California
My wife and I purchased a car about 9 months ago from a California dealership. We were shopping around for AWD vehicles. We finally settled on a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. It was used but we bought if from a Chevrolet dealership. We thought it was an AWD because of the AWD label on the rear of the vehicle. We knew of no other way to know. As we were leaving I asked the salesperson if I had to do anything to activate the AWD and he said no, it's on all the time automatically.
As I was doing my first oil change the other night, I realized that this vehicle is not an all wheel drive. There is no drive shaft going to the rear of the vehicle, and no drive components going to the rear wheels. I believe somebody (before we bought the car) switched/added the AWD label to the rear of the vehicle.
We looked over the paperwork from the purchase, and unfortunately did not find anything that says "AWD" on it. However, it also does not say "FWD" anywhere which is the only other option for this vehicle, and is what mine actually is.
I have not yet contacted the dealer. I am very afraid they will try to assume no responsibility or blame me for changing the label, and that this will be very complicated just like purchasing the car was.
We were happy with the vehicle until we realized this new information. We have been illegally driving past CalTrans checkpoints unknowingly in the winter time, and luckily this has not caused us to get stuck or get in an accident.
So we still want an AWD. Best option for us is that the dealership replace our vehicle with one of the same or better condition (approved by us), with no expense to us.
If they want to settle in cash, I would have to do some blue book comparisons, ask for that difference, as well as taxes and fees for a new car.
Do I have any chance at getting either of these options? I am very worried the dealership will try to deny any responsibility or even put the blame on me. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank You!
My wife and I purchased a car about 9 months ago from a California dealership. We were shopping around for AWD vehicles. We finally settled on a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. It was used but we bought if from a Chevrolet dealership. We thought it was an AWD because of the AWD label on the rear of the vehicle. We knew of no other way to know. As we were leaving I asked the salesperson if I had to do anything to activate the AWD and he said no, it's on all the time automatically.
As I was doing my first oil change the other night, I realized that this vehicle is not an all wheel drive. There is no drive shaft going to the rear of the vehicle, and no drive components going to the rear wheels. I believe somebody (before we bought the car) switched/added the AWD label to the rear of the vehicle.
We looked over the paperwork from the purchase, and unfortunately did not find anything that says "AWD" on it. However, it also does not say "FWD" anywhere which is the only other option for this vehicle, and is what mine actually is.
I have not yet contacted the dealer. I am very afraid they will try to assume no responsibility or blame me for changing the label, and that this will be very complicated just like purchasing the car was.
We were happy with the vehicle until we realized this new information. We have been illegally driving past CalTrans checkpoints unknowingly in the winter time, and luckily this has not caused us to get stuck or get in an accident.
So we still want an AWD. Best option for us is that the dealership replace our vehicle with one of the same or better condition (approved by us), with no expense to us.
If they want to settle in cash, I would have to do some blue book comparisons, ask for that difference, as well as taxes and fees for a new car.
Do I have any chance at getting either of these options? I am very worried the dealership will try to deny any responsibility or even put the blame on me. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank You!