Help with this.

My brother is in the process of taking delivery of a new truck. The dealership called him today and said the during the delivery of the truck, the truck got damaged and that they had to do some minor body work to repair the truck. Replace panel and paint, etc.

He is still interested in taking the truck once it is fixed.

My question is: I remember hearing that once a vehicle was damaged and body work done, the dealership could no longer sell it as a new vehicle. They had to sell it as a used vehicle. Thereby reducing the price when compared to a new model.

Is this true?

The only reason I ask is that a friend of mine living in ON, Canada, had this exact thing happen to them and they were told by the dealer that it could no longer be sold as a new vehicle. So the dealer reduced the price to entice the prospective buyer to continue with the purchase.

Should this also occur with my brother??

Thanks

 

Each state may be different. Most states require that A motor vehicle dealer shall notify the purchaser of a new motor vehicle in writing at the time of sale of any damage or damage repairs incurred by the new motor vehicle, regardless of whether the damaged portion was repaired or replaced to its pre-damaged condition, which exceeds the greater of $500 or 3% of the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Normally, the NEW sold as USED is when the vehicle is damaged up to the point of the vehicle being delivered to the dealership. At which point, if the vehicle is damaged, the dealer does not accept delivery of the damaged vehicle and the vehicle gets returned to the Ford.

All dealers have to perform a "WALK-AROUND" to insure that there is NO DAMAGE. Fill out an acceptance form, verify all "LOOSE" items are intack (carpets, antenna, spare tire, jack, keys and such) and submit it to FORD on each and every vehicle it receives.

Sound like in this case, the vehicle was damaged at the dealership after it was delivered and accepted by the dealership.

I'd try LOW-BALLING the Dealership on this one and try to get it for "A" plan pricing if he's not already at that price.