Is this being unfair to the dealership?
Posted by Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 131 comments
Long story short, the dealership recently performed a recall service on my vehicle and I asked them to rotate the tires while they had it. They forgot to tighten the lug nuts on FR wheel. Wife and newborn had to pull off the highway on an 80F + day because the car felt like “it was going to fall apart” while driving.
I was able to meet them, take the car and drive it to the same brand dealership of a different location that was conveniently 2 miles down the road. This dealership identified the lug nut issue during a multipoint inspection and reported the wheel “was about to fall off”
I reported this back to the original dealer. Gave them more than an earful. My wife and newborn could have crashed. They admitted fault.
While my vehicle was at the identifying dealer, their multi point inspection found a critical issue with my transmission - larger metal bits in the fluid.
The original dealer who forgot to tighten my wheel, is willing to give me a deal on a new car due to the grave error that they performed. I had proposed this as a way to “make things right” because I happen to be in the market anyways and I’m not sure I want their service dept handling my vehicle anymore.
Is it wrong of me NOT to disclose the transmission issue that the other dealer identified? I have no sympathy for the dealer who put my family in danger. FWIW this is a huge dealership and brand. US based.
Minnesotamad12@reddit
I wouldn’t disclose it. Fuck em.
Ok_Development_495@reddit
Don’t you dare be nice with a dealer! They are robbers.
Rough-Transition-954@reddit
Besides, "metal pieces" in a transmission is a scam used by unscrupulous shops to sell transmission overhauls. The "pan drop and show the customer all the stuff in the pan" is a classic scammy sales pitch. Some small metal and friction material in a tranny pan is normal.
If the transmission is shifting okay, I would have no guilty conscience in keeping silent about this.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Large bits? They showed me pictures of bits a couple inches in length on the magnet. They also noted that a magnet stuck (to the pan maybe?) from the outside indicating more metal on the inside. Does this sound normal or are they trying to hose me here?
Legitimate-Corgi@reddit
Is it a Honda with a cvt? They’re common enough for blowing the internal chain apart that they issued a special magnet to check for steel chain pieces right through the aluminum lower casing which sounds kinda like your description. If the magnet sticks to the non magnetic aluminum it means there’s pieces of steel chain laying in the bottom.
stacksmasher@reddit
Yea they drop pieces in there to trick people. Stuff "A few inches long" would never happen in a sealed transmission.
gzr4dr@reddit
Agreed. Any piece of metal that long in the transmission housing is going to mangle the gears. Small shavings is not too concerning, assuming it's a small amount. I agree that the dealership has a bunch of liars working for them.
JCC114@reddit
OP confirmed it’s a CVT not impossible for those belts/chains to shed some large pieces
gzr4dr@reddit
Learned something new. I only worked on transmissions before cvt became a thing (hint, it was a long time ago).
JCC114@reddit
They are awful things that never should have come into existence. They probably would of been okay if people were use to doing regular maintenance on transmissions, but give people transmissions for a couple decades that they could nearly ignore with few issues, and then give them something new that takes 30k maintenance intervals are it grenades itself? No one adapted. Some CVTs have service intervals same as traditional automatics now, but I am not buying that they can produce same long term reliability on those schedules yet.
Manjushri1213@reddit
Eh CVTs in Toyotas and other Hybrids, some Subies seem to be fine, and needed for some setups. The Nissan debaucle and some Hyundai's iirc seem to be the issue. Tho they also suck to repair (aka replace) obviously all around. I don't disagree in the driving aspect - drove a Kia with an "IVT" that simulated gears - poorly - and realized I never want one despite the dealer saying he "preferred them - they're so smooth!" Lmao
Tickles-The-Octopus@reddit
The eCVT in a hybrid is a very very different animal than a CVT in a conventional petrol only vehicle.
An eCVT has literally zero clutches or other holding materials. Just a planetary gearset connected to the engine and two motor/generator units where as a conventional CVT are two cones with a belt or chain around them.
The only thing they have in common is the name and that they both have "theoretical" infinite gear ratio combinations.
stacksmasher@reddit
well he is still driving it lol
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Any suggestion on getting an honest inspection on my transmission?
JCC114@reddit
There is nothing to “inspect” after pans been dropped and cleaned out already. I don’t think I saw you identify the vehicle, but believe the test you’re referring to with magnet stuck to the pan is a common CVT transmission test when it’s a plastic pan. You use the magnet from the outside to pull all the material to a certain spot by dragging it along the pan, then pulling straight down at that spot, once you have done this from all areas of the pan if there is enough metal material there to hold the magnet to a plastic pan, through the pan, the transmission is not in good shape. This test has to be done in a controlled way where the strength of magnet and the pattern they move the magnet on the bottom of the pan to be at all valid if a diagnostic. If they then dropped the pan and cleaned it out though would be nothing left for next place to find. Disassembling a transmission to find actual state of it goes much further than an inspection, and 100% would not be done if not experiencing active issues. And if this is CVT would not be done if experiencing issues either as they just sell you a new one.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the detailed info. This sounds like what they had done. This is a CVT.
CaptainJay313@reddit
deive the car, shifts firm? no lagging or gear wandering?
transmission is good.
Sour_Sal@reddit
Are you having any shifting issues? No?
Are you under 100k Miles? Yes
No Problem!
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
130k
Rough-Transition-954@reddit
If there were indeed large pieces of metal on the magnet, the transmission would not be working well.
You have experienced what is called in the ripoff automatic transmission business "salting the pan." This means secretly adding stuff to the transmission pan or magnet to scare the car owner into an expensive overhaul. This ripoff trick is pulled even by national transmission repair brands.
CaptainJay313@reddit
if there bits that large on your drain plug, I feel like you'd be hearing some really bad noises and the transmission would be transmissing.
Questions_Remain@reddit
Yeah, that’s a scam. I mean a magnet doesn’t stick to your refrigerator because the milk’s metal does it.
wezelboy@reddit
Of course a magnet is going to stick on the outside. It’s metal. Sounds like they are pulling one on you.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Yeah I didn’t understand this.
3Green1974@reddit
I told myself I wouldn’t read the whole thing because I made up my mind from the title.
No, it’s not being unfair to the dealership. They trick, confuse, bully, etc folks all the time that come in to buy a car. I wouldn’t think twice about it.
Legitimate-Corgi@reddit
It sounds scammy. There’s no way they’re just pulling drain plugs on every vehicle that comes through. And it’s generally unlikely for any metallic bits to be on the dipstick on the few vehicles that even have one anymore.
Did you pay for a transmission service or anything besides just fixing the loose wheel?
CarsandTunes@reddit
Firstly, it is 100% the Shop's fault for not properly tightening the wheel nuts. However, it is also the Driver's Responsibility to ensure their operating a safe vehicle. If you drive away with loose lug nuts, you did not fulfill your responsibilities as a driver. Whoever drove the vehicle away from the dealership with loose lug nuts is at fault for not checking. And your wife is at fault for not checking before taking the car and going out on the highway.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Really? My state’s dept of public safety says that it’s on the dealership to ensure it’s safe upon handing back to the customer. I understand that every driver has a responsibility to ensure they are driving a safe vehicle, but isn’t that why you take it to a shop to ensure this? Should I be checking my lug nuts every time I get my car back from the shop?
CarsandTunes@reddit
Like I said, yes, the service department should have made sure it was safe. But it doesn't end there. Every single time you get in your car you should make sure it is safe, and in proper working order. That is your responsibility as a driver. Both legally, and ethically. When your wife took the car out without checking it, she risked her life, her child's life, and the lives of the people sharing the road with her. Yes, the issue began at the dealership. But the responsibility of safety failed at the dealership, with the person who picked up the car, and with the person who drove the car onto the highway.
GrandpaDerrick@reddit
I don’t think that a reasonable person would check the torque on their wheels every time they get in the vehicle. The lug nuts may have been finger tightened enough to look ok but the service shop has a responsibility to torque them. If they didn’t perform that responsibility, it is called negligence. Thankfully no one got hurt and no damage to the vehicle. This is why many shops now require you to come back after driving 100 miles to insure proper torque. Humans make mistakes and they’re trying to minimize that. When I was a mechanic every torque had to be witnessed by an inspector to minimize human error. This error could be costly for a service shop.
Gampa_J@reddit
Hold on hold on, the shop is already at 100% fault. Now Two other people are at fault? 100% is the max, there isn't enough fault left for anyone else.
Also, it's your fault for not commenting before anyone drove off without checking lug nut torque. Way to drop the ball.
CarsandTunes@reddit
Serviceman responsibility: make sure vehicle is safe. Failed. 100% their fault.
First Driver responsibility: make sure vehicle is safe before operation. Failed. 100% their fault.
Second Driver responsibility: make sure vehicle is safe before operation. Failed. 100% their fault.
Males sense now?
Gampa_J@reddit
Newborn: 25% fault
CarsandTunes@reddit
Latching onto my typos in an effort to make me look bad huh? Guess that means you have no actual argument.
Gampa_J@reddit
You don't need my help to look bad. Lol I don't even have an argument. I'm trying to joke around with you, but you're taking it up the ass for some reason. This is reddit, not real life.
SavingsMovie736@reddit
How in the hell would dealer 2 know there was metal shavings in the trans? Did you ask them to check that. A multipoint inspection doesn’t go beyond what you can see with a flash light.
Sounds like dealer 1 made a mistakes. It happens. They owned their mistake.
Dealer 2 tried to find some extra stuff wrong.
Go with dealer 1, who made a mistake and owned it and wants to work with you?
Or dealer 2 who might be lying
At least you know dealer 1 is honest.
Unfair_Newspaper_877@reddit
Curious, how long and how many miles between the tire rotation and the issue? Shops in my area all recommend retorquing lugnuts by coming in or doing it yourself within 100kms (60 miles) or 7 days, whichever comes first. If you don't, then it's not on the shop... it's a you problem.
Big_Reporter8521@reddit
Time to play dumb my man
Old_Discussion_7656@reddit
But you will not disclose the transmission issue that will put the new buyer's family in danger. Got it.
Manjushri1213@reddit
A trans going out to me is nowhere even close to the same level of danger a loose wheel is. I fucked my own up (long story) and it sheered the bolts off, luckily in a parking lot. If it was on the highway I'd probably be dead.
A trans going out in a similar manner would just be pulling off safely unless it, idk, locked up the whole drivetrain? Idk, correct me if I'm wrong.
Head_Rate_6551@reddit
Ok, you’re wrong.
Manjushri1213@reddit
Lol well someone else did agree below so we seem to be at an empass friend
Head_Rate_6551@reddit
It’s impasse. See you’re wrong again. And so is whoever’s agreeing with you. A transmission breaking can lock up the wheels or cause complete loss of power, both of which are extremely unsafe assuming you’re going 75mph down a highway etc
Manjushri1213@reddit
Lol k well the many times I've had transmissions go out I could steer and use the brakes. The single time I've had loose lugs the wheel sheered off and I couldn't do shit.
I'll leave the spelling mistake. Have a good one
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
I appreciate this perspective. Not sure how it works when in the hands of the dealer which is why I came here to have a discussion.
Old_Discussion_7656@reddit
Dealership is not gonna check whether the transmission pan has metal parts, before they sell it to someone else. New owner won't notice it either until transmission slips or until a major service check is done. Transmission will malfunction (like reverse not working). New owner and the new baby will hit by an oncoming traffic and someone will get injured. It is one thing to not know anything about cars but it is another thing to hide a major mechanical issue.
Manjushri1213@reddit
From a trans issue? I mean I'm sorry that happened to you. I just have had trans go out completely and it did lock up but it isn't like a damn wheel flying off in my experience. How did a trans going out cause you to not be able to stop or almost fly off a cliff? (Genuinely curious, I mean most used cars under $10k probably have some level of trans issue so I'd love to know)
Choppergunner58@reddit
Not to mention the dealer is gonna punt off the problem onto OP if it becomes a legal issue.
alexhutch123@reddit
Found a car dealers Reddit handle
Kattnasty@reddit
Bro shut up. It’s not his responsibility to sell a family a safe car. It’s the dealerships
They if can’t inspect a car before selling then that’s on them. Not the OPs fault.
Fucking loser you are
Old_Discussion_7656@reddit
I am a loser because I don't want to willingly screw someone else's family and risk their lives? Okay, weirdo.
Head_Rate_6551@reddit
You’re right, guess we know what kind of dealer would Kattnasty be.
neverfakemaplesyrup@reddit
Dude I am a damn bike mechanic in training, and based on the guy you're commenting on, I apparently dive deeper into a BIKE than the damn auto industry does. That's terrifying.
I also feel like the dealers HAVE to report to one another. Two years back I got an inspection done, found a lot of noise and turning wrong, took it to a dang quick tire place as i thought the subframe was pierced- I was slightly right, mostly wrong. The subframe was completely GONE. The tech lashed into me, then went "Wait. I shouldn't. You did the right thing. You brought this in. The sticker says this was JUST inspected and worked on. Let me call them."
The lube tech got his manager, and I heard the call through the dang door. Apparently the place that pencil-whipped the inspection got reported to the state. So if lube techs are doing that, why wouldn't master techs?
Optimal_Law_4254@reddit
There’s a difference between selling to an individual and selling to a dealer. One difference is that the dealer is buying to resell or scrap. The dealer is also in a much different position with regards to liability. So if the dealer doesn’t perform due diligence that’s on them.
I would never lie but telling the dealer everything about the car is not necessarily something that you’re obligated to do.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
If the dealership takes in a car, it is their responsibility to inspect it. If the dealership sells a car that was not inspected and has major malfunctions, that's still on the dealership.
How does that have anything to do with "new ones and new baby will get hit" in any way?
swole_ninja@reddit
I get it. And maybe I’m just jaded. But even if OP discloses this, what are the odds the dealer repairs it or discloses it to the next buyer?
I bet it gets a fluid change (at best) and off to the used car lot.
Old_Discussion_7656@reddit
Once OP discloses it formallly, it establishes a legal ground and the new buyer can seek damages (mechanical or bodily harm). Otherwise, as-is used vehicle and risk is transferred to that innocent clueless buyer. So, if something fails new buyer can get that replaced free or if you lose an eye you can seek damages. Legal protection, not just moral.
Sweet-Reserve1507@reddit
A family stuck on dark highway when 0 degree outside. I had similar incident recently as car renters do not tell they got nail in the tire. Just pump tires to like 50 psi. I was driving from Denver to Colorado Springs at 1 am with tire pressure warning.
Old_Discussion_7656@reddit
Yea. Passing the blame to the car company is disingenuous. You know the new driver is gonna have an accident with that nail you didn't disclose. I think it is crazy to be that sensitive about a untightened lugnut and then knowingly risk the life of someone else's family with a failing transmission.
sprchrgddc5@reddit
Don’t be a sucker dude. They aren’t gonna give you a crazy cool deal, they just want to sell you a new car.
Like what, give them a sale, finance through them, and pass on a car with overdue transmission fluid to a used car buy as a way to teach them a lesson? Rethink about what you’re proposing here.
Give them a one star review, get your transmission fluid changed cuz you don’t want that shit going on on your wife and newborn, and buy a car at a new dealership if you really want a new car.
badbudha@reddit
I highly doubt a transmission with large pieces of metal in the pan would shift right. If that transmission was shifting and "felt" ok when you were driving then they are trying to scam you.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
I drive the car 70 miles a day and 6 days a week. Never felt an issue shifting or driving. Not sure what I’d be feeling for but everything has felt normal.
badbudha@reddit
It would not shift properly if something was wrong. I have a hard time believing yours had large chunks of metal in the pan because that would indicate that the clutches and pressure plates were coming apart. Damage like that would definitely cause your transmission to not shift properly. Hanging up in certain gears, shuddering, etc.
SpaceCat72@reddit
Roll forward brother. You know they'd screw you if they could.
NotMuch2@reddit
Their inspection drained the transmission fluid and checked for metal? That seems suspicious. Is the car driving and shifting ok?
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
They did not drain it. They recommended having the fluid serviced because I was past due and identified this upon service.
u3b3rg33k@reddit
HOW did they check for metal in the trans pan if they didn't drain the fluid??
magic?
xTheGame69@reddit
Because his service was past due and they performed the service
Likely while performing the service they noticed the metal debris
u3b3rg33k@reddit
the service would involve changing the fluid.
Dragon398765@reddit
Check valve. Let’s out a few ounces of fluid that can usually be topped back up. At least the new subaru cars have them
Albert14Pounds@reddit
But how did they find metal in the fluid without draining it. That part doesn't make sense.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
I was past due for transmission fluid service so they pulled the plug and metal was attached to the magnet on the plug. Not a car guy so I’m just telling you what they told me.
JrHottspitta@reddit
All transmissions are going to have metal on that plug. Its normal. I wouldnt bother disclosing it.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Large bits? They showed me pictures of bits a couple inches in length on the magnet. They also noted that a magnet stuck (to the pan maybe?) from the outside indicating more metal on the inside. Does this sound normal or are they trying to hose me here?
JrHottspitta@reddit
Id have to see a picture of it. But the magnet would catch all the fine particles and if there is enough on there it can look like A LOT but its really nothinf to worry about. If the transmission shifts fine and its never been serviced there is always going to be more then after that first service.
Personally if there were big bits in there and it was an issue youd probably have noticed... becuase normally there is a lot of glitter in a trans pan... more or less depending on how often it was serviced.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Can I DM you a photo?
JrHottspitta@reddit
Sure
Rough-Transition-954@reddit
The magnet did its job. This is normal transmission wear.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Large bits? They showed me pictures of bits a couple inches in length on the magnet. They also noted that a magnet stuck (to the pan maybe?) from the outside indicating more metal on the inside. Does this sound normal or are they trying to hose me here?
NotMuch2@reddit
You would very likely notice transmission issues if there were large bits of metal in the pan
sprchrgddc5@reddit
How much past due? What car is this?
edwbuck@reddit
I think the short back and forth about items out of time line is confusing people.
Now the way this conversation has these items being reported is completely out of order, mostly because there's two inspections, that of the overall vehicle and the deeper inspection of the drained transmission.
By the OP getting vague "how did they inspect" questions which he then answered with the wrong inspection, it makes it seem like the iron filings were found in the overall inspection of the car, prior to the pan being drained.
I would say that the shop fucked up, and now the shop is trying their best to make it right, and in doing so, the shop exposed that they sold the OP a car with a worn transmission. Kudos to the shop for reporting it to the OP, which is something that a shop that's trying to hide things would try their best not to do.
OP should give the shop a good tongue lashing for the wheel bolt, but OP's believe that the shop is all fucked up and should be avoided for external mechanics is a bit much. Bad shops wouldn't have told OP about the transmission filings, and the level of inspection OP believes shops should do would likely add a few hundred dollars to every car's price tag.
When buying a used car (has to be used to get transmission wear) there's a reason that the overly cautious always insists on getting an independent mechanic's assessment. It costs extra, probably $300 these days, but that's $300 of work that doesn't need to be done for any reason other than information gathering. If the shop performed such on every car, they couldn't sell at the prices that once-over-lightly inspections permit (and you'd still have the problem of the shop not releasing the information because the mechanics work for the shop, not OP).
u3b3rg33k@reddit
it should be sitting in the foam/filter
jrileyy229@reddit
Like others have said, go ask them how they determined this... Maybe on some cars they could have possibly siphoned out some I guess... If they could get all the way to the bottom of the pan where the metal would be.. But this is highly irregular.
If you're past your due maintenance, then it just needs done either way, no reason to check it.
Sounds to me like they either lied to scare you into an expensive service, or you misunderstood. If it is past due, then it needs done either way.
Go trade it in to dealer A and let them know you never had the trans fluid done when it was due
AskThis7790@reddit
I’d be leery about them giving you a “good deal” on a new car. That term is relative and it’s unlikely that idea of a good deal aligns with theirs.
Common-Childhood517@reddit
Why would they drop the pan for a standard multi point inspection? Seems like they are lying, they dont get paid shit to inspect cars so anything beyond basic visual and suspension/safety checks being done during a regular MPI is odd
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
They recommended transmission fluid service since I was past due. I agreed to the service and this was the result.
Common-Childhood517@reddit
That makes more sense
Exotic_Papaya_898@reddit
Fuck dealerships. Full stop. They'd sell you that car (if it has a bad tranny) right back to you in a heartbeat.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
That’s my worry. Is that they’d resell this car to another customer who I’m not interested in screwing over.
Exotic_Papaya_898@reddit
Not your worry at all. Nothing is wrong with that tranny.
Wrong_Address4401@reddit
Same brand dealership? You can assume the service department’s computer systems share a data base. They will likely find any service history and check Carfax before trade in offer made.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
Same brand but different owners. They can see service history but not recommended service that I didn’t have performed. Nothing skeptical about my current service history.
bfjt4yt877rjrh4yry@reddit
If a dealership sold you a used car with no warranty and 3 days later the transmission detonated, they would do absolutely NOTHING for you. They'd offer to sell you another car and take the ruined one for peanuts and roll the negative equity in to a new loan, thus screwing you further.
Inner_Pipe6540@reddit
You can never be unfair to a dealership
Chevettez06@reddit
If you did disclose it, they'd low ball you on the value of the trade in, not fix it, and s3ll it at full market price ... source I know car sales manages at multiple dealerships
billdizzle@reddit
You have no duty to disclose
dascresta@reddit
Fuck em!
ImFromTheDeeps@reddit
Just trade it in and walk away.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
It’s bogus that this isn’t something that they would inspect prior to having the vehicle sold. Dealerships suck. Thanks again for the info and perspective on this. I certainly don’t want this car to be in the hands of another customer without repair.
Ultrabananna@reddit
Heres the thing metal shavings in the transmission is quite normal and transmission fluid changes are a thing they say life time but I get it done every couple years. Yes it's a enclosed system and dirt doesn't get in but I drive triple the miles a normal drive does in a year hauling 4-5 passengers so yeah. Get a fluid is sample and send it to a lab it's cheap thatll give you an idea of the amount of metal in the fluid. Keep in mind when was the last time you did the change. As for the lug bolt they fked up man. Fucked up bad
xTheGame69@reddit
I've worked at dealerships and I've traded in some crazy bad cars
Just do it. They won't call you or bother you
My worst was a car that had check engine lights that I had to clear and then had my homie push/bump start it. I wonder what the dealer thought when they couldn't start it after I left with my new car lolololol
ImFromTheDeeps@reddit
Thing is, they're offering you a deal on the new car to make it right, you might as well take it.
If they don't ask about it, don't tell. Some areas treat all trade ins/used car sales as "As is" buyer beware. If they sell it, they'll either repair it, or somebody will come in with a claim on extended warranty.
Obviously the only thing would be if they had asked you if you knew about any major issues and you lied. If the carfax only shows "Multipoint inspection". Unless you give them the sheet, which I wouldn't theres no info for them.
As far as passing it on to the next person, the dealership will have to do a service on it to ensure its mechanically fit and get it certified. If they don't do that its on them not you.
oboshoe@reddit
"The original dealer who forgot to tighten my wheel, is willing to give me a deal on a new "
headline: company that sells cars is willing to sell a car to someone.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
And they may gain my business if the price is right. I need a new vehicle as is. I won’t be taking it back there for service ever again though.
xTheGame69@reddit
Just make sure you use something like TrueCar and I would even still shop around get the price in writing and then literally walk out the door
Be like okay thank you I have to go now don't say anything else
Go to other dealerships see what they'll give you for a price
I wouldn't doubt that whatever special deal they're giving you is "special" all right
xTheGame69@reddit
This is what they call the Hank Hill special
xTheGame69@reddit
I would never tell them damage when you're trading in unless it's obvious
Like I'm the kind of guy to reset codes in the parking lot before I go for a trade-in
Leave the car Dusty on the outside to hide light scratches or go in on a rainy day so it's harder to see them and park in the shade
Got to do what you got to do
Dealerships would certainly do it to you I've worked for them everything that I've listed are tactics they use when they sell used cars
They care about getting the sale, more than anything....
wannagetcock2@reddit
First, there is no such thing as being unfair to a "stealership". Second, unless they removed the transmission pan during their inspection, there is no way they ever would find "pieces of metal a few inches long" as they wouldn't attach to the particle magnet on a plug nor would they come out thru a plug/drain hole. Also if there were really pieces that large floating around in the transmission pan, your transmission would be showing problems and having issues. Both "stealerships" are failing you and hundreds, if not thousands, of other customers. Good luck in your dealings with these scum!!
Head_Rate_6551@reddit
Look out for a post in two weeks: “shady dealer screwed me selling me a used car with a bad transmission”
u700MHz@reddit
Your in the right.
They hide behinds laws they paid for all the time.
ThaPoopBandit@reddit
Fair is fair they don’t owe you nothing you don’t owe them nothing. Trading a vehicle where you knew about an issue is fraud though by definition. Unlikely they would ever pursue that though. Not really sure how another dealer saw metal in the fluid without pulling the pan or changing the fluid, and small amount of metal/friction material is supposed to be in the trans. Assuming no driveability symptoms, it is unlikely the “good” dealer knew what they were talking about given the facts you have told us, but without knowing the full story can’t really say. FWIW I think doing that would at a minimum make you morally decrepit, and possibly legally culpable, but it’s a cold world out here so do what you gotta do ya know
AppropriateGuard1997@reddit
They are a car dealership. They are going to try to screw you again on the new car sale.
44mac@reddit
Fuck all dealerships. They are all crooks. Don’t tell them anything and wring as much out of them as possible.
sprchrgddc5@reddit
Don’t be a sucker dude. They aren’t gonna give you a crazy cool deal, they just want to sell you a new car.
Like what, give them a sale, finance through them, and pass on a car with overdue transmission fluid to a used car buy as a way to teach them a lesson? Rethink about what you’re proposing here.
Give them a one star review, get your transmission fluid changed cuz you don’t want that shit going on on your wife and newborn, and buy a car at a new dealership if you really want a new car.
RampDog1@reddit
How many miles after the tire rotation did this happen?
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
A few hundred. It was 13 days after the original service was performed.
RampDog1@reddit
Most shops have a message on the invoice to return and have lug nuts retouqed after 100kms (60 miles).
Efficient-Shallot684@reddit
The transmission issue is already in the database for your car. Every dealer of that brand already knows
Offering you a good deal on a new car is a common scam. They won't, they will just try to scam you into thinking you got a great deal because they will only charge you $1000 for air in the tires which normally costs them $4000.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
I’m being told it’s not in a viewable part of the other dealers system. They can only see actual performed service. Not recommended service.
Efficient-Shallot684@reddit
If that's the case then it's not a serious issue, only a judgment call.
Own_Shallot7926@reddit
It's up to the dealer to inspect and determine the value of cars they purchase as trade-ins. It is up to them to do repairs and maintenance needed to re-sell that used car.
It is not your job to sell them a 100% working car that's been fully repaired.
Whether or not you inform them of the transmission issue is up to you. I wouldn't. You know they're doing everything in their power to maximize their profits, why wouldn't you do the same? If it's truly a serious and obvious issue then they'll find it during inspection, and if that reduces their trade in value then so be it.
Also know that most dealers don't hold onto all of their trade ins. It's very likely they'll sell it to another dealership and if it's old/damaged/devalued enough then it will go to auction or be sold for scrap.
TLDR: the chances of this becoming another individual's problem are zero if the dealership does their due diligence. What they do with the car once you sell it to them isn't your problem.
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
That’s my issue here. I don’t want this to become another customer’s problem. I agree that the dealership should do a proper inspection before taking it from me or selling it but I don’t have faith that they will. And this gap leads me to believe that the car could in fact end up with another customer in the same status.
30thTransAm@reddit
Man it's amazing how people don't want to be fucked over or fuck someone else over then turn around and trade a car in without disclosing a major problem which fucks the next person over and the people selling just because it has the word "dealer" attached to it.
Old_Discussion_7656@reddit
100%
SurpriseButtStuff@reddit
Fuck em. They wouldn't tell you.
gmehodler42069741LFG@reddit
Fuck every dealer
Happy-Deal-1888@reddit
It’s up to them to inspect it when you trade it in. Not your job to point out all the flaws. Let them enjoy it
beaterdit@reddit
No such thing as being unfair toward a dealership. Their business model is to screw you over. Only reason they’re offering what they are is they’re afraid of losing more money in a lawsuit.
EGGWURST@reddit
If it's the same dealership with different branches they'll probably find out anyway. Not your problem though
Fantastic-Radio-2088@reddit (OP)
It’s the same brand but not the same owners. They can see service history but that’s it unless they were to call and ask.