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Car damage in transit or at the car dealership lot occurs fairly regularly. Here's when a dealer is required to tell you about it
“Does a dealer have to disclose damage to a new vehicle that was repaired before it was delivered to me? I learned that part of my car was repainted before I bought it.”
—G.S., Toronto
If damage is material (for example, if it would reduce the selling price) it should be disclosed. Truth is, damage in transit and at the lot occurs fairly regularly, but dealers don’t like to talk about it because it spooks customers. Some incidents of damage during transport result from weather events like hail and rolling seas, or during loading and unloading. In many cases, damage is repaired prior to delivery to the dealer, with no disclosure. If the dealer inquires, the manufacturer usually provides very basic information without a dollar value. Transit damage is often repaired quickly to keep vehicles moving in the system, which accounts for the sometimes poor finish of the repaired areas.
George Iny is the president of the Automobile Protection Association. Send him your automotive questions at [email protected]
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what if there was a fire. Took out hvac. Second took out all wiring. happened while dealer in posession and on title. damage hidden not fixed. Told small interior fire and all fixed
Were they responsible to tell us?
Thanks for the question. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.