2005 new Dodge Magnum / Fraud Alert

Delores Kern · #1 04-04-2006, 09:38 AM

I BOUGHT A 2005 DODGE MAGNUM WITH 30 MILES ON IT. UNDER FULL NEW CAR WARRENTY. TOOK IT IN FOR MY FIRST SERVICE, MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE STRIP OF BUTTONS, AIRBAG, FLASHERS, LOAD CONTROL, REAR WINDSHEILD WIPERS ARE ALL NOT WORKING. I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIX IT UNDER WARRENTY BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDANT BODY SHOP THAT CONFIRMED, FRONT AND SIDE RIGHT BUMPER HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AND REPAINTED, AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED AND REPLACED, HOOD HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF AND IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. BOUGHT IT AT WESTSIDE DODGE IN JACKSONVILLE, WAS REFUSED SERVICE BY BONIFACE HIERS IN MERRITT ISLAND. AM WORKING WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE IN TALLAHASSEE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VESHICLES IS INVESTIGATING.
DeloresK10122:

fredjacksonsan · #2 04-05-2006, 02:08 PM

Did they sell the vehicle to you as new? If so, I believe you have a good case!!

Delores Kern · #3 04-05-2006, 03:36 PM

Yes, sold as new, full warrenty, and the 2005 has a 7 year trane as well. I heard from the factory rep today, he was reassuring, said they are sending a specialist to see my car. I meet with a lawyer tomorrow. Thank you for your interest.

fredjacksonsan · #4 04-05-2006, 03:43 PM

Very interesting. I'll be interested to hear how this comes out.

tony36 · #5 04-07-2006, 01:36 AM

First thing, the dealer by law has to make known any problems like that they know of before the sale. As a Dodge dealership, they are required to do a safety inspection on all trade ins. It is obvious that it was wrecked on a test drive since it only had 30 miles on it. They probably reset the codes to sell it then while you had it they recoded. I advise you also contact Daimler Chrysler and make them aware of the situation. They do not like the bad press, even though they are not responsible, they will come down on the dealership very hard, maybe even pull the franchise. Sounds like you have a very strong case. I understand you are working with a couple agencies, but I would contact an attorney also. Get a free consult with one that deals with fraud, many will work on a contingencey basis. They won't take the case unless they think they can win some money, then they get a % of the suit. You should not only be able to get a total refund, but also all interest paid, finance fees, etc. Good luck.

Delores Kern · #6 04-07-2006, 08:58 AM

Thank you Tony. I met with lawyers yesterday. I have one of two options. One is they will represent me with a lemon law case, which will give me back my money, at which time I would have to reshop my car all over again. It took me about 7 weeks to find the car I wanted, and at this time the 2005's would be so picked through it would be harder to find. Also I would be reimbursed for rental car I had for a week. Two, we would sue for Faud, which would pay out three to four times what I paid for the car. I have prepared an email more than notifying Dodge, and Westside Dodge, that I want to resolve this with them but am prepared to move forward. I will give them a couple days and then onward. I have asked them for a loaner car for weeks and no one is responding.

tony36 · #7 04-07-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delores Kern

Thank you Tony. I met with lawyers yesterday. I have one of two options. One is they will represent me with a lemon law case, which will give me back my money, at which time I would have to reshop my car all over again. It took me about 7 weeks to find the car I wanted, and at this time the 2005's would be so picked through it would be harder to find. Also I would be reimbursed for rental car I had for a week. Two, we would sue for Faud, which would pay out three to four times what I paid for the car. I have prepared an email more than notifying Dodge, and Westside Dodge, that I want to resolve this with them but am prepared to move forward. I will give them a couple days and then onward. I have asked them for a loaner car for weeks and no one is responding.

I am glad to hear you are taking action. I personally would go the fraud route. Not only would you have enough money to find whatever car you want, but most importantly, it would be a matter of public record and that shady dealer would be exposed to the public for what they are and they would probably lose thier franchise. It's almost certain if they went to this extreme with your car, then they have committed fraud on many other people, and they should most definately be held accountable, if for nothing else but to stop them from using these types of practice with others. As far as finding the 05 that you want, should not be too much of a problem, any new dodge dealer can do a nationwide search and find just what you want if they are available, chances are there is one left. Good luck and keep us posted.

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