[Joolzr]

Hi all

We were about to buy a car from a large Auckland car dealer. But we checked a few details of what the rep told us about the car - it seemed too good a deal to be true. He's basically given us what I think (IMHO) is incorrect information. I'm really annoyed as we wont go on to buy it now and he's wasted a lot of our time and now we are back at square one. I don't know why I'm suprised though.

Does anyone know if we have any come back on this? I'm trying not to write anything that could be a legal problem for the website here- moderators- don't worry I wont be naming and shaming or giving too many details.

I guess it's a good lesson and I'd reckomend everyone does the Vehicle Information Report via trade me if you are buying a car...

Julie

[Georgebulldog]

I think your just lucky you didn't buy it, we bought a car from a trader off Trade me in January & when we got the WOF done in June it failed on things imho would have showed up as being on their way out on the last WOF, paid $4k sold for $1600 :wah

[Moorf]

I'm assuming you're not out of pocket, in which case I doubt there's anything you can do except what you've already done and warn others. Perhaps also writing to the salesmans employer to point out that he could be pushing sales based on incorrect information and perhaps ask for a written report on the issues you encountered with your car? At least you won't have slunk off and left someone else to be conned.... :nice1 (of course, there's no guaranteeing the orders to falsely represent some cars haven't come from the top down, as it were... :uhoh )

I'd like to generalise and say "tsk, car salesmen the same the world over" but my mate's one and he bucks the trend :D

[Jason2112]

A shady car salesman... who would've thought?

:D I couldn't resist, sorry.

I'm not sure what is customary in NZ, but in the US it's not uncommon for a prospective buyer to ask the dealer if they can have the car inspected by a mechanic prior to buying. If a dealer gives you a problem, then it's fair to say they probably have something to hide.

[Joolzr]

shady I know, I know. don't know why I'm suprised. but in the UK I think it is actually illegal for them to give you incorrect information. They don't have to volunteer information, but if you ask a question they have to be truthful. At least thats how it is with estate agents.

We were about to get an AA mechanical check done- it's 165$.

[urban78]

I'm not sure what is customary in NZ, but in the US it's not uncommon for a prospective buyer to ask the dealer if they can have the car inspected by a mechanic prior to buying. If a dealer gives you a problem, then it's fair to say they probably have something to hide.

You can get your car checked by the AA just before purchasing it. That's what we did and were happy with the inspection and ended up buying the car.

Actually, it's the car dealership that mentioned the AA check and the inspection was included in the purchase price :)

Jen

[Caroline and Dave]

Well we have car salesmen, estate agents and guess whats coming next? Double Glazing Salesmen:laugh
Memories of the UK. This is just my humerous view on the subject

[andy141]

Is there an equivalent to the Trades Description Act in New Zealand?

[IanW99]

Is there an equivalent to the Trades Description Act in New Zealand?

I would assume that the equivalent would be the "Fair Trading Act 1986"?

Here is an excerpt:-
13 False or misleading representations
No person shall, in trade, in connection with the supply or possible supply of goods or services or with the promotion by any means of the supply or use of goods or services,—

(a) make a false or misleading representation that goods are of a particular kind, standard, quality, grade, quantity, composition, style, or model, or have had a particular history or particular previous use; or

(b) make a false or misleading representation that services are of a particular kind, standard, quality, or quantity, or that they are supplied by any particular person or by any person of a particular trade, qualification, or skill; or

(c) make a false or misleading representation that a particular person has agreed to acquire goods or services; or

(d) make a false or misleading representation that goods are new, or that they are reconditioned, or that they were manufactured, produced, processed, or reconditioned at a particular time; or

(e) make a false or misleading representation that goods or services have any sponsorship, approval, endorsement, performance characteristics, accessories, uses, or benefits; or

(f) make a false or misleading representation that a person has any sponsorship, approval, endorsement, or affiliation; or

(g) Make a false or misleading representation with respect to the price of any goods or services; or

(h) Make a false or misleading representation concerning the need for any goods or services; or

(i) Make a false or misleading representation concerning the existence, exclusion, or effect of any condition, warranty, guarantee, right, or remedy; or

(j) Make a false or misleading representation concerning the place of origin of goods.


Ian

[Philip10]

Yes I am realy shocked to hear about preowned car dearlers in NZ, as all the Used Car Salesmen in the UK are completly honest and above board.

[Joolzr]

Yes I am realy shocked to hear about preowned car dearlers in NZ, as all the Used Car Salesmen in the UK are completly honest and above board.

Alright, enough already! I know they have a reputation and I watched his tatics but wasn't taken in by them.. But I really object to the barefaced check of being told incorrect info that I can check- and which doesn't tally with a variety of ads they have placed. And he was a pretty annoying bloke too so my patience was wasted.

I do take Moorfs point though, if I'm feeling brave I may call his boss. Might make him think twice next time....

[Jason2112]

I do take Moorfs point though, if I'm feeling brave I may call his boss. Might make him think twice next time....

The thing is, if you continue the dialogue (whether positive or negative) with the dealership, you are still seen as a potential sale. You open yourself up to even further false promises: "I'm very sorry to hear of your bad experience at our fine establishment, we will continue to work with Shady McSalesman and the rest of our staff to ensure that our customers receive the most thorough and accurate information regarding our inventory, and as a token of our appreciation, we'd like to offer you $350 off our rust-proofing and vehicle undercoating package on any vehicle in stock. When can we expect you?" :D

You're probably better off just leaving it alone....

[eternalkiwi]

In addition to the Fair Trading Act, if the sales person works for a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer you might also be able to complain to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Institute.

Shawn