dck@houxj.UUCP (D.KWONG) (11/20/85)
I had put down $500 deposit 3 months ago for a basic Toyota Corolla model. They told me yesterday that all Corolla's will now only come with power steering (and that I would have to pay for this option). Does anyone know if this is indeed Toyota's new policy, or are they lying? Should I take them to small claims court to get my deposit back? What are my chances in such a court? Anyone know what the max claim limit is for NJ? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
haral@ttidcb.UUCP (Haral Tsitsivas) (11/24/85)
In article <555@houxj.UUCP> dck@houxj.UUCP (D.KWONG) writes: >I had put down $500 deposit 3 months ago for a basic Toyota Corolla model. >They told me yesterday that all Corolla's will now only come with >power steering (and that I would have to pay for this option). ... >Should I take them to small claims court to get my deposit back? >What are my chances in such a court? Your chances are good if you can provide reasonable proof that the basic model you put your deposit against did not have the power steering option. Under this circumstanses the contract is void and a refund is due to you. However, this depends on what you have signed. If the transaction is an offer, 3 months is the maximum reasonable time allowed for acceptance of the offer in which case you should get your money back anyway. If the transaction is a contract then read the fine print for grounds of breach of contract (i.e. substantial change in the terms of the contract). --Haral Tsitsivas ...!{randvax, philabs, vortex, trwrb}!ttidca!haral
stubbs@ncr-sd.UUCP (Jan Stubbs) (11/25/85)
In article <555@houxj.UUCP> dck@houxj.UUCP (D.KWONG) writes: >I had put down $500 deposit 3 months ago for a basic Toyota Corolla model. >They told me yesterday that all Corolla's will now only come with >power steering (and that I would have to pay for this option). >Should I take them to small claims court to get my deposit back? Since you agreed to buy a basic model, and they can't deliver, they have breached the agreement. My guess is that they will willingly give your deposit back, but if not you are sure to win in small claims. Jan Stubbs sdcsvax!ncr-sd!stubbs
dck@houxj.UUCP (D.KWONG) (11/28/85)
First, I want to thank the many people who answered my initial question on how to deal with car dealers. Here's a quick summary: 1) They tend to be willing to return your refund. 2) If not, write the dealer a letter asking for the refund back. And send the letter certified with a return receipt. 3) If still no action, threaten the dealer with calling the BBB and the county's Attourney General's office. 4) Finally, involve a lawyer and/or bring them to small claims court. The max for small claims court seems to depend on the county. In my case, the Toyota dealer says the most basic Corolla model he can get is (when what I ordered doesn't have the options): $7870 '86 Corolla (5-spd) incl tax + charges $ 530 options (P/S, AM/FM, cloth interior) incl tax ----- $8400 total In this case, the Toyota salesman said he is willing to return my refund if I don't want the car with the extra $$ options. What do you think? Is $8400 a reasonable price for such a Corolla? Please send opinions to ..!houxj!dck.