Question: I bought a used Volvo V70 that was represented to me by the dealer as a turbo. Now I find out it's not a turbo and the dealer won't do anything about it. What can I do?
March 29, 2007
Hi Tony
Two weeks ago I purchased a used 2003 Volvo V70. I bought it from a licensed used car dealer. He advertised and sold it to me as a V70 2.4T (Turbo). Since the sale I've discovered that car is a non Turbo - not a Turbo. Someone even added the 2.4T emblem to the back of the car.
I called the dealer and he's washed his hands of the situation. How should I approach this?
I gave him two options:
- take the car back
- compensate me the difference between Turbo and Non Turbo. (Black Book dif is $3,500, I asked for $2,000)
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jason
Answer:
Hi Jason,
Look, I'm not an attorney so I can't advise you legally on this, but it sounds to me like you have some legal grounds in your favor.
Contact the dealer again - not the salesman, but the owner - and explain that the car was misrepresented to you and as a result you paid too much for it. Tell him you would rather not pursue the situation legally if you don't have to, but you will if he doesn't cooperate.
Tell him you will contact your state's Attorney General's office and file a complaint against him and that you will get a lawyer if necessary. If he still won't cooperate you may very well have to take these steps.
All my very best...
Tony Iorio
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