Contact Me

Friday, October 2, 2015

Bought a Vehicle

Last week, exbf totaled his vehicle, the Ford Explorer. On Wednesday I pre-shopped for him at the same place the bought his vehicle last year. I sat in the office and listened to the list of cars the guy thought he might want after I obliquely told him what he wanted.

I picked out one without going out to see it. The salesman gave me the Car Fax report. When exbf got home from work, I read it to him.

Thursday morning, he went to his bank and was approved for a certain dollar amount. Then, he drove here and got in my car while I ran out to drive him.

The salesman brought it up to us at the office and we took a test drive. I was concerned with a noise behind me. Exbf said it was just the motor. "The motor is back there?"

He assured me the motor was in front of me, under the hood. Then, he said it was just exhaust noise. "Any exhaust making that noise needs to be fixed!" He still did not believe me.

We were planning to have a local mechanic check out the car. I told the guy about the noise which exbf still insisted was nothing. The mechanic reported it was cupping. I knew what he meant. The tires are wavy, not smooth.

When we went back to the dealer's, the salesman was happy to hear all the belts and hoses were good. Exbf was doing this reporting. I quickly interrupted him to bluntly ask for the best price. He came down. Then, I told him the vehicle needed rear tires, at least, and informed him of noise and the cupping problem and asked how much he was going to reduce the car since we had to buy tires. (There really is no "we" and the salesman knew it.) I figured the guy thought he should listen to me since exbf never objected to a word I said.)

The man acted shocked and hurt. "But, I just gave you my best price!" Exbf said the man was partly shocked and partly acting. I really held my ground with the guy and exbf allowed me to talk. I run a hard deal.

So, he relented and will have two new tires on it in the morning. If he gets them installed in time, exbf will come get his car; if not, I will pick it up.

Exbf never commented on my being right about the noise. He forced me to gloat! I told him he should thank me. He said not a word!

I can say I have never picked out a used car that was a disappointment.

You are worried I only considered one car and he drove only that one and bought it? Well, his credit union will only finance a newer car, must run it through Car Fax. I picked the car/vehicle that fit the bill for him. He would have looked further if he had not been satisfied. Plus, exbf does not want a car, just a higher vehicle. He has trouble lowering himself into a car since he needs two hip replacements and two knee replacements. He bought a Nissan Rogue CX or CV or some two letters.

Your turn
Do you ever go with anyone to help pick out a car or help with the salesman? How do you handle it?

13 comments:

  1. Would never trust CarFax - my son checked CarFax on a car he had traded in knowing, and telling the dealer, that it had been in an accident. CarFax did not report this. So much for honesty.

    Good that you had a mechanic check it and CONGRATULATIONS on standing your ground for the repairs/tires/what was wrong with the car and demanding, well, requesting a better price. Have to stand up for what is right, no matter that exbf didn't help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bellen,
      hmmm, I am surprised that Carfax is not trustworthy. Today, I told him he had never expressed gratitude for my large part in buying the car. I said, "Are you grateful I helped out with the noise and tires and all?" He nodded and said, "Yeah, I am." He had a little grin that I am not quite sure of. I was the car and house buyer in my marriage, too. Although I am sure he would never say so. I think in any relationship that is going out to car shop, one has to be tougher than the other. I can be tough. Exbf tries to be polite. That is good, but not on a car lot.

      Delete
  2. Hi Linda.so glad you are back. I would like you to go with my husband when he car shops. He wants to be friends with everyone and this does not work with car salesmen. You should be very proud of yourself and I will give you the pat on the back that exbf could or would not.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. carol,
      I told him today that he should sing my praises, that I could charge a fee for my services. Oh, I am friendly and harmless at first. Then, I show them I mean business. When the person with me, the one writing the check, does not object to what I say, then I am in charge and the salesperson knows it. I did wrench a compliment from him today!

      Delete
  3. I would think the only way an accident was not on the Carfax is if it wasn't reported to insurance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the accident was reported to insurance and repairs were made using the settlement.

      Delete
    2. Bellen,
      Sigh...how easy it is to lose confidence in systems. Now, I will always wonder if Car Fax is telling the truth...BIG sigh.

      Delete
  4. I am tough with car salespeople. My stupid ex went alone once to buy a car. Big mistake. He didn't get anything done for him.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janie,
      I do understand the situation You and I have no problem getting the job done right. Good for you.

      Delete
  5. Glad you helped him out!
    I hate arguing with car sales men. Yuck. I'm grateful Den does it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sonya Ann,
      You're back! Well, there was no argument, just a test of wills. He cannot do it. I love doing it!

      Delete
  6. If I ever find myself in a situation to buy a used car in the United States, I am going shopping with you! I think, you did great.

    ReplyDelete

Okay, hoping the annoyances have gone away.