Car Yard from Hell, How Do I Recover My Money?

screensaver on 04/03/2022 - 22:21
Last edited 04/03/2022 - 23:41 by 1 other user

I looked online for a cheap car, it was $1999, called up and asked if it was registered. He said no, its $550 for 3 months, you will need to send it over and a deposit. Then he offered me $300 for my car, as a wrecker trade in. So I said before I send any money, what is the total price I am up for he said $2200. The ad did mention in small print, a $550 admin fee, but as I had never seen this before I thought it must be the registration fee.. So I wanted to be sure of the total, that's why I asked the total.

I send over $1550. I get there, take it for a test drive, then he asks me for the rest of the money. He has no EFTPOS, so I drove it to two ATMs, and they won't accept my card. I Thought I only owed $650, he then tells me I owe him $1200. So I got really upset and think about cancelling the deal. The car is not worth $3000. I end up agreeing to pay, so I sign all the paperwork. We then agree he will follow me home, to get the rest of the money.

I get nearly home, and the car breaks down. It just conked out, and then wouldn't start. So he gives me a lift home tells me he will fix the car. I said no, sell it to another sucker, I don't want a dud lemon.. Who wants a car that breaks down on the way home? And he drives away. He has $1550 of mine in the bank. I believe he has transferred the rego to my name already.

What can I do?

Automotive

Comments

  • notdealbot on 04/03/2022 - 22:32
    +73

    Hello Pam!

    notdealbot on 04/03/2022 - 22:32 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • Kangal on 06/03/2022 - 04:17
      +20

      …why is this flagged as "off topic", this comment is 100% on point

    • htc on 06/03/2022 - 09:23
      +1

      I worked out in context what Pam refer to. Care to share a link the background story how Pam was used in similar situation?

  • orangetrain on 04/03/2022 - 22:32
    +1

    Did you get it from a dealer or private seller?

    Do you have all of the offer details in writing/recorded? Or is any of it was only what you heard?

    • screensaver on 04/03/2022 - 22:51

      its a dealer car yard

      • Kangal on 06/03/2022 - 04:24
        +2

        What car is it?

        eg/ 2010 Hyundai i30

          • Kangal on 06/03/2022 - 22:25
            +10

            @JelIyfish: It was more of a friendly example for screensaver, and based on some impressions it seemed necessary. I didn't want this to be a repeat of another thread.

            Unfortunately, she has opted to conceal that information, not share it, and just leave this thread as a source of amusement for herself. There is nothing of substance here, and as others have noted, it might be better to ignore, block, or ban her from the platform.

            I would be (surprised and) happy for her to prove me wrong: by engaging with details and relevant discord.

            edit: okay it has been 1 minute since I posted this comment, the notification has popped up and she has read it. But instead of replying she just downvoted it. Well, I tried you guys… what can I say?

            edit 2: okay, she now downvoted your comment too ScJ as well. Sigh

            edit 3: lol, now she has reported my comment. Let's see where this goes.

            • screensaver on 06/03/2022 - 22:36
              -4

              @Kangal: I downvoted or reported nothing Mr Wrong

              • Kangal on 06/03/2022 - 22:40
                +5

                @screensaver: Mr Wrong is my father's name, please call me Irony

              • ozbjunkie on 02/04/2022 - 14:15
                +2

                @screensaver: Pam are you married? And would your husband be interested in an AMA?

        • Blitz001 on 08/03/2022 - 12:23

          Why does it matter?

      • orangetrain on 07/03/2022 - 23:26

        And the offer details?

  • websterp on 04/03/2022 - 22:44
    +24

    My Friday night all of sudden got a whole lot exciting. Thanks for another classic only Pam can deliver!

    websterp on 04/03/2022 - 22:44 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • DoctorCalculon on 04/03/2022 - 22:56
      +2

      It's poppamcorn 🍿 time, folks! :)

    • Caped Baldy on 18/03/2022 - 13:47

      I'm two weeks late but my Friday is good now.

  • SF3 on 04/03/2022 - 22:46
    +12

    I thought it must be the registration fee

    It's always best to ask than assume.

    Why would you not check what you were in for before going ahead?… oh wait, its Pam…

    • screensaver on 04/03/2022 - 22:49
      -1

      I agreed to pay this admin fee, the problem is it broke down after I signed the paperwork, before I gave him the rest of the money. we were on the way to get it

      • Cherry12 on 07/03/2022 - 12:52

        Last time I bought from a dealer you do have a cooling off period, it was either 3 or 7 days after signing but I think they would keep like a cancellation fee.

        Check your contract.

        • Cyphar on 08/03/2022 - 08:36
          +1

          People often stupidly waive their right to the cooling off period so they can drive it away on the day.

          • Domingo on 09/03/2022 - 09:21

            @Cyphar: What would the alternative be? Keep the cooling off period but don't take the vehicle?

            In that case it may not have broken down until after OP collected it, or alternatively perhaps it would have broken down and the yard would have done the bare minimum to get it running again given the value of it.

            I'm genuinely interested as to how a cooling off period protects against this situation, have I missed something?

  • garetz on 04/03/2022 - 22:53
    +35

    All you can do is remedy stupidity, maybe read some books and get smarter. Think long and hard before you make decisions.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 04/03/2022 - 23:07
        +33

        with the price you pay and not going to inspect the car, this is foreseeable.

        The dealer must have been surprised the car cant last the trip to your home, or you live too far.

        • funnysht on 05/03/2022 - 09:57
          +4

          to be fair when you buy from a dealer- there is statutory warranty etc

          • SnoozeAndLose on 05/03/2022 - 19:31

            @funnysht: Yes there is but will the dealer honor it or you need to take them to court to get their honor, it is on top of the pain.

            When the dealer is doggy as, I would just give up

          • Yawhae on 06/03/2022 - 08:18
            +7

            @funnysht: I thought the statutory warrant only applies to cars less than 10 years old?

            • CBrads4 on 06/03/2022 - 09:22
              +1

              @Yawhae: Correct. You still have rights under ACL, but there is no statutory warranty on a car 10 years or older.

              • Poor Ass on 06/03/2022 - 10:47
                +1

                @CBrads4: In Qld there is a a statutory warranty for cars over 10 years called class B statutory warranty. You get 1 month or 1000km which either comes first. Not sure about NSW… I'm guessing not

            • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2022 - 17:03

              @Yawhae: Yes and if the car has over 250k KM at least in NSW there is no further statutory warranty.

      • pharkurnell on 05/03/2022 - 11:22
        -3

        it was <2000… you wouldnt expect much more

        • SF3 on 05/03/2022 - 21:17
          +1

          it was <2000… you wouldnt expect much more

          Unless they are this OP…

    • Gervais fanboy on 04/03/2022 - 23:21
      +74

      What is wrong with you mate..
      She’s made some really amateurish mistakes but you don’t have to be so rude about it.
      People come in different shapes and sizes.
      This website is full of people punching down on others. I see it all the time.

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 05/03/2022 - 08:55
        +18

        May I suggest you peruse her post history? Pam is quite a legend in these circles. All comments are made with love.

        Strap yourself in buddy, you’re in for a wild ride

        • Gervais fanboy on 05/03/2022 - 10:02
          -5

          lol, I am quite aware of her ‘eccentric’ past.

          She’s a proper character i know but calling her stupid, still seems slightly unwarranted.
          We are what we are mate, if you can’t help someone. Don’t.
          But calling other people names helps no one but one’s own ego.

        • Baysew on 05/03/2022 - 11:02
          +12

          Past Performance Is No Guarantee of Future Results

        • May4th on 06/03/2022 - 09:07
          +1

          reading the post history gave me anxiety. what can i say, life's hard.

        • nobro25 on 08/03/2022 - 13:35
          +1

          Better a "Pam" than a "Karen". Just sayin'… Isn't that right Jim?

      • Munki on 06/03/2022 - 19:28

        For someone claiming to be Gervais' fanboy, you seem to have really contradicting values.

        • Gervais fanboy on 06/03/2022 - 21:57
          +3

          Well, I don’t remember any instances of watching Ricky Gervais being outright nasty to the unassuming.
          Jokes and banter, yeah sure. But he’s never been about being mean to people, especially the people that can’t really help it.

  • JimmyF on 04/03/2022 - 23:07
    +12

    He has 1550 of mine in the bank. I believe he has transferred the rego to my name already. What can I do?

    Sounds like you own a broken car for $1550, go pick it up and get it repaired, never to talk to the other people again!

  • timthetoolman on 04/03/2022 - 23:17
    +7

    Did the car have a spare key at least?

    • DoctorCalculon on 04/03/2022 - 23:23
      +18

      He has no eftpos, so I drove it to 2 atms, and they wont accept my card.

      In this day and age, a car dealer with no EFTPOS machine? Sweet jesus!

      Also this:

      The car is not worth 3000. I end up agreeing to pay

      Was the dealer holding a gun to your head? I think there is more to this story.

  • Gervais fanboy on 04/03/2022 - 23:27

    Don’t you have a friend/relative that has got some know-how of cars and or maybe someone that knows how to deal with the market ?

    • screensaver on 04/03/2022 - 23:32

      I had a friend with a yard, discovered he has closed down and the otherr place I know, they started at 4000, so I took a chance elsewhere.

      • Gervais fanboy on 05/03/2022 - 08:51
        +2

        Not everything is lost yet.
        The reason why I asked you what I did was because you really need someone who can step in and sort this out for you.
        I doubt the car trader would refund you your money but atleast the terms of the purchase can be renegotiated considering how the car has already broken down in its first hour of driving.
        So you should be able to get the car without having to pay the rest of the money (considering the car yard has already transferred the car’s rego in your name), allowing you to use that saved money to possibly get the car fixed by a proper mechanic to a drivable standard.

  • burningrage on 04/03/2022 - 23:46
    +1

    No LMCT?

    • bobbified on 05/03/2022 - 10:42
      +1

      Apparently they don't even have an EFTPOS machine! lol

      • DoctorCalculon on 05/03/2022 - 11:20
        +10

        And the dealer will follow you home to get the rest of his money. Creepy AF, bruh!

        • bobbified on 05/03/2022 - 11:21

          There's always something weird or something that's abnormal in Pam post!

          • DoctorCalculon on 05/03/2022 - 11:28
            +4

            @bobbified: Which sometimes makes me wonder if we are just being trolled here? :-)

            • bobbified on 05/03/2022 - 11:48

              @DoctorCalculon: I'm not so sure about being trolled. The stories sound pretty over the top, but there are really people like that out there! hahaha

            • timthetoolman on 05/03/2022 - 12:55
              +7

              @DoctorCalculon: I have never thought they were until Pam's last two comments here. It's like the topic was dying off so she throws in that she sold her car for $50 instead of $300 and she has insects from her car full of old cans. She cannot be real.
              100% effort though for trolling if so

              • HelpMeiCantSee on 08/03/2022 - 09:20

                @timthetoolman: Whatever it is, it’s fantastic. Gives me a pep in my step any time I see her pop up. Makes my otherwise train wreck of a life bearable.

                I would be lost without Pam. We love her!!

                • ozbjunkie on 02/04/2022 - 14:20
                  +1

                  @HelpMeiCantSee: It's somewhere between "damsel in distress" and "rubber necking over a train crash", I'd have to agree

        • Sammy2000 on 25/03/2022 - 17:07

          The dealer didn't trust Pam would pay up?

          • DoctorCalculon on 25/03/2022 - 18:37

            @Sammy2000: A reasonable practice would be to not release the vehicle to the customer until receiving cleared funds on the day.

            Perhaps the dealer had something else in mind?

      • burningrage on 05/03/2022 - 13:36

        Thats why I was wondering. Did OP buy from a LMCT? It seems very suss.

        Unless this is a BS post.

        And how did ppl here know OP is Pam? Lol I am missing something here.

        • bobbified on 05/03/2022 - 14:00

          Thats why I was wondering. Did OP buy from a LMCT? It seems very suss.

          It sounds like something you'd get from one of those "We buy cars" ads stuck on the power poles that have the tear-offs on the bottom with a phone number.

          And how did ppl here know OP is Pam? Lol I am missing something here.

          haha… I haven't seen it for a while, but there's something on someone's profile or something after they change their username. And this is her current username. Lots of people like to keep track of it for entertainment purposes! You get comments like this and you just know it's her. lolol.

  • pegaxs on 05/03/2022 - 00:44
    +50

    In this hot, sellers market, you went to a dealer and found a car for under $2000. That would literally be the biggest heap of shit on the planet at that price. It broke down because it’s a $2000 car, from a dealer. You know how you traded in your wreck for $300? Well, you basically just bought someone’s else’s $300 traded in wreck. That’s how these guys operate.

    Unfortunately, I think you are in for a long haul. You could try playing the ACL card and tell them you just want a refund, but they will just play hard ball. You could threaten to take them to NCAT or Fair Trading and see if that loosens up their purse strings.

    My biggest fear is that even if they do try and fix it, is that it just will not be a road worthy vehicle at that price point. Corners are going to be cut and road worthy certificates are going to be done on the dodgy. I am telling you now that when it comes next pink slip time, that car is going to fail and cost you a fortune to repair back to a RWC standard.

    Just keep being the squeaky wheel and keep pestering them for a return of your money. In that time, get onto Fair Trading and see what your options are, give them a call on Monday and see what they say…

    Most importantly of all, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. I cannot stress this enough. Note down times you called, who answered and what was said. This will help you if you do seek to take it further. Get those ducks lined up and get it noted down.

    • SBOB on 05/03/2022 - 07:11
      +2

      sellers market, you went to a dealer and found a car for under $2000

      Yep, recently sold a cheap run down car via Facebook marketplace
      Cars at these kind of price range get about 100 messages in an hour and are sold for cash within the day.

    • pharkurnell on 05/03/2022 - 11:27
      +2

      perfect… nothing more needs be said.

  • miwahni on 05/03/2022 - 00:52
    +4

    How old is the car, and how many Kms has it done? For the price I'm guessing it's over 10yo and has travelled more than 160000km. If less than that, you have a statutory warranty that can be enforced, to get the car yard to fix the car. But if it's over 10yrs and has more than 160000km on the clock then you have no recourse unfortunately. You've signed paperwork saying it's your car and you'll pay $xxx for it - you will still owe the balance of the funds. If you're extremely lucky the car yard won't chase you for it, due the car breaking down, but I wouldn't be holding my breath there. In any event it will be up to you to get it fixed.

    And what car costs $550 to register for three months? That seems a bit exorbitant?

  • hashtagbargain on 05/03/2022 - 02:10
    +5

    Another quality post from yours truly.

    hashtagbargain on 05/03/2022 - 02:10 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • Euphemistic on 05/03/2022 - 14:29
      +3

      Another quality post from yourself?

      • BartholemewH on 06/03/2022 - 17:45
        +2

        Not sure why you were down voted. 'from yours truly' means 'from me' as you alluded.

    • DoctorCalculon on 05/03/2022 - 19:58

      🤔

  • MS Paint on 05/03/2022 - 03:13
    +13

    Got woken up by the rain
    I wonder what's on ozbargain
    Oh, it's Pam again
    Continuing her world of pain
    Meanwhile, in other news, RIP Shane.

    MS Paint on 05/03/2022 - 03:13 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • screensaver on 05/03/2022 - 07:59
      +4

      I was once in Kings Cross and shane walked past me and smiled at me

      • Hithere on 05/03/2022 - 09:12
        -2

        I was once in Kings Cross and shane walked past me and smiled laughed at me.

        FIFY Pam

        • screensaver on 05/03/2022 - 09:14
          +5

          no, it was a smile, I will never forget it

  • dylo on 05/03/2022 - 04:55

    Cool story

  • Hithere on 05/03/2022 - 07:51
    +5

    What did the NRMA say about the car when they did a pre-purchase inspection Pam?

    • pegaxs on 05/03/2022 - 09:32
      +8

      That the pre-purchase inspect was going to cost more than the car was worth…

  • randomusername2017 on 05/03/2022 - 08:07
    +2

    Thought thiswas too innocuous…
    Knew there had to be a punchline somewhere.

    Given this was an online purchase, could you possibly link the dealer in question to provide some more context to your story?

    • screensaver on 05/03/2022 - 08:18

      I will be leaving reviews if my money is not refunded promptly

      • randomusername2017 on 05/03/2022 - 08:21
        +6

        Will wait for your review post…

      • Velocita on 07/03/2022 - 07:05

        Oh my, how very scary. I hope you put on a very cross look when you’re writing it and include capital letters.

  • Ughhh on 05/03/2022 - 08:28

    Sometimes, you get what you paid for.
    Self awareness and being proactive can help a lot. Recognise if you're dealing with something unfamiliar, seek help or do research prior to any commitment (signing, depositing money), not after.

    • SF3 on 06/03/2022 - 11:06
      +2

      Self awareness

      If only… a lot of these dramas could have been avoided.

      🤦‍♂️

  • popsiee on 05/03/2022 - 09:17
    +2

    Surprise , Surprise another Pam drama !

    popsiee on 05/03/2022 - 09:17 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
  • funnysht on 05/03/2022 - 09:55

    thought it would still qualify as:
    https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/cars-and-other-vehicles/b…

  • AndyC1 on 05/03/2022 - 10:04
    +2

    You signed the paperwork, so you agreed to buy it at the price in the contract. Is there a cooling off period in the contract?

  • screensaver on 05/03/2022 - 10:12
    +15

    he just called. said he will refund my money after trying to talk me into it. I said his best option was to find another buyer. He is coming over to check the wrecker car and refund me he said

    • MS Paint on 05/03/2022 - 10:25
      +3

      Let us know when you have the cleared refund.

    • randomusername2017 on 05/03/2022 - 11:19

      He is coming over

      Livestream your gentleman caller?

      *^PG only bits please😇

    • SnoozeAndLose on 05/03/2022 - 19:32

      He is not that bad, but if he don't fix the car another drama to next buyer

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2022 - 11:03

    Is it just out of petrol? Small car “dealers” vary rarely top the tank up, just enough to get to the nearest servo

  • screensaver on 05/03/2022 - 12:04
    +2

    theres a final twist, he refunded me and offered me 50 for the other car, which I had written off so I accepted. I was happy to get my money back. I gave him the key, and it started. They drove away in it! So I still had a car I could use, but didnt know. But I got refund so thats important.

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