QuestionThree months ago I drove my 4 year old Kia Sorento truck into a dealership to buy a small part. In speaking with a salesmen he mentioned they had a special sale on the new 2008 models. I mentioned I was quite happy with my truck and the only issue I had was that it was rear wheel drive. I live in Chicago, so rear wheel drive is a pain in snow and sleet weather. He assured me they carried four wheel drive models and we started the process.
I was approved for financing and I traded in my truck for a 2008 Sorento. I had increased my monthly car note by $128 a month, but I had the stability of four wheel drive. Or so I thought. We were hit with some bad storms and I got stuck several times, and I soon discovered my brand new truck was rear wheel drive as well.
I took it back to the dealership this past Friday, and had the repair shop confirm the rear wheel drive. I spoke to the salesmen that sold me the vehicle several months prior. He stated that he ‘really thought it was a 4x4’.
A week after I had bought this vehicle, I had purchased a second vehicle from them as well. So I have proven that I can be a loyal customer. I have made a few calls since and I am told that they’ll look into it. But the consensus seems to be that I can come in and trade it in, but I’ll probably end up paying more for the replacement. Since my vehicle has depreciated, they tell me I’d either have to trade down to an older car, or increase my debt and car note to get what I want: a 2008 Kia Sorento 4x4.
I checked and the Blue Book value on my new truck has dropped over $10,000. I am not sure what my next step would be, or what my rights are.
I never would’ve bought the truck had it not been a 4x4. That was the only issue I’d had with my original truck, other than that, I would’ve stayed with it. It was in excellent condition, while 4 years old, and I had a low car note. Not to mention half the debt I have now owed to the bank with financing. Now I am stuck with a higher car note, double the debt and still driving a rear wheel drive truck in Chicago weather.
I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Do I have a shot at being heard? Am I in the right? Or am I on a wild goose chase? I am not trying to scam, or get more than I paid for. I want the vehicle that I was told I was getting. I admit I didn't know that 4x4 is something you need to 'activate' with a button inside the car so I didn't figure it out until we got snow.
thank you for your help!
Answerhi lea,
sorry to hear about all this happening. i am not an attorney, what i would suggest is go to an attorney and they may be able to intervene on your behalf. You may have a problem though as you did sign the contracts, and i would bet it said in it it is a 2 wheel drive. Another thing you may try, go to yout local news station or newspaper as they may have an action line for consumers concept, tey have it here in florida and is very effective. The dealership may cave in and work with you for good customer service...Please let me know how everything works out, and if you have any other questions. Good luck!!
STEVE
