Overhaulin'

not in limited warranty?

I recently financed a 2004 Nissan Murano. I made sure to test mostly every feature on the car and took it for an extensive test drive before taking possession of the car. On the way home from the lot, I stopped to plug in my GPS. That is when I noticed that the AC ports in the car were not working. I called the dealership then and there, at which point the salesman said to bring it back and they'd take care of it. I drive right back, however their service dept is closed for the day. I showed up the next day and the head repair guy states that he'll take a look at it. It turns out they have to order parts to fix the problem, and I'd have to come back AGAIN. No problem. A few days later, they tell me the parts are here and to come in. I showed up this morning for my appointment. At this time the head repair guy states that the president of the used cars division nixed the free repair and that I would now be responsible for covering the costs in the amount of $400. He states that the repair I wanted was not covered in the limited warranty, which covers engine, transmission, and drive work. I state the car was NOT sold "As Is" to me and any issues were not disclosed verbally or in writing at the time of sale. At this point I've had the car for two weeks and I've sold my old car, so right now it looks like I'm at the point of no return. My point of view is that the AC adapter ports should have been disclosed as broken or not working at the time I signed the contract. Therefore, since it wasn't they should fix since car was not sold "As Is". Who's right? I understand it's not part of their limited warranty fine print. However, since it's not sold "as is" either, the problem should have been disclosed at time of sale. I read all my paperwork and not once is anything mentioned about the ports being broken. Verbally stated and implied as well, they say the repairs won't cost me and they'll fix it. Of all the things I looked at and tested before I took possession of the car, I didn't think to check the ports because it's such a minor thing, but it's a major feature I need in a car to charge phones and such. I feel it's really wrong that the broken ports were not disclosed at time of sale. I'm also well aware that verbal agreements are not at all binding. Do I have any recourse here? Are they required to fix the items in question or am I basically screwed and forced to live and learn?

Public Comments

1. Your probably are stuck for at least part of the repair. Perhaps you can negotiate a price reduction either on parts or labor. The limited warranty only covers what's limited. It's not bumper to bumper. If you really need the 120 volt adapter are you aware you can buy an AC inverter to plug into the accessory socket? Depending on the wattage of what you need to charge you can buy them for between $25 and $150. Not the ideal solution but at least you will be able to charge your appliances for less than $400.
2. According to most places you have 3 days to say ya don't want the car and turn it back in for full refund.. If they had been truthful up front then you could of told them to park the car when the good lord split you. If they did try to "extend" the issue out of that time, then you might have a claim on them for deceptive practices Call the local tv station consumer affairs line, and see if they can't help you out.