when I accelerated the car pulled hard to the right. The dealer was in quite a discomfiture. As soon as we got back to the dealership he gets out and says "so I guess you'll be wanting a new car." I said "yup."

Then he somehow finds out that they had just gotten a new one in that very day. Not the color I wanted (it's silver) but it has ONE mile on it...and no damage I am presently undecided as to whether to go for the silver or wait for him to find a trade for it in black. I am going to post a poll on the subject tonight since I have to know by tomorrow. If they can;t get me a black one, I'll probably just get the silver and be happy about it. THANKS FOR ALL THE ADVISE GUYS!

Oh, BTW - even with all the problems, the dealer was not willing to give more than $1000 discount (i asked just for the hell of it). Just goes to show just what the demand must be for this car.

 

[Dragnov]

WTF? Fsck that.

You're buying a brand new car, not some car that has been in an accident.

I'd say fsck them unless they give you a SIGNIFICANT discount.

 

[fastz28]

dont' take it, get another one.

 

[Garet Jax]

I would insist on seeing the car today. The dealer may be playing with you and selling your car to another buyer offering more money. If it is truly damaged, then you need to determine if you are OK with having a new car that has already been in an accident.

If you are, then you should be pushing hard for some sort of rebate or benefit for taking a new car that has already been in an accident.

 

[optoman]

It is no longer a new car and I would ask for a new one. I would also try and get the VIN number of the one that was hit so they don't try and pass it along to you.

 

[cmdavid]

they expect you to pay the same price for a car thats been in an accident as you would a brand new car? HA!

 

[The Sauce]

Yah I have the VIN. I am on my way down ther to check out the damage. If it's just a scuffed bumper (as the dealer says) I may consider taking a price cut. Does that seem reasonable? I'll be back in an hour with the damage report.

 

[iamme]

sounds like he may be selling your car to someone else who gave them more money. demand to see the car today and see what they say.

if it was really in an accident, demand a new car. not sure about the laws, so good luck

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: fastz28
dont' take it, get another one.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: eplebnista

Originally posted by: fastz28
dont' take it, get another one.

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

I would try to get free service . . . oil changes, rotations/alignments, but in particular scheduled maintenance.

 

[hevnsnt]

make them give you 2.

 

[spacelord]

don't take it. if paying for a new car, it should be new.

maybe if it looks like new, and they knock off $1000.. then consider it.

 

[fastz28]

Originally posted by: Snatchface
Yah I have the VIN. I am on my way down ther to check out the damage. If it's just a scuffed bumper (as the dealer says) I may consider taking a price cut. Does that seem reasonable? I'll be back in an hour with the damage report.

Don't forget to get pics so we can decide.

 

Do not even think about taking it. Automatically the car has an accident on it's record before you even own it. The resale value has already decreased. The dealer is going to BS you into taking it but he knows he is stuck with it. Don't do it dude.

 

[yoda291]

I say get a brand new car AND get a discount. You don't know what the hell could have happened to the car in the accident beyond cosmetic damage...plus they are making you wait to receive something you paid.

 

[Vic]

Do not take delivery of that car!

Tell them you want a different one. This is their fault, that car is not yet yours regardless of how many papers you may have signed, and you do not want a wrecked car... even if the "wreck" were as small as a scratch.
They can easily give you a different but identical car, insist on that, even if it means a day or 2 wait.
And remember this: under the law, regardless of how many papers you may have signed, you do not have to take delivery of any car from them, but THEY are compelled by the law to deliver a car to you.

 

[spacelord]

if they can't provide you a new car in a speedy fashion.. I would start looking around to other dealers.
make sure your dealer knows you are serious!

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Jeez louise - you guys have hair triggers! If the damage is as minimal as it sounds, I would take the car as long as they gave me a reasonable discount or free extended warranty. Why should the dealer give him a new car AND a discount? The bottom line is that new cars don't stay new forever, and it is only a matter of time until the car gets its first door ding, bumper scuff, etc.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: fastz28
dont' take it, get another one.

 

[40oz]

Originally posted by: Vic
Do not take delivery of that car! Tell them you want a different one. This is their fault, that car is not yet yours regardless of how many papers you may have signed, and you do not want a wrecked car... even if the "wreck" were as small as a scratch. They can easily give you a different but identical car, insist on that, even if it means a day or 2 wait. And remember this: under the law, regardless of how many papers you may have signed, you do not have to take delivery of any car from them, but THEY are compelled by the law to deliver a car to you.

I would have to agree
I would now consider this a "used car" the value has now significantly decreased.

 

[Jzero]

Why should the dealer give him a new car AND a discount? The bottom line is that new cars don't stay new forever, and it is only a matter of time until the car gets its first door ding, bumper scuff, etc.

Yeah, I'd insist on a DIFFERENT car, but a discount seems unreasonable.
Unless they give you that car with a discount.

 

[Soybomb]

Look at it now and see how bad the damage is before the repair. If its not too bad try to work out a few thousand discount. If its mangaled don't take it.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Do NOT take the car. This is the dealer's fault, and he can't escape that. You should demand an IDENTICAL, UNDAMAGED car for THE SAME PRICE. If the dealer balks at this, call Honda of America's Corporate Office and report the dealer. Honda Corporate should be able to either intercede on your behalf, or locate another dealer who will be willing to make the same deal for an identical car.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT ACCEPT THE DAMAGED CAR AND BE SURE TO GET THE VIN FROM THE DAMAGED CAR SO THEY DON'T TRY TO PAWN IT OFF ON YOU!

ZV

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

I wouldn't refuse the car without evaluating the extent of the damage and the amount they are willing to adjust the price. However, if there is any serious damage I wouldn't accept it at all. think resale value.