MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Months after an earthquake and tsunami in Japan, local auto dealers are still feeling the effects. A parts shortage is making it difficult to keep cars on the lots at Japanese dealers. Jason LaCroix, general manager of AutoFair Honda in Manchester, said the last couple of years have proven to be a challenge of extremes. "Last year, we had more cars than customers," he said. "Now, it's the other way around." There is a shortage of parts for brands such as Honda and Toyota, and for some domestic brands that use computer chips that primarily come from two factories in Japan. "Both of them were in the earthquake zone, and it really impacted the production levels," said Andy Crews, president of AutoFair. "Honda, for example, makes 85 to 90 percent of its cars in the U.S., but they get these parts that are coming over." Crews said inventory at the dealership is about half of what it should be. He said it's frustrating because the
Dealer turns red light to green for declined car buyers
11.07.11
Customers who arent accepted for car finance at point-of-sale can still act as goodwill ambassadors for the car dealer forced to turn them away.
Thats the view of ACF Car Finance Limited which has just launched a new guide to its introducer programme, providing information for used car retailers and finance intermediaries who increasingly have to disappoint would-be buyers.
Ever-tightening criteria by mainstream car finance providers, says the company, means that more and more customers are being declined.
But by referring their declines to a specialist non-prime motor retailer, says ACF Car Finance, dealers can at least hold out the hope of a successful resolution to the customers car quest.
And a happy ending will ensure not just goodwill, but also a prompt commission payout which currently averages 300 per sale.
Rhian Roberts, Business Development Manager of ACF Car Finance, says that the companys growing number of referrers range from small independent dealers to major car retail groups.
Wheels Automotive Dealers Supplies Inc Niagara Falls, NY
Wheels Automotive Dealers Supplies Inc Niagara Falls, NY www.localedge.com Dealership Sales Products, Auto Dealer Supplies, Auto Promotion, Auto ...
Car Dealership never sent in my GAP coverage payment, What legal rights do I have?
Jan 26, 2010 by Brandon B | Posted in Insurance & Registration
I purchased the car in Virginia. I paid for GAP coverage. I called to check on the coverage and it turns out I dont have GAP coverage. I have the documentation stating I do. What rights do I have against the dealership? is this a breech of contract on their part? The gap coverage provider said they will probably not supply me with gap coverage now even if they do send the payment in being the time it has been since purchase.
GAP coverage is a type of vehicle insurance, not something a dealer sells.
Otto | Jan 26, 2010
Gap coverage is sold by dealers, and the premium is factored into the loan. You probably should talk to an attorney. Not sure if it's breach of contract, but it might be negligence.
Scott H | Jan 26, 2010
You need to contact the dealership where you purchased the coverage, and have your paperwork ready to show as proof. It may have been human error, but if something were to happen to cause you to need the coverage, logic says that the dealership should assume responsibility.
And, sorry but the first answer is incorrect, GAP can be purchased through the seller or your insurance company.
Mushu | Jan 26, 2010
How long have you had the car? This could be a blessing in disguise. Find out how much you owe on the car and how much the vehicle is currently worth. If it's worth more than you owe, you don't need gap and by them not sending the money into the GAP company you've saved money - unless they just pocketed the money that was supposed to go to them but that should be easy to figure out.
If you find out they stole the money that was supposed to go to pay for GAP then go to the dealership and ask what's going on. Bring your paperwork and contact the GAP company while you're there if it's not obvious what happened with the money. If it looks like they're up to no good then tell them you're reporting them to the better business bureau and if they don't straighten it out you're taking them to court. Under no circumstances should you let them have the original paperwork that's you're proof. Bring them a copy.
Gabriel | Jan 26, 2010
Can anyone tell me what participation split means with a car dealership and a finance company?
Nov 13, 2006 by xsvideo | Posted in Buying & Selling
I have a high interest rate loan on a truck, I am paying the payments on time and I am thinking about getting something else with a better interest rate. But I found out that car dealerships and finance companies have participation splits when they sell a car and complete the financing. I wanted to know what that means and am I paying for it. My rate is 24.9% I know that is high but my wife and I had not choice due to a loss in job. We are ok with it but really need to make a change now. Any advice would help. We have stable income and credit scores between 540 and 587, all of our credit cards and car payments and other bills have been on time for the past 12 months. We have some old judgments that maybe total $3500.00; one is a medical bill and the other a membership we never used at a discount supply place. Thank you for your answers in advance.
participation split is when car dealers mark up the rate from the financial institution and keep the profit. it is one of the ways for them to earn money by providing financing for the customer. It has no bearing on whether you get a loan or not. Based upon what you are saying you should have no trouble qualifying for a better rate this time. Good luck.
SKYDOGSLIM | Nov 13, 2006
Participation Split - Especially when your Trading Up and still have money owed on Vehicle your Trading In. You would have to do more leg work just dealing with the Bank to make the purchase. Strictly dealing with the Dealer they will take care of all the loop holes and play the numbers game with THEIR Bank.
rwrocketrider | Nov 13, 2006
In subprime lending there usually is no dealer participation the lender sets the rate at the max the state will allow in most cases. What you are talking about is a dealer will get a percentage of two or three points of the financing caharges depending on the bank most times they will get 70%. I dont get it why shouldn't car dealerships get paid for providing a service for you every other business does and we are not out thinking they are all ripping us off. In your case I am sure somebody told you about this and they only have limited knowledge of it.
tisha m | Nov 13, 2006
Legal advice needed - car dealership being difficult accepting return of a faulty car.?
Mar 01, 2007 by Leah | Posted in Buying & Selling
My friend traded in her car for a newer (but secondhand) car at a supposedly reputable car dealership. The cars computers showed errors on the dashboard and problems with the brakes. After 3 days she took the car back. They supplied a hire car for a couple of weeks but have now demanded she return it. She now has no car as it is still at the dealership 'being repaired'. She has asked for her money back but the dealership have not coughed up. She now hasn't got the car or the money. Who can she go to to get advice and fight her battle?
Ok, some of you seem to have the wrong idea.
The Sales of Goods Act 1979 states that you purchase something it should be able to used for the purpose of which you have bought it. I would think that having faulty brakes makes this car unfit for the purpose for which it was bought. This must surely mean that they have broken the Sales of Goods Act and therefore my friend is entitled to a refund. Am I wrong? If the garage refuses her the refund, how can she get it back without taking legal proceedings?
If your friends in the UK tell her to contact Consumer Direct! (you can find them online)
She could also try to mention the sale of goods act 1979
semisatanic1 | Mar 01, 2007
They weren't required to give her a loaner. But they did out of the goodness of their heart.
The car will be fixed whenever they can. It sometimes takes months to fix it. It's not their fault.
Shaq iz Phat | Mar 01, 2007
The dealership wants to thank their lucky stars they didn't do it to me! They would not have a car left on their forecourt!!!!! Take someone with you who is large and fierce and tell those awfull people to sort it out once and for all.........If this doen't work you will have to get a solicitor to write them a letter.
doingitallforwrenches | Mar 01, 2007
Well first tell her to check the Better Business Bureau online to see if the dealer has any complaints against them. If they really are a reputable dealer they should be able to give her a time estimate in which they will have her car finished. If they refuse to give her an estimate or arent wiling to give her money back tell her to contact any attorney it sounds like she may have a case based on the Lemon Law, which is to help protect consumers from getting suckered so to speak by unscruplious car dealers. The attorney should be able to give her advice until then. I am also assuming that she had insurance on this vehicle, so ask her if her policy covered a rental vehicle while hers is in the shop if so tell her to use her policy to pay on a rental vehicle until her's is finished if the dealer is going to have hers fixed in a timely manner.
Jsess | Mar 01, 2007
Any problems with the car's computers should have been disclosed to her when it was sold. This car doesn't sound like it was in a suitable condition to be sold. Go to the link below, ClarkHoward.com. He is a consumer advice guru. scroll down to where you see cars on the list (top left of the big link list) there should be some info. there that will help; I think you can also email, or you can call the 800 number. He has a radio show and he is on the air right now EST.
Erin | Mar 01, 2007
you dont say how much you paid for the car, you could take them to the small claims court as the goods being the car were not fit for the purpose intended.
in the meantime hang on to the loan car, its not a criminal offence to do that its a civil matter as you do intend to return it. Give the garage a time limit and firmly tell them they get the car when you get yours. good luck
brilock1 | Mar 01, 2007
Try the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
The Citizens Advice (CAB)
Trading Standards
Carl B | Mar 01, 2007
Go back to the dealer and tell them they have one week to repair your car or give you a full refund plus either your old car or the trade in price. If the dealer refuses then tell him your will drag him through the courts under what is known as 'Lemon Law'
(lemon law definition – Basically, lemon laws allow customer to return a defective car if certain criteria are met. Usually it is very difficult to persuade the manufacturer to accept the lemon law return, and often the issue will end up as a lemon lawsuit. A new car may be returned to the manufacturer for a refund or a replacement if warranty defects are not able to be repaired. Most lemon laws also apply to used cars that are still under full warranty and that meet the mileage and time requirements.).
blissman | Mar 01, 2007
Not knowing what state she made the purchase all I can tell you is in California there is no cooling off period. If the car is under $40,000 she could have purchased a Cancellation Option Contract. That would give her 72 hours to return the vehicle for a nominal fee.
And also the "Lemon Law" only applies to new car purchases, not used or second hand.
LOC8R | Mar 01, 2007
The fact that ur dealer took ur car back for repair and supplied u with a hire car was a true mark of courtesy especially if u had the car for 2 weeks. Dealers are not obliged to supply a car while ur car is in for repair, hence car is called courtesy car and some garages have it writtren on the sides of the cars. Ur garage as u say supplied u with a hire car at their expense, and I think they were good enogh to loan u it for 2 weeks as usually its a max 3 days or so unless its accident repairs which take longer and car is paid by insurance company.
Now the fact that it has taken 2 weeks and still not repaired, tells me that they are having a hell of a job finding the prob or having probs with spares, if the dealer ir reputable which I think they are due to giving u a hire car for 2 weeks and now asking for it back now is not asking much as they have been more than respectful.
they havent refused to repair ur car,it sounds perfectly that the dealer is fullfilling there after sales service.
Now when ur friend was asked to return the hire car and having been told her car wasnt ready yet, I think she blew a fuse with the dealer and caused a right row between them demanding she gets her money back or else. As I said before, the garage supplied her with a hire car for 2 weeks and are still trying to fix the prob, garages like to fix cars asap and get them out of their way , not hang on to them for 2 weeks plus and supply a car at their expense.
Re asking for her money back and the dealer not refunding her the money she paid for the car, well I am no legal guy, but the garage sold car in good faith and hopefully in good mechanical order, but cars can break down even new cars driving out the showroom and Rolls Royces are not exempt from this either. After 3 days a warning light shows up probs with brakes, dealer keeps their promise to take car back for repair and didnt leave her without a car, so the dealer supplies a hire car? or one of their own courtesy cars which one is correct? if the supplied a hire car and for 2 weeks then I would say that the dealer did more than normal customer courtesy service as the dealer had to pay hire fees at their expense, and to be fair on the dealer 2 weeks is more than enough as it would have cost a few pounds for the hire and I say this dealer supplied 100% on the loan car.
2 weeks later they ask for the car back, there is nothing wrong with that because garages are not obliged to provide a vehicle while urs is in for repair, as I said before its a courtesy service and garages cannot have a loan car for every customer who have their cars repaired, usually u may see a sign up in garage that they can supply a courtesy car if car is availableand depending on how long ur car is likely to be off road but unless u hit a prob cars are repaired in max of a week if its major and all goes well.
Now u say her car is still there but she has no car to run around in, well the dealer is still keeping their promise to repair, has ur friend asked the dealer whats keeping the repair so long? I dont think she did but i think dealer told her that they have probs with her car hence the time it is taking, has she ever watche watch dog on tv and seen umpteen car owners of a certain new car make that has spent more time in garage than on road, i think she is lucky to have such a dam good dealer who has done so much so far. If the garage sold a pig in the poke then I would agree 100% with ur friend but I think she has a decent little car with a possible prob that is hard to fix, dont forget its not a window winder handle or daft jobs like that where the dealer can let the car back on road untill spare are available, but we are talking about ur friends cars brakes, and if the dealer let car go knowing its brakes were faulty and ur friend had an accident, do I have to say anymore? The dealer is doing his job correctly by not returning the car untill the brakes are in full working order and safe to use. If the car was faulty day in day out in and out of garage then yes she should get her money back and if a good dealer sold it they would refund or offer another car, but after 3 days and one fault and the level of service the dealer has supplied to ur friend, I think she has no right to any refund as she was sold a car in good and sound order by the dealer but unfortunately a prob arised after 3 days in which dealer has taken car in for repair and supplied a loan car for 2 weeks but for some reason they still have it, but as it is brakes the car legally cannot be released from dealer untill brakes are 100% working.
So ask ur friend to read all this, ask her did she lose her rag when she was asked to return loan car, ask her to be 100% honest, and I think u will find out I am right what I say. If I am right, I suggest that she approaches the dealer with a better frame of mind and apologise for losing it with them and tell them it was a one off incident where she lost it as she had no car, but if the dealer gave it back to her with faulty brakes just bacause she was creating hell then how does she think she would feel if a child ran out in front of her killing her/him all because she flipped her lid wanting her car back and brakes still faulty.
On this site we hear people running this and that garage down because we read stories like this but we must read it again and try and think what the true story is, it makes sense when u try and understand the story. There are cowboys in the trade, these tv programmes that sow rouge garages etc are few and far between but we can end up thinking all garages are the same, but they are not, the truth is there are a lot mor decent garages out there than u think, main dealers can lose their dealership if comlaints keep rolling in
I hope i havent gone on too much, but reading ur friends question I feel that the garage / dealer is dong their job.
Please let me know the outcome.
Jimmy Essex England
PS. I have just had a quick look thru ur answers and a lot of them havent a clue telling u to take the dealer to courtetc. The most sensible answer other than mine was from blissman a person who must have a brain as he said tel the dealer u will give them 7 days ?? i think he said to repair and return my car in full working order or failing that to provide a full refund, now that to me is very sensible and very fair and this would never be felt as a threat to any dealer, and 99 times out of 100 it works.
Well done for a sensible answer and respects to blissman, u know what ur talking about m8, nice one m8.
Bubbles | Mar 01, 2007
Can a car dealership do this?
Mar 14, 2008 by adam s | Posted in Buying & Selling
Ok, so about a 2 weeks ago I bought a car from a dealership and we gave them an offer at first of 5000 dollars financed for everything. This car is a 98 malibu that needed a drivers side visor and also the entire master switch for the windows and mirrors. The dealership at first said that they would supply the parts for free as long as I installed them. Then the next day they called and said that they would supply all of the parts at their cost but I had to pay 160 extra dollars total for them. The invoice states "Dealership will supply master switch for driver's side door as well as visor." They replaced the window portion of the master switch and visor but not the mirror switch. They had stated that all parts needed for the master switch and visor would be replaced.When the master switch came it was only for the windows. Now just today they told me that they wouldnt spend another dime on the car but that I could buy the mirror switch at their cost which is $45 . What should I do?
The thing is that the invoice doesn't exactly state that the mirror switch is in the master switch but, it does say that the master switch for the driver's side would be replaced. Is it possible to cancel the financing on a car or is that not really possible because although some of the people in my community think that this certain dealership is disfunctional and has been known to screw over some people, I couldnt get financed through anywhere else even with a cosigner. So I was kind of stuck with this place for getting a car. But I mean if it is possible cancel a financing contract then maybe thats just the way I should go about it because it's been kind of one thing after another, with them changing the deals and all of the part problems even though it only has 60000 miles on it for a 98.
It depends, if you have it in writing that they were going to supply you with the parts (specificly which ones) then you have the right to them. Unfortunately though without a paper trail there is not much you are going to be able to do. Always get everything on paper.
Josh | Mar 14, 2008
Can a car dealership take the car back after signing the agreement, If I don't supply them with a phone bill?
Aug 17, 2007 by greenmyrna | Posted in Buying & Selling
Without knowing the circumstances of your situation, all I can say is YES. If you have not fulfilled some part of the deal, then it is no deal, no matter what was signed. It sounds like the financing did not come through yet...they need phone bill as verification of your residence..I can only guess.
But yes, if loan does not go through, then the deal is off, and if financing is dependent on you providing a phone bill, then the deal will stay off. Unless you can come up with the money somewhere else - or the phone bill..
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