Question: My car salesman shorted me $2,000 on my trade-in allowance. What can I do?

Dec. 04, 2005

Hello Tony

Four days ago I picked up my new Chevy Equinox from a salesman that we have dealt with for awhile. I trusted him.

I was supposed to get $16,500 for a trade-in ($13,400 owing). It said $14,500 in the trade-in spot and when I asked him about it he said that he had adjusted the selling price (VS MSRP) to reflect the other $2,000.

He said this in front of myself and my dad who had dropped my off. Now I found out that he didn't actually do this. He only gave me $14,500. There is no way I would have accepted this and he knew this (I know the trade-in value of my car is $16,500 - $17,500).

Can I demand the other $2,000, or can I return my car and get my old one back since he lied to me?

Cindy

PS - I really enjoyed your website. Too bad I didn't find it before I bought my car!!!

Answer:

Hi Cindy,

If I were you I would immediately contact the Sales Manager or the owner of the car dealership and explain to them what happened.

Don't let them brush you off. If you don't get any satisfaction from them file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. If that doesn't help file a complaint with your state's Attorney General's office.

Tell the dealer you are willing to take these steps if they don't satisfy you. Stick to your guns and continue to put the pressure on them until they make good.

Also tell them you will not give them good marks on the buyer's survey that you will be getting from Chevy. This is very important for the car dealers, and they will go to great lengths to get good marks on this.

Needless to say, don't ever trust this car salesman again!

All my very best...

Tony Iorio