Dealer totalled my car.

[tpizer]

What is the name of your state? Maryland

I turned my 2003 vehicle in to the dealership for some minor service. They called me back a day later and informed me that my car had been totalled in an accident. They said that the mechanic had taken it on a test drive with another mechanic and when they made a u-turn they were hit by an oncoming vehicle that had "run a red light".

I've contacted the police department and have had them print a copy of the police report (that I will pick up today) that states that the driver of my car was issued a citation in the accident. So quite obviously the dealer lied about who was at fault.

Their insurance company has offered me the top-end on the vehicle bluebook and the dealership has promised to "make it right" (I currently have no idea what that means)... but the insurance company is pressing me to sign over the vehicle so that they can process the money to my lender.

What should I do? Should I talk to a lawyer?

The payout leaves me with approximately 4K after the loan is paid off. But I walked in with a perfectly good vehicle and am now left facing, what?, a NEW car payment and more interest? My car would have been paid off in two years... the exact time that my son was supposed to start college. Now I'm going to float both payments. The dealer has really screwed me in what appears to be a lunch-time trip in my car.

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by tpizer

What is the name of your state? Maryland

I turned my 2003 vehicle in to the dealership for some minor service. They called me back a day later and informed me that my car had been totalled in an accident. They said that the mechanic had taken it on a test drive with another mechanic and when they made a u-turn they were hit by an oncoming vehicle that had "run a red light".

I've contacted the police department and have had them print a copy of the police report (that I will pick up today) that states that the driver of my car was issued a citation in the accident. So quite obviously the dealer lied about who was at fault.

Their insurance company has offered me the top-end on the vehicle bluebook and the dealership has promised to "make it right" (I currently have no idea what that means)... but the insurance company is pressing me to sign over the vehicle so that they can process the money to my lender.

What should I do? Should I talk to a lawyer?

The payout leaves me with approximately 4K after the loan is paid off. But I walked in with a perfectly good vehicle and am now left facing, what?, a NEW car payment and more interest? My car would have been paid off in two years... the exact time that my son was supposed to start college. Now I'm going to float both payments. The dealer has really screwed me in what appears to be a lunch-time trip in my car.

Q: What should I do? Should I talk to a lawyer?

A: Obviously, you need a lawyer. But if you do NOT get a lawyer, then do NOT sign anything until you see something in writing that is clear (to you) and 100% understood (by you) and totally satisfies you.

[teflon_jones]

Originally Posted by tpizer

Their insurance company has offered me the top-end on the vehicle bluebook and the dealership has promised to "make it right" (I currently have no idea what that means)... but the insurance company is pressing me to sign over the vehicle so that they can process the money to my lender.

If their insurance company is making you a good offer, then you should take it. Your settlement with the insurance company and your deal with the dealership are separate issues. You're going to have to continue making payments on your car loan until the loan is paid off, so every month you wait is another payment down the drain.

I wouldn't expect too much from the dealership, but maybe they'll give you a great deal on a new car.

[smorr]

Jones is too smooth, that's why his first name is 'teflon'. Forget about the insurance comany's pressure for right now. Consult an attorney as soon as possible and tell no one until you are sure you can make an informed decision on what to do next. Probably no need to hire an attorney - you just need the right info to make a good decision on how to handle the dealer. Once you have that, then contact the insurance company. Then go after the dealer and make them give you the right answer on your question as to what "make it right" really means.

[fairisfair]

Originally Posted by teflon_jones

If their insurance company is making you a good offer, then you should take it. Your settlement with the insurance company and your deal with the dealership are separate issues. You're going to have to continue making payments on your car loan until the loan is paid off, so every month you wait is another payment down the drain.

I wouldn't expect too much from the dealership, but maybe they'll give you a great deal on a new car.

that is some REALLY BAD advice.