Did the salesman do anything wrong?

I am a terrible car buyer; always have been. I can go into a dealership with all the best intentions but when it comes to crunch time, I always forget the 50 do’s and don’ts about buying a used car. Because of this trait, I try to choose my dealers very carefully.

I bought a somewhat high mileage used car in March of this year. I bought the car from a reputable dealership that I’d bought a few cars from in the past, and from a salesman that I’ve also dealt with previously. My past experiences have always been great and I have actually sent the manager a letter stating my pleasure.

Now back to the issue. My primary concern prior to the purchase was obviously how well the car had been taken care of to this point in it’s life and what it’s immediate needs might be. I was most concerned as to whether the timing belt had ever been replaced and when asked, the salesman stated that although there was no indication that the timing belt had been replaced, with the amount of miles on the car, it pretty much had to have been. I also asked if the car had been fully serviced and although I don’t remember the specifics, the car had apparently been ‘run through the shop’, and discussion ended with me feeling comfortable enough about the car’s condition to make the deal.

The other day when I had it in for an oil change, the service department stated the car never had it’s timing belt replaced and was overdue for various fluid flushes to the tune of about $650. I was shocked. No big deal to most but a pretty penny to me.

I’ll be the first one to admit that I had every opportunity to keep this from happening but I didn’t. I didn’t because like I said, I suck at this; but also because I apparently put way too much trust in car salesman. I would’ve expected this from a mom and pop dealership but not from a reputable dealership who I thought I had an established relationship with.

So the question is, did the salesman do anything wrong?

Did the salesman do anything wrong? " no " he did not,
however the way he answered your 2 questions was very smooth on his part by not telling a lie, but at same time did not work on your behalf.

Had he been a true salesman that appreciated a repeat buyer he could have had the Service Department check out the timing belt instead of giving you a vague answer, as for the vehicle having been run through the shop ? what's so special about that, every vehicle is run through the shop prior to being offered for sale

I don't think your a terrible car buyer, in fact for you to write the dealership stating your satisfaction shows me your very up front person that don't deserve to be taken advantage off, here a few scenarios that happens every day, I am not saying it happen to you, but it's facts for you to consider next time you enter a dealership.

(1) " The Salesperson " The best customer for highest gross profit and a no hassle sale for a salesperson is a repeat customer, and the simple reason is the buyer has got trust and will play along, but at same time buyer must consider the salesperson works on a commission only, the more the gross profit, the more the commission, something to think about next time you deal with a salesperson whom have gained your trust.

(2) " Service Dep't " When you get an oil change at a dealership most will include a check list with your bill of sale for recommended service, they are after all in business to make money, as for various fluid flushes recommended there have been but very few buyers I have admired as this service was included in the negotiation process and written on their bill of sale.

Reminds me of a time a bought a car for my sister at a dealer. Salesman telling ...blah, blah, blah, family, small, numbers years in biz, blah, blah. So we throw this car on the rack. It needs front brakes and the coolant needs to be changed. OK no problems the salesman/ordertaker says. I go to pick up the car and do the final paperwork....I ask to throw it up on the rack, they only changed one side of the front brakes and only changed the coolant in the ovewflow bottle not the radiator! Next thing, I am doing is walking out. I caught them at thier own game that time. :iceslolan

hey there i was scrapper1 put had to get another user. anyway did you sign the paper for them to go ahead and do the job? if it was verbul ag. that don't fly if you want to get nasty about it. YOU ALWAYS SIGN BEFORE WORK IS DONE. i lernt my lesson on that. no sign no do. that's again is how we mc. get a bad rep for shit like that.

The majority of us could stand a "higher education" course on the automotive industry. One way to avoid unnecessary repairs and costly fees is to become as much of an expert as possible. Take advantage of forums such as this along with free guides such as website address removed by Moderator Automobile Negotiation System. (it's free for now)
The salesman is part of a profitable system and therefore MUST work in the interest of the dealership. This can sometimes mean a sacrifice to the car buyer (you) and in this case it may have been just that.

Could have been worse - you could have bought from these guys... (warning- R-rated language)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBUHRTqcjtc&fmt=22