You are correct, I plan on having it looked at by a body shop before my meeting……. That will determine what I will "ask for".

Additionally, they left the dealer notes on the invoice they sent me. It had the notation "lot damage", a manager's signature, and the the "truck cost/ 3% of truck cost" which was probably their guide as to when they would have to disclose. The fact that it has "lot damage" would suggest a minor problem. They have a small, crowded lot. I suspect someone cut a corner too sharp and sideswiped the the truck at the bed/cab point. We'll see what the expert says.

What I suspect, is that they told the body shop, do as good a job as you can, but we need an invoice under $1000…..

Whatever happens, they have admitted to the repair and given me documentation of it……

We shall see where it goes from here….

 

WOW…… This actually is gonna work out OK….

I met with my body guy who said it would take $2800 to fix the truck right. The bed needed to be pulled and metal work done to it, as well as repaint and clean up on the cab.

I then met with the General Manager of the dealership. He told me even though he has a full body shop, he uses the contract guy for "quick minor repairs" like this. He doesn't want to back up the body shop for little stuff like this.

I pointed out the 8 things I found wrong with the repair, as well as pointing out unfixed sheet metal damage on the inside supports to the bed. I told him I DID NOT want the same guy to touch my truck, because this repair was obviously outside his skill level. I told him I wanted my guy to do the repair.

The GM said that would not happen and even said, "You accepted delivery of the truck. I don't have to do anything." I kept my head, pointed out the botched repair points again, and he then offered to let his body shop guy look it over, and he'd get back to me.

Well, the GM called me this morning and was singing a different tune. Apparently, his body shop manager agreed with me and said it was a terrible, botched repair. He told the GM it would cost them at least $1800 to fix the botched repair.

The GM offered me several options… one was to have a brand new bed put on the truck (that would remove all the damaged areas)…. and he is gonna send me some numbers about swapping out my '13 for a '14. He said he 'd have to charge a little for the swap due to the new model year and a couple options more than my truck.

So in the end, after the GM's own body guy backed up my opinion of their repair… the GM is gonna stand tall and make it right

I have to admit, I didn't think it was gonna end this easy. While I don't think it should have happened in the first place, they are making it good.

I'd better go buy a lottery ticket before my luck runs out…..!!

Thanks for all the tips/advice, and remember to check over your new vehicle purchase closely…. they still have the ability to sell a new repaired vehicle!

 

Good job. You made the trip. You had too many things that you pointed out that pointed to more than what they claimed was done IMO.

 

The fact that the cost of actual repairs necessary exceeded the legal limits of non-disclosure constitutes fraud when they sold the vehicle to you without informing you of the damages. They had better treat you well.
But don't count your chickens... till its all said & done - just sayin'.

 

I'm sure you're correct. After the General Manager spoke with his body shop guy (who inspected my truck)….. he called me within 24 hrs and the tone of his voice was much different than the previous day.

They are going to take back my truck and give me 6K off the MSRP of a very similar 2014. According to Edmund's TMV, that price is 3K lower than the current selling price of that truck in my area.

According to the lawyer I consulted, in these cases, they usually settle for the dealer taking back the vehicle, paying off the loan, and giving me back any money I threw into the deal. He said they basically saved us both a lot of hassle, and threw in a good deal on another truck. Saved me from having to shop around at other dealers.

But…. they are car dealers after all… i'll be ready for any last minute add-ons, I'll walk away if they try that tactic...

 

Well it's done……

They undid the sale of my 2013 2500 truck, and applied everything to the new 2014 2500 truck.

They got back the damaged 2013 truck (that they probably shouldn't have sold in the first place), and I got a 2014 with a few extra options for just a few bucks more…..

So although it was a hassle, in the end I actually like this truck better (it has a better wheel/tire package)…….


The salesman was very patient as I went over every inch of this truck during my inspection……

 

HAHA, as well you should have. Grats, now you can rest