WTF ?! New car with already a registration sticker on it

[rh71]

So we go today to check out my dad's new car on the lot... we had previously only selected it on paper with the VIN and everything. Delivery was supposed to be tomorrow. So we see it today and the car looked to still be in new condition, but without all the plastic bags over seats, etc. It also had a REGISTRATION sticker on it dating back to MARCH 2003. Why the %(@!* would a new car sitting on a dealer lot have a registration sticker already unless it had previously been "prepped" for someone else? I don't think it was used as a test drive vehicle since they don't need to be inspected for that purpose.

Invoice date on car is Jan '03. Would you take it ? Mileage on it is unknown until tomorrow 9am. This particular car has rear A/C (minivan) while our only other choice (in same color) doesn't have rear A/C (but we know it's brand spanking new dated April '03 on the invoice). Since we're buying it on a corporate discount, we don't have much leeway with anything. It's just our call which car to take... the questionable one on the lot with the rear A/C we wanted, or the one without it, but brand new for sure.

Main point I do want to know is... why the registration sticker on it? Reasons ? They said they have no idea (obviously a lie)

 

[dethman]

i wouldn't do it. if the dealership is lying to you about one thing, who knows what else they are lying about.

 

[Viper GTS]

So what says you can't wait until another one comes along that is precisely what you want?

If you settle you'll be forever kicking yourself.

Viper GTS

 

[rh71]

One more question about this... they stated that adding a 3rd party security system would void the factory 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. I know they are trying to sell us these "extras", but it's really only $100 less if we did it ourselves. Is this BS about voiding the warranty too and would you do an alarm there?

 

[boggsie]

Originally posted by: rh71
One more question about this... they stated that adding a 3rd party security system would void the factory 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. I know they are trying to sell us these "extras", but it's really only $100 less if we did it ourselves. Is this BS about voiding the warranty too and would you do an alarm there?

SEMA is pretty clear on this. In order to void the warranty, they must, _MUST_ prove that the change (adding the whatever) was the cause of the failure that you are asking to be covered under warranty.

Of course, this all sounds well and good. The reality is that when things are being arbitrated (you are trying to force them to cover and they are balking) you are usually without the vehicle for days, maybe weeks, while the paperwork makes it's way up and down the warranty chain.

 

[htran]

I forgot the actual number, but isn't if a car over a certain mileage not considered new anymore? For example if this mini-van had over 1000 miles(or whatever it is), isn't it considered that it is used and the first owner was the dealership(possibly it was a car they used as a loaner).

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: boggsie

Originally posted by: rh71
One more question about this... they stated that adding a 3rd party security system would void the factory 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. I know they are trying to sell us these "extras", but it's really only $100 less if we did it ourselves. Is this BS about voiding the warranty too and would you do an alarm there?

SEMA is pretty clear on this. In order to void the warranty, they must, _MUST_ prove that the change (adding the whatever) was the cause of the failure that you are asking to be covered under warranty.

Of course, this all sounds well and good. The reality is that when things are being arbitrated (you are trying to force them to cover and they are balking) you are usually without the vehicle for days, maybe weeks, while the paperwork makes it's way up and down the warranty chain.

The business manager stated there's no partial warranty. If it's void in any manner (such as "cutting into the wiring harness" for something like a stereo system, etc.) the entire warranty for the car is void. Are they really this strict on all warranties or are they trying to scare us into buying it ?

 

[richardycc]

thats total BS, look up Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

rich

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: richardycc
thats total BS, look up Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

rich

Thanks for that.

 

[rh71]

Anyone know about the registration sticker ?

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: rh71
Anyone know about the registration sticker ?

They registered it, which likely means the dealership is the first owner.

Walk away, and do not deal with this dealership. they are lying to you on this and on the security system.

 

[zsouthboy]

Originally posted by: Evadman

Originally posted by: rh71
Anyone know about the registration sticker ?

They registered it, which likely means the dealership is the first owner.

Walk away, and do not deal with this dealership. they are lying to you on this and on the security system.

Ditto.

 

[d33pt]

I would not buy a car as new that has been previously registered, nor with more than 50 miles on the clock. At that point you can ask them for a couple thousand off their price or just wait for a brand new one with the stuff you want on it.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: zsouthboy

Originally posted by: Evadman

Originally posted by: rh71
Anyone know about the registration sticker ?

They registered it, which likely means the dealership is the first owner.

Walk away, and do not deal with this dealership. they are lying to you on this and on the security system.

Ditto.

Ditto for me as well. They are lying.

 

[flot]

They are completely full of crap on the warranty issue, and on top of that 99% sure they are full of crap on the registration issue. If that car has more than 10 miles you definitely shouldn't buy it, and like everyone else says - find a new dealer!

Oh, and why is the milage unknown?!?

 

[dethman]

totally full of shi t on the security issue. get the hell away from this dealer.

 

[N8Magic]

GO TO ANOTHER DEALER.

They have lied to you twice, and will likely do it again.

Your corporate discount should be valid at any of the manufacturer's dealerships. If it was me, i'd report their behaviour to the manufacturer's 800 customer service line so others don't get ripped by this dealership.

 

[Spac3d]

DON'T BUY THE CAR.

If it is registered to ANYONE, it is no longer a new car.