That is an excellent point, is that the going labor rate at a dealership bodyshop? $27/hour????

 

Another option to consider is reporting it to your vehicle insurer. Your point is that the damage occurred prior to you owning the vehicle so it is likely not covered under your insurance. However, you bought a new vehicle, it should not have had any damage and now you discover damage. The damage occurred through no fault of your own so it should not affect your rates. If your vehicle insurer denies you coverage (as pre-existing damage) that decision would be more evidence to support your claim against the dealer. Just a thought.

 

The internal labor rate is what the sales department pays their body shop to do repairs. It can be exactly what they pay the body man or paint man to do the work.
Some dealerships give a little mark-up to the body shop but it won't be anything like what they would charge us for the same work.

There really is no profit if the dealer is selling to him/herself. Profits come from outside customers buying products and services.

 

what others are or have paid. mine was an 08 and sticker on it was 57K (its got everything!)
I think i would try to settle with them without a lawyer interference. Maybe some weather reports of hail in the time period they had the car on the lot might be enough to persuade them that you have been talking to a lawyer and make them want to settle quietly and quickly. A mention of district attorney interest might also help.

 

See, now I feel I am building up a legal arsenal, I will consider contacting my insurance company if the dealer does not attempt to do what is right, now I have printouts of local hail and severe storms that happend on the 1st of June, 2009 around the area.

I got a call from Weslaco Motors, they want me to bring the truck to them so they can take a closer look, I am hesitant to bring it to them since I know they are only going to say the same, we'll fix it for you, there is nothing wrong with it, etc... Now they want $8000 for the upgrade to 2010. Still pretty steep right? How should I counter? Should I bring them the vehicle?

Oh, and I am contacting the office of the county's DA tomorrow.

 

BetterCorp,
I think you have one of two decisions here to end this is a good way. One have the Vehicle fixed like new by the Dealer at no cost to you or two counter there upgrade to a 2010 and meet half way, after all if you do pay a little more you are recieving a new Hybrid. So if you want a brand new 2010 and you pay a little more its not a bad deal and if you have your vehicle fixed like new, either way I think you will have a great vehicle. $8,000, maybe counter at $5,000 and end up at $6,500, not a bad deal and just an idea.

 

Thanks, $5000 sounds reasonable to me, I really would prefer not to have them fix my hybrid.

Also raises another question, if I do get a 2010 will I be entitled to 2 different tax credits? How would I file? Does anyone know about this?

 

IE 4k....

 

Well, the initial purchaser of the hybrid gets the credit, and you will be the initial purchaser of two hybrids, so I don't see why you wouldn't.

*** none of the above should be considered legal or financial advice ***

Heck, anything with an "fjungman" in it shouldn't be considered good advice, at all...

 

good luck bettercorp. you seem to have a good case, I wouldn't accept anything less as well. oh and thread title is just fine in my book.