Missing Build Plate on my Astra trade-in?

[robramjet]

Hi guys

I'm in a bit of a pickle and could do with some advice ASAP. I am trading up my Astra Classic hatch for an Astra Wagon. I went to the same "reputable" Holden dealer that I bought my first car from. Upon examining my Astra Classic for the trade-in I was informed that it didn't have any "built sticker", something which, as a novice, I was not familiar with. The dealer immediately began using the missing plate as bargaining leverage, so I said I would chase Holden up about possibly replacing the build sticker, or build plate as I believe it's more commonly known as, which I did. I was informed by Holden that as a rule they do not replace the build plate, as it is not a vehicle identifier as such, it is just a sticker indicating when the car was built (important date I know) but they would send me a letter of authentification with all the relevant details on there. I had informed the dealer that if I could not get a build sticker in time I would get a letter from Holden, which I did. A stipulation on the contract for the new car was that I provide a "letter from Holden re build plate", which I did! Anyway, I was in the dealership office, 4.30 pm on Friday, I had signed everything off, including transfer of rego of my car etc, and was about to exchange keys and cheques when the general manager strode up, claimed the latter I had given them was insufficient, and they wanted $2,000 more to compensate for lack of build plate! Words can't describe how angry I was, but he would not budge.

I am thinking of seeking legal advice. I have a contract, and as far as I'm concerned I have honoured it, and this dealership are trying to pull the car from under me, perhaps for a higher sale, or are simply trying to con me. I have spoken to Holden and the person there said they were disgusted at this behaviour and customer service, but as it was a retail issue there was nothing they could do besides providing me with the authentification letter.

I have to resolve this today, as the insurance on my current car was transferred to the new one yestreday, so I currently do not have any insurance!

Any advice on where I stand would be very much appreciated.

Thanks a lot

[Bazz]

I'm no lawyer, so i would suggest get legal advice. But personally I believe if you have signed everything, it was signed with the agreement of the price less $2000 which they want, making it a legally binding document.
Did they say why the letter from Holden didn't suffice? Why don't they just ring holden up and quote the letter to prove it's authenticity if that's what they don't believe.
If it doesn't work, I'd definetly be seeking legal action, especially if papers have been signed.

[VooDoo]

Walk away from the dealer. He wants the sale more than you and there will always be other cars. A built plate is NOT worth $2k. Its a scam to get more $$. Push the point on the contract but if he wont move, walk away. Im betting he will call you and back down but you have to stand your ground.

[robramjet]

Thanks for the advice guys. I should also point out that I bought my current car from the same dealer, brand new, 18 months ago. I am only trading up as we have a new arrival in the family.

He is trying to claim that I said I would provide a letter giving an exact date when the build sticker would be replaced, which I didn't, I said I would get a letter from Holden regarding the build plate situation. Holden refuse to believe that a Holden dealer would not know that a build sticker would not be replaced, so I think I'm being led a merry dance. Holden also told me that lack of a build sticker, which are only stickers, not screwed on plates, and fall off quite regularly, does not devalue the car. The dealer keeps telling me that the car is "incomplete" without it.

But, what I don't understand is why he would go this far, even as far as to offer my deposit back. The new car is in their yard, it has tinted windows roof bars as requested by me, and a rego plate, with registration in my name! It's pretty much a second hand car already!

I am going to try and push it today, I have had a word with our solicitor, and will have letters sent to the dealer, Holden, and the Dept of Fair Trading if he does not deliver my car today.

I just don't get it, the compliance plate is intact, the VIN has the year of the model contained in it's string of numbers, and I have a letter of authentification from Holden, what more am I expected to do. Apart from shell out $2k extra of course.


I'm no lawyer, so i would suggest get legal advice. But personally I believe if you have signed everything, it was signed with the agreement of the price less $2000 which they want, making it a legally binding document.
Did they say why the letter from Holden didn't suffice? Why don't they just ring holden up and quote the letter to prove it's authenticity if that's what they don't believe.
If it doesn't work, I'd definetly be seeking legal action, especially if papers have been signed.


No, there is no mention of $2000 on the contract. The contract is for the agreed price, and in the special conditions box is written "buyer will provide letter from Holden re build plate". That is it. The $2k is something that this guy has apparently just come up with.

[Covert]

Has your car ever had accident repairs? The build date sticker is on the radiator support, to the drivers side of the bonnet latch. It should be behind another engine service information sticker.

Also, with the Astra Classic, there was a long lead time between when the vehicles were built and when they were fitted with Compliance plates. Remember that the Classic was a marketing tactic by Holden to move TS Astra's during the early period of the AH Astra release. In some cases, sellers (whether dealers or private) remove the build sticker as it could pre-date the Compliance date by over a year on some Astras.

[octanebfgt]

Change the insurance back - it is a phone call and it's done. Don't add to your pain by driving an uninsured car and the associated risks.

Do EVERYTHING from this point in writing. Ask them for a letter stating their claim and why they believe the contract conditions have not been met.

They are a holden dealer FFS and if I understand your post correctly delivered your current car to you. In any case the chassis/vin should be enough to work out the build date from Holden and they know the delivery date.

On an Astra from memory there is a Build Date sticker on the radiator support panel and a metal compliance plate on the firewall. There is a month/year on that compliance plate as well isn't there. Been a few years since I sold ours but from memory it was an 04 compliance but the Built sticker had Nov 03.

Good luck with it.

[Peter B - CV8]

So you are trading in a car at the SAME dealer that you purchased it new from. I would be demanding an explanation from the dealer as why the compliance plate wasn't correct in the first place....... I would imagine that Holden Head Office wouldn't look too kindly on a dealer that sells a car without the correct compliance plate/sticker thingy etc attached. Wonder where the original one went ??(smells like a rebirthing racket - but maybe I'm just a cynical old bugger).

[octanebfgt]

One more thought

Ring up Today Tonight or A Current Affair (or better still Chasers War on Everything lol).

[SV8er]

You are going back to the same Dealer you purchased From , they Have Letter from Holden Verifying authenticity of Build Date , you had a Legally
Binding Contract Saying Nothing about the $2000.00 less for the missing Build Sticker

Did you have anything on the " Offer to Purchase " like " Built Sticker on Trade in Missing , letter of Authenticity from holden Supplied " as this would have to make it Airtight for you , but if not they might have some clause in there shitloads of small print to get out of it ..

Me personally i would tell them to shove it and walk away from the deal , see how serious they are then and as already stated they will probably stop you before you walk out the door ..

As for getting legal advise , that cost $$$$$$$ and there is only one winner there and that is not you , you could end up paying considerably more than $2000.00 for a Solicitor :cussing: :cussing:

All The Best , man that stinks big time :cussing: :cussing: :cussing:

[Toddler78]

Mate I would maybe do one of two things, walk away from the deal, they are the ones breaking the contract so you are no longer bound by it, or take the keys give them the cheque for the balence and take your new car. If you have both signed the contract and everything is in your name then in the eye of the law I would assume that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle and that they are illegally withholding your property I would not be shelling out $2 more let alone $2000 more.

(the second option is me being silly probably not a good idea to do that one)

Ring up consumer affairs I am sure they would like to get involved on this one. The contract stated that you were to provide a letter RE build date? correct? from what you have said on the contrat no where does it mention the particlurs of what this letter was to contain nor does it state on the contract that if you were unable to provide a letter or that it did not have the correct content that the sale price would be $2000 dearer. THEY HAVE STUFFED UP not you, unfortunatly the contract is written in their favour and if you read the fine print I would bet anything that in the terms of conditions at anytime the caryard can back out of the contract and not be held liable, all they would be required to do is repay any monies that you have paid to them

I am in sales and that pretty much is how our condition of sales go, I have never enforced this however and If I have stuffed up I have always honoured what I said I would do., its a shame others out there are prepared to do the same. I would be suspicous in that fact that they may already have another buyer for the vehicle one that is prepared to pay a little more thus hitting you up for more money?


ps sorry for the long post.

[The Nurse]

Have you got any HBD parts on it, and a HBD build plate? I believe they put the HBD build plate over that sticker. Had a similar situation when I was looking at trading in my Astra for the Monaro, they couldn't find the sticker, but its was in fact under the HBD build plate, they said basically your car is worth nothing without that sticker. At the end of the day, its a sticker, and really they should be looking at the build plate on the firewall. Tell them to stop trying to screw you for more money, snakey bastards

[robramjet]

Thank.s for all the feedback guys, it's much appreciated.

I spent a half hour this morning talking to Holden's National Business Manager, and he got somebody to ring the dealership manager. Holden rang me back, and whaddya know, while I was on the phone the dealership manager rings me. The $2k difference is apparently only $1250, and now they are willing to wear half of that, so they are looking for $625 extra now. I told him our solicitor had advised us to stick to our guns, and he proceeded to give me a thinly veiled threat about how things could go for me if I pursude it to Fair Trading, how I could end up wearing the cost of the rego, extras etc.

To be honest, I'm thinking of coughing up the extra cash (hopefully I can bring the $625 down). The thoughts of going through all this again with another dealer, renegotiating and going through the build plate fiasco again send shivers down my spine.

[matt.vzss]

Do not give them anything more mate that is just playing straight into there hands.

If the contract only states you are to supply a letter regarding the compliance plate but doesnt state that you have to supply the exact built date in that letter then it is them that could end up losing plenty of money if you were to pursue it further.

Im sure there would be another dealer on this very forum who would be willing to help you out with another car.

[Toddler78]

Thank.s for all the feedback guys, it's much appreciated.

I spent a half hour this morning talking to Holden's National Business Manager, and he got somebody to ring the dealership manager. Holden rang me back, and whaddya know, while I was on the phone the dealership manager rings me. The $2k difference is apparently only $1250, and now they are willing to wear half of that, so they are looking for $625 extra now. I told him our solicitor had advised us to stick to our guns, and he proceeded to give me a thinly veiled threat about how things could go for me if I pursude it to Fair Trading, how I could end up wearing the cost of the rego, extras etc.

To be honest, I'm thinking of coughing up the extra cash (hopefully I can bring the $625 down). The thoughts of going through all this again with another dealer, renegotiating and going through the build plate fiasco again send shivers down my spine.

Mate PLEASE DO NOT PAY ANOTHER CENT, YOU have held up YOUR end of the contract IF YOU and THE DEALER have signed the contract without stating the extra $$$$ then just sit there with your arms folded, they can only do noe of two things either give you the car at the previously agreed price or back out of the contract as per my above post BUT they would be required to give you back every cent that you have paid to them. ONLY if you break the contract could you be made to pay for loses such as rego and you would most definatly lose all of your deposit.

MATE it is in your favour please do not give into them:thumbsup:

[SV8er]

DO NOT give in , They have gone from $2000.00 to $1250.00 to $625.00 , do not let them intimidate you ..

They will threaten you with all the Sh%t but you have a legally binding contract with a set $ figure on it so do not rewrite the contract .

Stick to your Guns you will win in the end :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[VFast]

Mate PLEASE DO NOT PAY ANOTHER CENT, YOU have held up YOUR end of the contract IF YOU and THE DEALER have signed the contract without stating the extra $$$$ then just sit there with your arms folded, they can only do noe of two things either give you the car at the previously agreed price or back out of the contract as per my above post BUT they would be required to give you back every cent that you have paid to them. ONLY if you break the contract could you be made to pay for loses such as rego and you would most definatly lose all of your deposit.

MATE it is in your favour please do not give into them:thumbsup:
:teach: What he said mate.

And as your solicitor said: "stick to your guns..."

As mentioned many times above, the contract only stipulates that you must supply the said letter, and NOTHING about the details required in the letter.

The way I see it is that YOU have held up your end of the bargain - you have provided:
a) the cash,
b) the trade-in, and
c) the letter (from Holden re build plate)

YOU have met ALL of the conditions stipulated in the contract of sale, so if the sale does not go ahead, the DEALER is the one who has not complied.

They have got too much to lose if they do not go through with the deal as they have already registered the vehicle in your name, so as you said it is essentially a second hand vehicle, so they will be the ones that have the MOST to lose and will pay one way or another...

I would not be swayed by the threats about you going to the DOCEP either. You could even mention this to them if you do decide to go this route...

In summary, I would either:
1. Tell them that you are not going to budge and see if they back down, or
2. Walk away from the deal and go see another Holden dealer

Good luck mate, and keep us posted on any developments...

[Toddler78]

They have got too much to lose if they do not go through with the deal as they have already registered the vehicle in your name, so as you said it is essentially a second hand vehicle, so they will be the ones that have the MOST to lose and will pay one way or another...



You also raise a valid point here, They have registered the car in your name, they can not go and transfer the rego or cancel the rego without your signature :deal: HAHA unless they forge itwhich will all know is illegal. They are in a massive bind here

[Wonky]

They sound like utter ar$eholes!! :cussing:

I think you should give a few clues (without naming them) as to who they are so others here know to steer well clear of them. Possibly even mention to them in passing that you are keeping over 20,000 members of this forum updated on this issue and they stand to lose a LOT of future business if the continue to be ar$eholes. I could possibly understand their concern a little more if you had bought the car elsewhere, but for frig's sake, you bought the bloody thing from them in the first place!!

I don't know anything about the legal implications but I'm with Voodoo and others - just walk away and don't dare pay another cent. I'm sure they'll eventually come to the party.

[Ron SS]

GMH can easily find out all details of your car once they know the VIN number. A sticker is only a simple sticker and has no relevance. I suggest you get the GMH guy in Melb to call this shonky dealer again and see what happens. If necessary, get a new letter with more details, then everyone is happy. Simply ask the dealer what does he actually want in the letter, and do it. GMH can get this info very fast.

I'm betting that the dealer has realised that he made you too good of a deal and wants to get more money from you somehow. Once the new Astra is registered it is game over as you hold the best hand. Make sure the new car is a "7.5" model with the new motor (up 10kw). They look the same but the new model is better.

Let GMH have another go. I'm all for naming the dealer too so we can boycott it.

[planetdavo]

I'm all for naming the dealer too so we can boycott it.
I understand your logic, but if this (or any other) forum got to name and shame every dealer that did something wrong by someone, there would not be one single dealer left to sell any brand of car anywhere in Australia! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong, in any form of business one cares to name....I personally had to take a furniture company to VCAT, and won thankfully.
Back on topic, hope it all works out, but, with all the anger and steam being vented, why do you think the car sales industry has such a bad reputation??? You're not the first, and you definitely won't be the last.

[Covert]

I think everyone is also a bit quick to blame the dealer here. They may have done something wrong, but to take the word of some random dude who has made three posts on an internet forum might just be a bit premature.

There are always two sides to a story.

[The_Senator]

I think everyone is also a bit quick to blame the dealer here. They may have done something wrong, but to take the word of some random dude who has made three posts on an internet forum might just be a bit premature.

There are always two sides to a story.

Actually there is usually 3 sides to a story - his,theirs and stuck right in the middle is the truth..

And just because he has only made 3 posts, does not make him any less honest person. I know a few people that visit LS1 simply to read and learn - for the first year i did that myself.

Was the price for the car unbelievably good? Like $2000 better than any other place - maybe they did stuff up and are trying to re-coupe. I know of a dealer that sold an SV6 they had on-lot to a freind of mine. They did not realise it had optional leather(!) and after the deal was signed (and they realised) they tried to get him pay the extra.. He simply stated they knew which car he wanted (it was the only SV6 on the lot) and they had to wear it.

I believe, as others have posted, that if you have truthfully listed all goings on and this is how the dealer is acting then you are well within your rights to walk away from the deal. It will cost them more to sell a now second hand car than the supposed $2000 they want for no build date sticker.

I do wish you all the best though - I would hate to be in your shoes right now. I am also pretty sure i would not pay any extra as easy as that would make the problem go away. Sometimes it's all about the principle of the matter.

[BLU50L]

I had the same priblem with my wifes astra. We traded it in on a new mitsubishi lancer but the astra was missing the little sticker. I also bought the astra of the same dealer that we got the lancer from.
I told them that they sold it too me without it. And they were like" oh its no biggie it just devalues the car by a couple of hundred dollars".
Anyway they said i would of gotten an extra $500 if it had the sticker. Bullshit i reckon but farked if i could be bothered arguing. The wife wanted a new car and the astra was having a few probs. so we got rid of it.

[robramjet]

I think everyone is also a bit quick to blame the dealer here. They may have done something wrong, but to take the word of some random dude who has made three posts on an internet forum might just be a bit premature.

There are always two sides to a story.

Why on earth do you think I would come on here looking for advice and lying about it? What good is that going to do anybody?

In any case, it's done and dusted. I paid $250 above what we had agreed, mainly because I don't have the time or energy to start again. I would have loved to have stuck to my principals, but I really need the bigger car, and quick. From research on the net, as the guy above said, it does make "a" difference if the build plate is missing, just not as big a difference as my dealer made out.

As was mentioned, I think that maybe they had offered me an over-generous offer in the first place. About 15% off the car, and a good $2k more for the trade in than Red Book has as a max for my year and model. So in the end I'm actually still pretty happy with the deal, just not with the service.

I will still be sending stinking letters to Holden and whoever else I can think of. I didn't even receive a civil reception when I went in to hand over the money.

As for naming, I don't want to get myself or the site in trouble, but this was one of the top Holden Dealerships in Sydney. And for the sake of $250 they have now lost my custom and the custom of everybody I know for eternity. Their loss in the end.

Thanks again for all the feedback, and sorry I didn't stick to my guns and take one for the team! ;)

[COSMOS]

good on you Robramjet,

its a smart man who can assess all the options, the currency of his position and the likely short and long term gains and make a decision on whats best for your situation as it suits YOU.

A smart lawyer once told me you never litigate on principle. Its a business transaction you were involved in, they tried to screw you.

For their $250 gain they lost the servicing of the vehicle, any future spare parts sales, your family and friends business (and maybe that of a few of us on this forum too) and any repeat business when its time to replace the wagon.

For your $250 loss you gained an insight into the true character of this dealership, a good deal, avoidance of expensive solicitors fees, saving of your valuable time not trotting off to small claims etc.

I would say you came off in the better position of the two. Write your letter to Holden, cc the dealer, the MTA and the local chamber of commerce if the dealer is a member. Question the obligations of the dealer to sell you a car with the sticker in place and the integrity of the same dealer who sells you a car then doesnt believe its own records of when the car was manufactured.

You should post the details of the trade and dealer so we can ring em up and waste their time with fake appointments to view the car we are so "keen" to purchase. Nothing like a bit of guerilla warfare....

[robramjet]

Thanks Cosmos. Apart from the stress of the last 24 hours I am happy with the outcome. I had to face facts, I couldn't afford to take on a solicitor to fight this. The need for a bigger car was due to a new baby, so I don't have the time to pursue it. I always distrusted car salesman, like real estate agents, but this is the first time I have grown a real hatred of them. When I told the sales manager that he would not have my custom, nor the custom of anybody I know ever again, he just shrugged! A friend told me that business is so good for them at the moment that some actually don't give a toss, particularly if they have already met their monthly target. But as far as making the customer happy this place had absolutely no interest in doing that.

Rest assured the first thing I asked to look at in the new car was the build plate!

Believe me, I would absolutely love nothing more than to name and shame the dealership, but as I said, I'm not sure of the legalities of that kinda thing.

[tim_k]

I'll second the "good on you", Robramjet

End of the day, you saved $1750 of a sideways inserted pineapple and got your car. Word of mouth is a powerful tool so feel free to blacklist the shonky dealer to family and friends.

Don't know if Holden can help you with the dealer though. They are generally independent businesses seperate from the motor company. Get the consumer affairs mob in though and vent to your heart's content.

Call it a game of poker or whatever, but I think you cashed in your chips at the right time. Enjoy the wagon and I hope everything goes well from here on in.

[robramjet]

Thanks Tim. Actually, that's exactly what it was, a game of poker. A couple of friends still think I should have held out, that the dealer was bluffing, but what the hey, I have the car, I got a good deal, end of story.

[Marco]

All of this over a sticker about 5cm long and half a cm high that would have said something like 'Built May01' like it did on my old TS.

I don't understand why some dealers behave the way they do. I doubt that the OP is going to buy another car from the same dealer, in the same way that I will probably not buy another car from the place that sold me my SS. Word of mouth is their best advertisement - or their best criticism.

[mustanger]

You say that you originally bought your car from that dealer without a sticker. I would go back and ask for $2000 because they originally sold you a car without a build sticker. The 2k is the value they put on it and see what they have to say then...................Only jokin. You have had a good result and put it all behind you and enjoy your newborn child:thumbsup:

[planetdavo]

There's been plenty of comment about how you should continue "the fight" to shame this dealer. I guess that's fine if you want to admit the stress it caused you and send the blood pressure sky high, but why not just write a letter to the dealer principle, informing him/her that although they got an extra $250 out of you, they have now lost all your and your family's future business, which will no doubt cost them substantially more in future earnings, and leave it there (after your satisfaction survey of course).
He/she will no doubt comprehend the consequences of their actions.

[V-Car]

He/she will no doubt comprehend the consequences of their actions.

I doubt it...they will just slither away and smirk.
Tell their mates down the leagues club they put one over another wood duck.
The number that denotes their age is usually the number for their IQ also.
Good on you for resolving it in your mind the way you did, but dealers that pull stunts like that need to be named and known.
Even if you just say the suburb is enough of a hint.

[team illucid]

name the dealership, but as I said, I'm not sure of the legalities of that kinda thing.

Hey mate, where did you buy this car from, I would also like to buy a car from them ;)

[planetdavo]

I doubt it...they will just slither away and smirk.
Tell their mates down the leagues club they put one over another wood duck.
The number that denotes their age is usually the number for their IQ also.
Good on you for resolving it in your mind the way you did, but dealers that pull stunts like that need to be named and known.
Even if you just say the suburb is enough of a hint.
Dealers don't regularly choose to piss off someone so much that they take all further business away from the dealership, especially for a repeat customer.
To assume that is regular practise is definitely not correct, and shows a lack of knowledge of the industry.
In this case, they appear blinded by the bigger picture, something a letter to the DP and a stinging customer satisfaction letter to Holden when it arrives will definitely get noticed. Many of you seem to assume that these letters get thrown in the bin or something, but, believe me, they DO get noticed, way more than a bunch of "enthusiasts" on any forum threatening to name and shame them.

[robramjet]

Dealers don't regularly choose to piss off mmn nmdealership, especially for a repeat customer.
To assume that is regular practise is definitely not correct, and shows a lack of knowledge of the industry.
In this case, they appear blinded by the bigger picture, something a letter to the DP and a stinging customer satisfaction letter to Holden when it arrives will definitely get noticed. Many of you seem to assume that these letters get thrown in the bin or something, but, believe me, they DO get noticed, way more than a bunch of "enthusiasts" on any forum threatening to name and shame them.

Have no fear, I will be sending a letter to all parties involved including the dealer MD, and the National Business Manager at Holden, who I have already spoken to. In fact, if this had not been resolved on Monday he was going to send in Holden representatives to the dealership to speak to the dealer. These dealerships may be independently owned franchises, but they still fly the Holden flag out front. He was not impressed at all with the manner in which the sales manager had handled things.

If anybody is contemplating buying a Holden in Sydney in the near future and would like to know the name of the shithouse scum who sold me my car, feel free to PM me.


You say that you originally bought your car from that dealer without a sticker. I would go back and ask for $2000 because they originally sold you a car without a build sticker. The 2k is the value they put on it and see what they have to say then...................Only jokin. You have had a good result and put it all behind you and enjoy your newborn child:thumbsup:

Thanks mate ;)
I actually would do that, but I have no idea if the sticker was there when I bought the car. I'm not, or should I say WAS not, an expert on these kinda things, I'd never heard of a build sticker to be honest. A friend suggested they may have actually removed the sticker when they were valuing my car for the trade in. Guess I'll never know......

[seldo]

Have no fear, I will be sending a letter to all parties involved including the dealer MD, and the National Business Manager at Holden, who I have already spoken to. In fact, if this had not been resolved on Monday he was going to send in Holden representatives to the dealership to speak to the dealer. These dealerships may be independently owned franchises, but they still fly the Holden flag out front. He was not impressed at all with the manner in which the sales manager had handled things.
......

I always distrusted car salesman, like real estate agents, but this is the first time I have grown a real hatred of them
Firstly, I'm glad you've partly resolved the initial problem and got your new car, even though it did entail dropping your pants...
However, don't let it rest there - these blokes deserve a real serve because that sort of behaviour is totally unconscienable, and gives the (majority) ethical people in the industry a bad name. I'd have liked to see you stick to your guns and make them stick to the contract (as they would have done to you), but I understand that you had to resolve the issue in order to get your new wheels. But don't let them get away with it - write letters - to the MD of Holden, the MD of the dealership in question, the local Consumer Affairs people, the state MTA etc, and demand compensation. These things tend to be resolved by them wanting to eventually oil the squeaky door so it will go away. And as for labelling all car salesmen and real estate agents as crooks - hey - you ought to be on the other side of the fence....but that's another story for another thread. But don't tar everyone with the same brush - just because you get an officious cop, or a dodgy plumber, or builder or sparky, or butcher etc - it doesn't mean they are all the same...:)

[SS Enforcer]

This would never had happened if they didn't have a proper build date plate fixed to the car in the first place.

Poor form from a Holden yard IMHO, congrats on gettin it sorted .

cheers

[robramjet]

This would never had happened if they didn't have a proper build date plate fixed to the car in the first place.

Poor form from a Holden yard IMHO, congrats on gettin it sorted .

cheers

"Plate" is not even a suitable term, it is a tiny black sticker that I could peel off in 3 seconds. If it's such an important part of the car I don't understand why Holden don't make it into a proper plate and rivet it on. I'll be keeping a close eye on my new one, which unfortunately is the same tiny black sticker as the last.


Firstly, I'm glad you've partly resolved the initial problem and got your new car, even though it did entail dropping your pants...
However, don't let it rest there - these blokes deserve a real serve because that sort of behaviour is totally unconscienable, and gives the (majority) ethical people in the industry a bad name. I'd have liked to see you stick to your guns and make them stick to the contract (as they would have done to you), but I understand that you had to resolve the issue in order to get your new wheels.

Well this is where my problem is. As far as I'm concerned I stuck to my end of the contract. They asked for a letter from Holden re the build plate, I said I would chase Holden up and do everything I could to resolve the build plate issue. As Holden do not reissue build plates the best I could do was a letter of validation, which as far as I'm concerned complies with the request in the contract. At the eleventh hour the sales manager told me the letter was not sufficient and that they either wanted a new build plate, or a letter from Holden indicating exactly when a new build plate would be supplied. But Holden do not supply build plates! Should a Holden sales manager not be aware of this?
This is when he demanded $2k extra before they would hand the car over, which as you know kept dropping and dropping as I dumped him in it with Holden head office. When I indicated that I would have a solicitors letter sent to him, his boss, and Holden, he informed me that if it went to Fair Trading he had four people in his office, yes, FOUR, who would be willing to testify that I had promised I would replace the built sticker, and that is what the clause in the contract referred to. Which is crap as I do not work for Holden, have no knowledge of build stickers, and was told by Holden that they don't replace them! He basically implied that the wording of the contract meant nothing and that it would be my word against him and three of his cohorts. He also "implied" that if I went to Fair Trading and lost that his solicitors would be seeking compensation from me for all their expenses incurred regarding the car, like the roof bars, tinted windows, rego etc. As far as I know unused rego can be reclaimed? So even this was a complete lie.
So there you have it, customer service at it's absolute best.

I have another question for you guys, you've all been great so far, the advice I've gotten on here has been really helpful. I REALLY do not want to give any business back to this dealer, but a condition of my extended warranty (I have 3 years factory and another 3 years on top from the dealer) is that I only use them, or their sister branch, for servicing. I've been told that the extended warranty might be a bit of a scam just to get you to service your car there, and that most of the main issues that may occur with the car will not be included once the factory warranty finishes. I'll read the small print when I get home, but does this sound possible to you guys? I don't want to lose the extended warranty, but if I can take my business elsewhere I'll be a happy man.

Oh, and also, if, and that's a big IF, I did end up servicing my car there (and I should point out that I've always found the service dept to be very courteous and helpful, I guess because they're not salesmen) do you think I might be asking for trouble if I make strong complaints against the sales dept? Might I suddenly find my car suffereing from a lot of problems AFTER it's had a service, if you catch my drift?

[team illucid]

I have another question for you guys, you've all been great so far, the advice I've gotten on here has been really helpful. I REALLY do not want to give any business back to this dealer, but a condition of my extended warranty (I have 3 years factory and another 3 years on top from the dealer) is that I only use them, or their sister branch, for servicing. I've been told that the extended warranty might be a bit of a scam just to get you to service your car there, and that most of the main issues that may occur with the car will not be included once the factory warranty finishes. I'll read the small print when I get home, but does this sound possible to you guys? I don't want to lose the extended warranty, but if I can take my business elsewhere I'll be a happy man.

Oh, and also, if, and that's a big IF, I did end up servicing my car there (and I should point out that I've always found the service dept to be very courteous and helpful, I guess because they're not salesmen) do you think I might be asking for trouble if I make strong complaints against the sales dept? Might I suddenly find my car suffereing from a lot of problems AFTER it's had a service, if you catch my drift?

Extended warranty is not worth the paper it is written on ... 3 year factory can be honoured by most service depots so go there and forget your extended warranty ... I could tell the story of the Tassie dealers who would buy wrecked late model cars and replace "bits" that would last a while ... then had to be repaired during extended warranty - which of course doesn't cover 95% of the vehicle.

You have the brains - I think you know what to do.

[SS Enforcer]

I don't think you should worry about the servicing side of things they are usually too busy to worry about such crap. I am sure most service staff arn't too keen on the sales staff anyway . I don't give a toss regarding the extended warranty I think you will find to qualify you need it serviced more regularly than what the book states.


cheers

[planetdavo]

The extended warranty question has started popping up some predictable responses. For some it definitely works, for some it doesn't. If you think of it as an extra insurance policy, with all the good and bad that goes with it, I'm sure you can sort out the reality of it. I've known people with engine, gearbox and diff rebuilds covered, easily repaying the policy cost, so yes, people do actually get things paid for, within the fine print of the contract (of course).
The extended part of the warranty above the factory 3 year warranty does require you to take the car to approved service centres.

[Cobalt]

I'm not a lawyer but have had some experience in this matter.

Take this information as you see fit.

Liable cannot be attributed to you unless "You show reckless disregurd for the truth"

If you have been honest with us the naming the dealer will not see you in trouble. If however you have shown reckless disreguard for the truth then there is an issue...

Please name the dealer as business that behave in this manner are trash and deserve to be closed down.

I recently had an issue with a supplier who supplied and un servicable product which I and my client waited over six months to have rectified and he expected to be paid the instant he fixed the problem.

I waited him out on principle and he then shows up at the customers (who happened to be my mothers organisation so no harm done but what if it was another customer) and demands the product returned to him. He then lies about the whole situation.

He got what he wanted which was for me to pay him the $1200 I owe him but he will never sell anything to me or my industry and has basically stuffed his business over a miniscule amount of money. We also buy prol $3000 a month of him and we have paid every invoice other than this one.

He has lost all our business...

People like this usually stuff up their own lives/businesses but it is the ones who go down in flames in the process that we need to look out for....


Cheers

Chad