Are you kidding me??? I wouldn’t spend $55k on a car, even if I had a million dollars in the bank. And I certainly would not spend that kind of money without taking a lengthy test-drive in the identical model and trim level (if new) or in the actual car being sold (if used).
Of course, I would do the same diligence, even if I was buying a sub-$3k used car on Craigslist. The fact that people don’t do their diligence, even when buying a vehicle for tens of thousands of dollars is astonishing!
So, when looking at the facts, a customer who buys a $20K new car is entitled to the same warranty protection as a customer who buys a $55K car. The amount spent is not relevant, just that it was a new car.
Now the customer states that the defect existed from the time the car was new, from the time it was delivered to the customer. The manufacturer agrees with that, and offered to replace “component X”. The customer refused component replacement and wants a refund or a different car. That’s the crux of his complaint. Compounded by the fact that the mfr planned to replace “component X” with a reman unit.
The manufacturer warranty clearly states that if components X,Y, or Z require replacement under warranty, the mfr will install new, remanufactured, or reconditioned units at the mfr’s sole discretion.
Weeks of arguing, filing complaints, gathering data, owning a car you don’t want, etc, all could have been avoided by driving the car around the block before signing the papers. Plain and simple.
For whatever reason, which should be obvious I guess, I’m just reminded of this:
This was a “Lemon Law” request. Don’t most states allow the manufacturer through the dealership “X” number of times to fix a problem?
That should be told the customer.
I think I have test driven all vehicles prior to purchase. Can not remember if I test drove my truck. I found the truck online, at another dealership about 100 miles from me (great price, good options). Asked local dealership if they would get the truck, then sell it to me at the advertised price, they said yes. I intended to pay cash, but they gave me an additional $500 discount if they could finance it through the credit union with which I already have an account.
Last new car I bought, I got about five different booklets. Owners manual, tire warranty, battery warranty, a booklet on who to contact with a problem, etc. somewhere in there I’m sure there was information on the lemon law which varies by state. I confess I have not read them all cover to cover but scanned them for a general understanding and are there for a reference. You know, you can lead a horse to water . . .
I’ve had about three warranty issues on a new car, none of which would have turned up on a test drive. Wheel bearing at 20k, rear shocks at about 30k, balancer at 50k. All taken care of promptly at no cost. I guess it’s in the book.
Some of the things I’m looking for on a test drive you can’t get any other way-
Ergonomics while underway. Seats comfortable, controls accessible, any viewing issues interior or exterior.
Assess road noise level- is it acceptable?
Powertrain- is it smooth or jerky shifts? Any other unusual or unexpected anomalies? Does it have enough power to suit my needs and desires?
Handling and ride comfort. Does it meet my expectations for road feel, handling, suspension…
Not everyone has the same needs, wants or desires. I tend to keep my cars until they are ready for the permanent dirt nap and I don’t want to take a huge loss if I find out later the seat is a rolling torture chamber, it’s too loud going down the road, the A pillar blocks my view too much, the transmission shifts too abruptly- stuff like that they can’t fix cause that’s just how that car was designed.
Once I select a model, then I pick out a specific one and look for any blemishes or dents, panel fitment for consistent gaps, door alignment and open/close nicely and so on. I have found vehicles that appeared to have repaired damage even though they are new so I consider it a small investment in time to reduce some of the risk.
The worst unforeseen warranty issue I’ve experienced was a porous casting for a transmission housing. They fixed it by gutting the trans and replacing the housing. I would have thought it more economical (and less risky) to simply replace the entire unit but that’s what they chose to do. Fortunately, never had another issue with it…
Was that a new or used car? For a new car I think the manufacturer would have sent a new transmission for installation. If it was used, a junk yard housing was probably so inexpensive that the extra work to install the innards might have been worth it.
New car. Was weeping fluid from the get go.
To be fair, even if they did have that car on the lot, chances of you being able to test drive it would be small. I remember when the SRT8 Chargers first came out and a dealership a little ways away had one on their lot. They let me sit in the car, but I couldn’t test drive it- very comfortable seats that fit my heavyset body more than most other vehicles do.
Which was why I was surprised when the Tesla dealership texted me to let me know that, since I was interested in a MYP, they had a Model S I could test drive as the performance was similar to the MYP.
Stay away from all dealers, always!
Me too. I bought my first car 60 years ago, a 1950 13-year-old Chevy for $75. Every car since was paid for in cash.
Considered the new 2024 Prius but a test drive the other day showed it was too hard to get in and out. Will probably die still owning our 2011 Toyota Venza.
Why not try something larger like a hybrid RAV4 or Highlander? You could buy new or find a nice off lease version.
Of course, we’re in a day and age when people buy a used car online to avoid the “hassle” of test driving or even a close inspection. A vending machine delivered use car!?! I’ll be happy to purchase a Snickers from a vending machine. But not blindly make a substantial investment.
Most of the if not all of the buy online used cars give you a 3 day (maybe more) test drive or you can return it if not satisfied with your purchase, I would think that buying a new car online would be the same way…
BTW, when I bought my 1995 X in 96 that was still under factory warranty, I did not test drive it, but I had already driven probably 100 of the same vehicle when I was doing the local rental car thing, so I was not worried about it, I knew that car like the back of my hand… lol
But normally, NO, I would not buy a vehicle without driving it 1st, and I craw all over it checking it out also… I generally look at how hard the engine and transmission look to work on also… lol
Highlander’s a great car but too big for just wife and me. RAV4 is my current first choice. But it’s looking like I’ll be buried with the Venza. I guess I tend to hold onto my winners, as my wife of 54 years could tell you.
I liked the styling of the older Rav 4’s, but the new ones, not so much. Keeping your Venza seems like a pretty good idea.
Venza’s now a step between the Rav4 and Highlander, Hybrid only for a little more than a Rav4 Hybrid.
From my understanding the Venza is being discontinued. Toyota is replace it with an SUV version of their new Crown called Crown Signia.
The Venza is like a less expensive Lexus NX. Both based on the same chassis as the Rav4. The Rav4 actually has the most room of the 3. I wish they had kept the Venza on the Highlander chassis, a bit bigger.
edit-looks my wish has been granted with the Crown Signia, clearly bigger than the current Venza. Now more waiting, I imagine it will be another hard-to-find Toyota for a while, with big mark-ups.
again?. They should retire that name. Bad juju.