A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I just purchased an 04 Z touring model. Just wondering if any body had any good input about the car that I should know. I have noticed a lot of talk in the forum about shady service departments at dealers. Looks like I'm already having a run in with the service department that I bought mine from. The car I got was a demo with 2800 miles on it so I got a good discount when I bought it. The car originally had the Nizmo rims on it but I told the dealer I didn't want to pay the money they wanted for them and to put the stock rims back on. So I go back to the dealer to get the stock rims put back on. They put them back on alright but they were scratched and gouged all to hell and back. Good thing I looked at them before I left the lot. Anyway, what I'm thinking happened was since it was a demo car somebody curve checked the **** out of them enough times so the dealer had to put better wheels on the car. When I told them that I didn't want the Nizmos they probably were hoping they could put the shitty ones back on and I wouldn 't notice. Now there saying that they have a guy who might be able to fix them but with the extent of the damage, I doubt it. Unless those rims look brand new when he gets done I'm going to request new ones. Anybody have any ideas on this?
A:
Dont request new rims, demand new rims. Also say you are going to report them to the Better Bussiness Bureau and retain a lawyer. Also use any consumer groups in your area.
04.- P.WHITE-TOURING-AT.
1953 MGTD
BROWN FENDERS/CREAM BODY.
W/BROOKLAND RACING SCREENS.
Dixieland
A:
Thanks for the input. Trust me I've already planned all that in case they try to pull a fast one on me.
A:
I consider myself quite a reasonable and understanding customer, but I must say that I've been to four different Nissan service departments and although they are consistantly nice people, they are quite shady. They are SO reluctant to fix the most minor problem that it's kind of pathetic. I never had that problem when I owned my other car, a Pontiac Firebird. GM was always good to me.
Although I love the 350z, this will sadly be my first and last Nissan car. The car is practially a lemon for me and many others and Nissan is very reluctant to admit and fix problems.
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guns and guitars, bikinis and fast cars - slide behind the wheel and GO!!
A:
if the wheels are that bad i'd really be concerned about the rest of the car. you may not have gotten such a good deal. get that car to a good alignment shop, preferably one attached to a body shop and have it checked for damage, i'd be really leery of that car.
A:
Well, what exactly did the dealer and you agree upon concerning these wheels. There should be something in writing.
I'm not trying to be a jerk, but from what you have told us it sounds like the dealer might have fulfilled their obligation on this deal.
What they did does not sound like good customer service, but legally speaking they may have done nothing wrong. Unfortunately you have to think like a lawyer when you make stipulations on a car purchase.
"Smokey, this is not Nam, this is bowling. There are rules."
-Walter Sobchak
A:
Replying to chezam's message I know what you're saying. That thought has crossed my mind. I'll look into taking it to a good shop and have it looked at. If it has any other problems then I'll have to look at my next step. Hopefully, it won't though.
A:
JtotheH,
The dealer and I had an agreement. I told him that I didn't want the rims because that would put my payment over my budget. I told him that the stock rims for the car would do fine and the dealer said that would be fine. The dealer still has the duty to sell a customer a car free of defects. The scratched wheels are part of the car therefor they have to fix them. It would be the same as if there were a defect in the paint or body of the car or if I drove it off the lot and engine blew. They didn't sell me a used car thats AS IS NO Warranty. They sold the car as new because it has never been titled. I'm pretty sure a lawyer wouldn't have a problem in finding a tort against the dealer.
A:
Tell them since the wheels are horrible and they would have to pay to get them fixed or replaced you will 'settle' for the Nismo wheels.
Seems like they will say ok just to be done with the whole deal.
2003 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast Coupe (Fast)
2003 Mercury Marauder (Faster)
1996 Ford Ranger (Don't ask!)
A:
Is this a defect? Indeed the car is still warranted against manufacturing defects, but what you are talking about is wear/abuse.
I didn't know they could sell demoed cars with 2800 miles as new cars, I always see them on the used lot. Is that the definition of a "new car" - one that has never been titled? Which state do you live in?
Have you tried talking with the salesperson or sales manager? The service department is probably just doing what they were told according to the sales staff. It could be difficult to deal with them on this one and not really fair to say that they are the ones being shady.
"Smokey, this is not Nam, this is bowling. There are rules."
-Walter Sobchak
Post Edited (Jun 29, 4:09pm)
A:
Your right it is wear and abuse but it is wear and abuse that occured at the dealer.Since it occured at the dealership they are the ones responsible for fixing it before they can sell it. Also I told them to put stock rims back on it, not stock rims that were already damaged. The car has 2800 miles on it true but I've seen demoed cars on lots still being sold as new before. Just because the car has a few miles on it doesn't mean it is a bad car. I have test driven new cars that have a thousand miles on them that weren't demos. The mileage does give you a reason to have the car looked at but 2800 miles on any car really isn't that big of a deal except when it comes to price. I've seen other used Z's, with more miles ont them, listed for more than what I paid for this one. The state I live in is South Carolina, and as far as the titling issue I'm sure there is some kind of legal limit in regards when a vehicle can be sold as new or not. Going by book value I can still sell this car for more than what I paid for it. If I have any more problems with these rims or the car itself I do plan on talking to the sales manager.
A:
Where in SC? What dealer?
Mark
'71 240Z White 904
VIN HLS3022975
'78 280Z Wine Red Metallic 611
VIN HLS30468702
IZCC #13834 CZC #5664
'03 350Z PPW Track
VIN JN1AZ######109339
Koni SA Sport shocks
350EVO sways
A:
Charleston, SC
Morris Nissan
A:
tron,
in my experience when you requested the stock wheels put back on they basically should have rolled out an unused wheel with basically new tires. when these dealers swap out rims from the get go it is usually upon receiving car from shipment. your wheels and tires should be in basically new condition if they are telling you the truth about the wheels. i personally would not have taken the car upon delivery. no if ands or butts.
2003 cs enthusiast
nismo cai, s-tune suspension & cat back
A:
Demand new rims. Accept nothing less.
I bought my 2002 Isuzu Axiom as a demo and the thing was flawless.
I just took my 05 to the dealer after having it less than week because I found a scratch in the hood. The service guy looked at it when I was bitching to the sales manager and he found a whole bunch of marks in the hood. They all showed up cuz the car was in the sun. After making my appointment to have it removed and have the paint protection thing appiled, I decided to check the whole car. I found 11 spots other than the hood that need to be buffed/wheeled out (scratches, scuff marks, etc.). The services called to let me know they need to repaint the hood cuz the cannot get out all the marks. he did say they got all the other stuff out. When I pick the car up tomorrow I will check the car against my list. I hope they did it right. They don't want to see me upset or my wife cuz it's her car. A bitchy guy is one thing, a bitchy woman....watch out!!!!
2005 350Z Touring Roadster - Super Black - 6speed
Borla Exhaust and K&N drop-in.
Other toys include:
2006 Subaru WRX Wagon
2002 Isuzu Axiom SUV
2002 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic
2002 H-D custom Fat Boy
2001 Kawasaki Drifter 1500