Possible undisclosed damage history

[N303CB]

Just bought VIN 401302 and due to clam shell closing problems, took car to dealer for warranty repair. Rear facia has been repainted and possibly clam shell hood. The clam shell has definitely been removed. I sent lots of pictures to Saleen and they have been great. They have concluded that the facia has been repainted and the clam shell hood has been removed and possibly repainted. It is a red 2006 with stripes sold originally by Flannery Motors in Waterford, Michigan. I have not been able to find out who the original buyer was. I bought the car from Marshall Goldman in Cleveland as a "perfect" car. It appears that the car had damage in the rear. If anyone has information on the car, such as who the original owner was or what damage was done to the car, please let me know. Carfax was clean, but after reading about all the body shops that will reapir the car without a report, I am afarid that is what happened to this car.

Help.

 

[BlackICE]

Sorry to hear about the deception, by someone. Buyer beware!

 

[Sinovac]

You might be able to run the VIN through DMV in the state where the car was originally sold to determine the original owner. I doubt the selling dealer would provide you with this information. Sorry to hear about your problem and good luck.

 

[BlackICE]

If the car was bought out of state it won't show up in the DMV records of dealer's state. Carfax should have a list of where and when it was titled, that would be a good place to start. Good luck getting any consideration on the lack of disclosure.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

Previous owners

One "used" to be able to get via your DMW, and /or your insurance company, copies of ALL previous titles for a particular car. Sometimes there is a code on a license or title indicating there were previous "titled" owners.

In the case of your car, the assumption is that there were previous owners and they titled the car. However I feel that many GT;s were traded/sold with the M.S.O. included with the car. Thus they became permanently "new" for a while at least.

Titles are only issued, the first time at least, upon presentation and surrender of the M.S.O.

Have you asked the fellow you bought the car from if he has a copy of the title from who he purchased the GT. A little detective work on your part, should give you a complete trail of your GT's history.

Also keep in mind the many, many cars were "touched up" at Wixom after not passing the final quality control inspection before being shipped. There are photo posts on this Forum taking during last years Rally (1) in Dearborn. Look for the photo's of lots of completed cars in it. The ones with the baggies over them were cleared for shipment. The ones without baggies were due to get some sort of corrective action. After repairs were made, they re-inspected them and if found to be o.k. they were then shipped.

Enjoy your GT. Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Waxer]

Start at the original dealer. They should have a record of who they sold it to. They weren't sold all that long ago and the sale should "stick out" as to who the salesperson was and the buyer was. I don't believe a dealer can't tell you who the buyer was. These aren't Escorts. Dealers usually only got one or two at best. I would also put the burden on the dealer you bought it from to provide you with all the info on the car since you bought the car as a "perfect" car clearly conveying no prior damage history. If they are wrong it was a misrepresentation either intentional or negligent since they should have been aware of the history before making such a represntation. Unless they can provide the information you need to determine the extent of damage there should be a return of the vehicle or further concession on price. Read you purchase order carefully.

Once you get the info needed contact the prior owner and obtain his insurance information and from there you can get claims info. Even if an accident wasn't the owners fault most people usually report the accident to their agent or carrier.

 

[N303CB]

Owner Search

This is great info. I will try with DMV in Michigan. Marshall Goldman, which is a high end car dealer in Cleveland, claims they cannot get any prior ownership history because of non disclosure laws that prevent them from getting it. Carfax had the first owner in Clinton Township, Michigan. It did not provide his name. I will try DMV tomorrow.

If anyone happens to know the first owner in Clinton, please let me know.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Neilda]

You've checked the registery here I guess?

If a car is sold as 'perfect' it should be..... :frown

 

[SuperB]

Lot's of things don't show up on carfax, but at least it's something.

Removal of the clam does not seem like a big deal to me. There are many minor repairs that could require clam removal, and it's pretty easy.

 

[jamie]

It could be as simple as a broom stick falling on the car in the garage and scratching it, requiring painting. If the repair is good I wouldn't worry about it
because you can't change it, and worrying about it is just going to make you unhappy and unable to enjoy an awesome car.

 

[Howard]

I'm pretty sure my "perfect" GT, bought in May, had some passenger-side rocker panel work done. No big deal, but I would have more confidence in the dealer if it had been disclosed beforehand. As always, there is no substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic; or, like me, you are depending on your own skills, the dealer's word and luck.
Howard

 

[scode]

It is not Flannery Ford any more. It became Suburban Ford of Waterford back about 5 or 6 years ago.

 

[AJB]

Cobra Jeff---any data on this one?

Jeff may have the info in his database..
AJB

 

[N303CB]

Information

If Jeff has the original owner in his data base, I would love to have it.

 

[cobrajeff]

I checked my database, and do not have any previous owner information on this car - sorry.

Jeff