Hey all,
Had a bit of an experience today with a dealership in
Darwin. Thought id share my story with you for those in a similar situation of looking for a second hand 4x4.
After doing a heap of research and looking around finally found a 4x4 that really interested me, a nice 05 Rodeo. This thing looked just about brand new and even had a brand new tray on it, it was a real ripper of a ute. So after speaking to the dealer, and from previous experience asked that the contract would be pending on finances and an independent inspection - the dealer tells me how he had a mechanic that checked it over and how brilliant he was and how there was nothing wrong the vehicle…hmmm yes but I’ll have that check done please.
Well was certain everything would be fine and dandy, until I picked it up from my own independent mechanic and was I given a list. For an 05 model rodeo it was fairly big list. Now of course this is to be expected of any vehicle, it had a few nigglies and a bent steering rod. This I would have easily accepted however something else was noticed, a waterline in the car, moister in the headlights,spotties and winch not working, etc. Turns out the car has likely been swamped in salt
water, under the
seat and under the vinyl floor, remnants of that salty
water can be seen. Underneath the cars been cleaned and sprayed to hide the signs of the early stages of rust.
Soon after retuned the vehicle to the dealership and told them in a bit of an upset voice I wasn’t interested due to the salt
water swamping. I was told that I should have expected this ‘condition’ due to the fact it was a 4x4, they weren’t even interested in looking at the condition of this thing themselves, as if they already knew. To be honest though we were a little angry at them as they are a very reputable dealership in
Darwin and I would never expect to find a vehicle of that nature their and in that condition. Not only did they try to hide it but they also ignored us and even ridiculed us.
Im not whining about my situation as im happy I didn’t end up with it but I thought I should let everyone know that you should always have a vehicle independently inspected. Now don’t ask me the name of the dealership as I wont say, they may have other vehicles that are fine, and to name and disgrace the dealership is not my point.
So remember for those of you thinking of getting a vehicle dealership/private always try and get a independent inspection! And for me the hunt for that perfect 4X4 ute continues!
Cheers all,
Tommo