Told My Car Was AWD When It Is RWD

Wallyt99 on 29/04/2023 - 20:51
Last edited 30/04/2023 - 10:02 by 1 other user

About 6 months ago I bought a new to me car at a dealership.

The advertisement didn't say whether it was RWD or AWD, and so I asked the dealer explaining to them I needed AWD, and the sales person told me it was AWD.

I subsequently bought the car, but now 6 months later I've found out the car is the RWD version.

I've spent significant coin on the car including new tyres, new brake pads, a new alternator, and done 10,000ks.

I'm really not sure what to do here though as I've clearly been ripped off. The AWD is worth at least $3000 more than RWD.

The dealer was a major auto company dealer and not a dodgy brothers yard.

Any advice?

Automotive Car Ford SUV

Comments

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 30/04/2023 - 09:41

    hahaha definitely a troll post

    sounds like that guy who thought he was dating a lady, but 6-months late found out she was a guy. I mean, the signs were there - big hands, big lips, no boobies and a larger than normal crotch area.

    • Euphemistic on 30/04/2023 - 09:48
      +14

      Sounds like a mate that was dating twins. asked him how he could tell them apart. Mary has a perfect smile and usually wears soothing red. Dave has a moustache.

  • deme on 30/04/2023 - 09:56

    The advertisement didn't say whether it was RWD or AWD, and so I asked the dealer explaining to them I needed AWD, and the sales person told me it was AWD.

    https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/…

    • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 10:13
      +11

      "The ignorance of most people here is pretty bemusing.

      Legally I have grounds against the dealer."

      Then call a lawyer/

    • sk3iron on 30/04/2023 - 10:14

      Used car dealers are not legally required to provide a REVS check or PPSR which you should always do, the laws surrounding used motor vehicle purchases in Australia are very much so, buyer beware. If you look at my reply you can see how the model variations are so similarly written and I can appreciate how you made the mistake but if you were aware enough to realise the Tow difference variation you should've put in more due-diligence in making sure you knew what you were buying and unfortunately you have very little recourse. I do however wish you luck but if it were me i'd just move on.

      • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 30/04/2023 - 13:45
        +1

        Dealers are not legally required to provide a PPSR but have to guarantee clear title (i.e. free from encumbrances and not on the WOVR).

    • matt-ozb on 30/04/2023 - 10:17

      Assuming what you are saying is all correct, then yes … except when the deal is partially in writing, then you are going to have a hard time proving your case.

      Your best option is an open and upfront negotiation with the dealer to work out a deal to switch cars .. maybe save a few months of your life and pay say $5K to switch (as you have already gained 6 mths use of the original car that you purchased).

      How do you know that the car is not AWD?

      • sk3iron on 30/04/2023 - 10:21

        All car sales are in writing, in WA it's called a MR9 - Notificiation of Change of Ownership (MR9B for dealers), it'd be called something else in other States and Territories but it'd work the same.

    • AJW on 30/04/2023 - 10:30
      +3

      If you legally have grounds why post here?
      You know there is no proof this requirement of yours, and so it is a he said/she said your words versus their word scenario.
      Considering the sales rep already lied to you, do you think they will tell the truth this time?

      Believing the car sales person without doing your own check (yes crawling under the car if you need to!) was your problem.

      Move on…

    • 7ekn00 on 30/04/2023 - 10:30

      LOL nice troll thread, good luck with entertaining yourself for the weekend :/

    • mattmel96 on 30/04/2023 - 10:37
      +1

      NAL but, the problem you have is that whilst legally in your mind, you have grounds, can you provide proof that you explained that their was a requirement for an AWD model AND that the salesperson confirmed, or stated, that the vehicle in question met that criteria. Unless you have a video/audio recording or something in writing it will simply be 'I said this and they said that'. Sorry cased closed.

      As for grounds to terminate, sorry the sale has been finalised so you can't terminate a finalised sale. If you hadn't taken delivery of the vehicle, it could be grounds to terminate the sale if you discovered that it wasn't as described.

      You could go and see them and if they do have a suitable vehicle, arrange some form of trade, but don't hold your breath

    • gromit on 30/04/2023 - 10:55

      If you have it in writing that you specifically explained that need then you probably have good grounds. Otherwise buying it and realising 6 months later leaves you on at best very shaky ground as even if the sales man did say it then he won't remember you or what he said and will certainly deny it so it becomes he said she said and they have the fact you bought it and didn't say anything for 6 months.

    • drprox on 30/04/2023 - 13:32

      LOL ignorance of those here, brilliant

    • brendanm on 30/04/2023 - 13:41

      Good luck using "he said she said" as an argument. Unless it's written down, you have zero proof.

    • greatlamp on 30/04/2023 - 14:20
      -1

      Sorry OP, the law is quite specific regarding contracts for car sales, they must be in writing.

      What was said to you isn't part of the contract, and is directly contradicted by the contract.

      There are edge cases where the spoken promises are considered part of the contract, but the examples refer to situations where promises are extra to the details of the contract, not contradictory. An example that comes up in business law is where the real estate salesman promises something will be built in the area (a lake, shopping centre) which doesn't eventuate (relevant as real estate also requires a written contract by law).

      You could run this case by legal aid but they are currently swamped by renters trying to not get kicked out during the current housing crisis.

    • Circly on 30/04/2023 - 16:55

      Only way I can see you have a case is if the paper work specifies an AWD but the car you have is RWD.

  • Marcsie on 30/04/2023 - 10:03

    lol lol lol
    🤣🤣🤣

  • Baysew on 30/04/2023 - 10:09

    How did you find out it wasn't AWD?

    • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 10:39

      Practising for Summernats burnout comp.

    • bdl on 30/04/2023 - 15:48
      +1

      VTEC EcoBoost kicked in

      yo

  • pantsparty on 30/04/2023 - 10:19

    I think you are out of luck. There is no way the dealer will do anything for you 6 months and 10,000kms later. Maybe sell the car privately and buy another more suitable car to replace it?

  • Brick Tamland on 30/04/2023 - 10:24

    I think y'all being a bit hard on OP. A buyer shouldn't need to be an expert on a car model when purchasing a car and relying on advice from a sales man about a petty major feature like AWD isn't unreasonable.

    • BartholemewH on 30/04/2023 - 10:28
      +1

      They shouldn't need to be and the dealer is in the wrong here, but the buyer is going to have a hell of a time if the dealer doesn't want to play ball.

      Edit: OP also claims to be very well researched, but didn't notice the lack of AWD badging, right on the tailgate.

      • JungliChilli on 01/05/2023 - 08:18

        Not always the case. Given its a territory it could have have been rear ended and badging was never installed again after visiting the workshop.

        We have another car we bought recently. It's missing a badge on the back, bought it brand new. But under the hood, rego, logbook etc proves the badge at the back is not correct.

    • Ryk on 30/04/2023 - 12:50

      believing anything any salesman says about any product will only lead to disappointment.

      • Brick Tamland on 30/04/2023 - 13:01
        +1

        Agree, I think you need to be pretty assertive when you deal with them. I recently went motorcycle shopping and I really wanted cruise control but dealer was trying to convince me I didnt need it or that particular model is fine without it.

    • Ahbal on 01/05/2023 - 09:58

      If this was 30 years ago, before everyone had access to a computer in their pocket with an instantly accessible encyclopedia, with near infinite information, then I would agree.

      Less than 5 minutes of googling would have avoided the situation.

      Even IF he had a "good dealership" they themselves may have ended up mixing the cars up too.

      Always, always, always do your due diligence on ANYTHING you buy, and dont rely on the person SELLING it to you.

      Isn't that the whole point of this website??

  • soaringphoenix on 30/04/2023 - 10:32
    -8

    You are better off with the RWD anyway both from a weight and handling fun perspective. There are a handful of cars where you actually pay more for the RWD over the AWD version (This was the case with late Gallardo models for eg) for these reasons. The base model RWD Tesla Model 3 is far more enjoyable in the corners compared to the Long Range AWD model, despite being down on power (and even with Tesla's aggressive traction control).

    • greatlamp on 30/04/2023 - 12:06
      +3

      Handling fun? It's not a sedan! Only tipping over fun.

      • soaringphoenix on 30/04/2023 - 12:47
        -3

        What are you talking about?

        The Model 3 has a low centre of gravity and fairly balanced weight distribution thanks to the battery being below the floor. This lends to quite good handling.

        Furthermore, if you disconnect the fuse for the traction control, you can get them properly sideways with complete ease (something that the RWD base model is especially suited to).

        • brendanm on 30/04/2023 - 13:44
          +7

          Op is talking about a for territory, where he only cares about the towing capacity difference between the models, he isn't trying to race a Gallardo.

          • greatlamp on 30/04/2023 - 14:09
            +5

            @brendanm: Thank you. Sometimes I feel like I'm being gasslit by all the people living in a world where context doesn't exist.

    • Euphemistic on 30/04/2023 - 12:56
      +2

      It’s a territory, handling isn’t a selling point.

      • freddofrog42 on 30/04/2023 - 17:09

        For their type though they were actually pretty good things to drive, certainly better than most for handling.

  • Cluster on 30/04/2023 - 10:34

    In my experience sales people are there to make a sale. Often they know very little about the cars they're selling. Example: I asked a new car dealer whether this model was E10 compatible, back when quite a few cars weren't. He just looked at me with a stunned face and didn't know what that was.

    The problem OP has it's one thing to say what the salesperson said, and another what's actually written on paper. Also the amount of time that has lapsed. If the OP noticed a few days later that the car wasn't AWD, they would have a clear case. The fact that its taken six months is itself an obvious problem.

  • GordonD on 30/04/2023 - 10:36
    +9

    I can sympathise with you Wally.

    I bought a new car in NSW and soon after moved to SA. I told the dealer I needed to be able to tow a light trailer. And I heard the salesman on the phone getting the OK from the distributor that they could provide a factory towbar for it. Its all there in the sales documents proving they sold me a new car fitted with a towbar sourced from the distributor.

    When I transferred the registration to SA the inspectors pointed out the fact that the car had a distributor-provided dealer-fitted towbar including a sticker saying what the maximum towing weight was, I couldn't legally tow anything with that specific model. The factory manual, which of course I only got after I took delivery of the car, had a blank next to max towing weight. That legally meant zero. The useless NSW consumer protection people said negotiate with the dealer principal. Right, that's like having a fight with a professional boxer. His best offer was that if I drove back to NSW he'd remove the towbar and refund me what he'd charged to fit it. Leaving me with a car that would now not only not be legally allowed to tow a trailer, but wouldn't be physically able to, and that I would have lost a lot of money because it was now used if I traded it on something else that could tow.

    I already had a low opinion of car sales people. But it left me with a bad taste in my mouth about the usefulness and effectiveness of consumer protection in this country.

  • holdenmg on 30/04/2023 - 10:37

    Sigh…

    If you have form for buying the wrong thing…
    I always buy the 'wrong' console….
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110469

    then you shouldn't shop for cars alone.

    Did you get a pre-purchase inspection that would have checked the Car met (or exceeded) your stated needs?

    • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 10:44
      +2

      Filing it under,
      " After (insert avoidable mistake of choice here) I asked for advice on an anonymous forum and was disappointed with the feedback. Is there a free lawyer I can contact, to sue the forum owner".

  • Jules_d1 on 30/04/2023 - 10:56
    +2

    Look at your paperwork. Is the invoice for the model which is AWD or RWD? That will lead to the outcome

    • holdenmg on 30/04/2023 - 11:00

      Matchbox don't do either. lol

    • sk3iron on 30/04/2023 - 11:05

      See my reply here, the variant id only states it's AWD if it's AWD, not if it's not.

      • holdenmg on 30/04/2023 - 11:12

        Fake AMG badges don't upgrade a stock standard Mercedes either.

        • CocaKoala on 01/05/2023 - 12:32

          I am shattered.

  • Hydralyte on 30/04/2023 - 10:57
    -1

    About 6 months ago I bought a new to me car at a dealership.

    Yeah that's all I needed to hear. Shoulda got a used…

    • ozhunter on 30/04/2023 - 11:13

      It looks like it is used. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/13686954/redir

      OP for some reason worded it weirdly. He said "I bought a new to me car"

    • 2025 on 30/04/2023 - 11:15

      It was used?

      • Hydralyte on 30/04/2023 - 11:15
        -4

        About 6 months ago I bought a new to me car at a dealership.
        The advertisement didn't say whether it was RWD or AWD, and so I asked the dealer explaining to them I needed AWD, and the sales person told me it was AWD.
        I subsequently bought the car, but now 6 months later I've found out the car is the RWD version.
        I've spent significant coin on the car including new tyres, new brake pads, a new alternator, and done 10,000ks.
        I'm really not sure what to do here though as I've clearly been ripped off. The AWD is worth at least $3000 more than RWD.
        The dealer was a major auto company dealer and not a dodgy brothers yard.
        Any advice?

        • 2025 on 30/04/2023 - 11:16

          OK and?

          • Hydralyte on 30/04/2023 - 11:18
            -4

            @2025: English is not your first language ;)

            • 2025 on 30/04/2023 - 11:23
              +3

              @Hydralyte: Read it again lol. Look at the sentence, and the first word. About…. Now cover the next words with your finger, and slowly absorb the meaning of each word, then move on to the next, and uncover each word as you go along. You can stop when you get to the phrase new to me

            • pn09 on 30/04/2023 - 11:47
              +2

              @Hydralyte: The only reason to use the phrase "new to me" is if it was used - otherwise the word used would just have been just "new"

              There is no other reason to use the phrase "new to me" - as if you are buying something then it originally wasn't your's so it goes without saying that it was new to you.

              Yes - it could have been phrased more clearly by just using the word "used car", and it is easy to misread but I think it's still in the original post

            • brendanm on 30/04/2023 - 13:46

              @Hydralyte: "new to me". That means used.

  • Daniel Plainview on 30/04/2023 - 11:42
    +7

    Did a used car salesman mislead you? Perhaps and thats not a good thing but a reasonable person would think that this is something they could do - in order to secure a sale. Hence they are perenially ranked as the least trusted individuals in surveys.

    That established if this product feature was so important to you and you knew in advance that only certain models of this car had it, one has to ask other than verbally asking what if ANY OTHER steps did you take to ensure what you were buying indeed had this feature?

    As it seems to me that the salesperson had only one chance to correct your error, but you had literally dozens of them throughout the entire sales process - so I'd respectfully suggest while it may be a bitter pill to swallow you have to take essentially the blame for this matter - especially as it's completely unprovable that you even discussed it with the salesperson let alone anything beyond this. So legally you have zero case, something I am sure you know all too well.

    You might be able to in person ask the salesperson to admit to their error - but after such a period of time, capital expenditure on and use of the vehicle by you and to what good would this be? After just a few days it'd be hard enough but 6mth on? And you'd be far more likely to be told they did no such thing and be mocked, causing more stress to you.

    As far as life lessons go, rest assured this is a very mild one - your car has served you well for 6mths and you may be able to adapt to work around it's limitations. In future, as old carpenters say, measure twice, cut once.

    • Wallyt99 on 01/05/2023 - 00:18
      +1

      Good advice.

  • TightAl on 30/04/2023 - 12:09

    It's not specified on any dealership paperwork?
    rego papers?

  • OzDropBear on 30/04/2023 - 12:12

    It will be very difficult to prove that particular salesman misled you into thinking it's a AWD. It's his words against yours. Do you have any additional evidence?

    • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 12:22
      +1

      and he could just say, "oops, my bad", or "oh yeah, I was thinking of the other one in the yard" and it's game over anyway.
      Horse has bolted (on 2 legs) .
      6 months of blissful ignorance = 10K kms, and all those add ons, would battle to score a day in Judge Judy's fun factory.
      OP made the car his own.

  • BargainBilly on 30/04/2023 - 12:18
    +1

    That's bloody terrible. Sorry to hear of the incident and unscrupulous trickery.

    Tamiya does a AWD conversion kit. Can DIY It's the easiest solution short selling the car.

    Look up on Google. I forgot the name of the kit.

    • Malik Nasser on 30/04/2023 - 12:32

      Just download the AWD mode online… Easy hack.

      • MrThing on 30/04/2023 - 13:19

        Buy the awd badge on ebay and stick on the back, done now awd. Just like the bmws with M stickers or Mercs with AMG stickers or best yet the old lancers with Evo stick ons

        The secret hack all car dealers dont want you to know

  • bloom on 30/04/2023 - 12:19
    +1

    You said “is it all wheel drive?
    Salesman heard “Is it ready to drive?”

    The end.

    • holdenmg on 30/04/2023 - 12:22

      You snooze, you lose.

  • Malik Nasser on 30/04/2023 - 12:31
    +4

    Don't trust, verify.
    Educate yourself. It's not that hard.
    A little bit of research before handing over your hard earned cash, can prevent a lot of issues in future (case in point).

  • kaleidoscope on 30/04/2023 - 12:50

    I subsequently bought the car, but now 6 months later I've found out the car is the RWD version.

    Sorry but the onus is on you for this. If awd is such an important thing for you, should have verified soon as you’ve gotten it imo. Not sure what your options are after that much mileage and post 6 months and worst of all, its not in writing.

    • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 13:03

      That's a VERY good point.Making sure the essential drive option features are OK. No dodgy CVs (or whatever AWD or 4WD drive lines are present.
      And surely, inside the cab there's some sort of light,badge,or factor denoting the car IS an AWD version?

      • smartazz104 on 30/04/2023 - 20:37
        +1

        Don’t AWD Territory models have an AWD badge?

  • MrThing on 30/04/2023 - 13:17
    +1

    Lol OP "Needed" an AWD but didnt notice for 6months.

    You cant make this stuff up

    • drprox on 30/04/2023 - 13:21

      so true, absolutely essential. Not even like they've now stated they got stuck driving around the family farm.

    • Wallyt99 on 01/05/2023 - 00:19

      Mate if you read the thread you will see its due to legal towing capacity.

  • belongsinforums on 30/04/2023 - 13:19
    -1

    good thread

  • drprox on 30/04/2023 - 13:20
    -1

    I find it hard to believe OP is real. I mean who believes a car salesman… this would have been SO EASY to confirm without relying on some donkey in a suit who is incentivised to sell cars….

    • Brick Tamland on 30/04/2023 - 13:31
      +2

      It’s not that easy with a Territory. AWD and RWD are virtually identical except for a tiny awd badge. If you didn’t know then its hard to know.

      • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 16:04

        Surely there's also physical indications, VIN ID letters/numbers,stickers of tags verifying it,(or here's the kicker PAPER WORK!) Service records,log books all sorts of history with that stuff called EVIDENCE.
        This has to be a trolling post, or the guy went into a car yard with paper bag over his head , dropped upmteen grand on the floor, and drew some random keys from a bucket. Come in spinner.

        • Brick Tamland on 30/04/2023 - 16:10

          Even checking under the car would be difficult as it’s RWD so there’s always a drive prop to the rear. You would think there would be something else identifying it but I guess it’s not an easy thing to check.

          • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 16:15

            @Brick Tamland: I guess the reality is no matter what logical conclusion is drawn or offered, it is wasted on any individual whose primary evidence confirmation hurdle is to ask the VERY guy making a commission from his naivety or gullibility.
            You can lead a horse to water ……etc
            Must be a troll post

          • 7ekn00 on 30/04/2023 - 18:41

            @Brick Tamland: You mean besides the "AWD" badges and the "AWD" moniker in the model number that would be on the paperwork?

          • fillit on 30/04/2023 - 18:44

            @Brick Tamland: Driveshafts to front wheels perhaps?

          • Wallyt99 on 01/05/2023 - 00:20

            @Brick Tamland: Correct. There are also plastic guards under almost the entire underbody.

  • Bid Sniper on 30/04/2023 - 13:25
    +1

    Check contact if AWD is specified.

    And next time if you want AWD
    / slaps roof of Subaru

  • FocusRider on 30/04/2023 - 13:52
    -1

    That’s a shame

  • Davo1111 on 30/04/2023 - 14:06
    +7

    Troll post. 10/10 . Got everyone hook line sinker

  • Brick Tamland on 30/04/2023 - 15:28
    +1

    Instead of lawyering up why don’t you just trade it on AWD model. Probably cost less and be less stressful than a lawyer.

    • MS Paint on 30/04/2023 - 15:43

      But the new tyres and alternator?

      • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 16:05

        Black and gold tyres & cheap knock off alternator.

      • Brick Tamland on 30/04/2023 - 16:11
        +1

        I guess it’s a ford so maybe keep the rwd model for parts car.

        • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 16:17
          +1

          Rent it out.Use the money to buy another second hand AWD using the same MO as the last time. Rinse and repeat

          Or add AWD badges, take it back and trade it to the same yard, via different salesman.

          Oh wait, the OP might buy it back. Doh!

  • mrvaluepack on 30/04/2023 - 16:26
    -1

    Never trust anything coming out of a salesperson mouth, ever! Take this as a life lesson.

  • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 16:48

    Physician heal thyself>

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/10830198/redir

  • digitalbath on 30/04/2023 - 16:59
    -3

    Every time I read a post that is similar to this, it makes me smile. And I think to myself…. I’m glad I’m not this person. But it also makes me sad for humanity. Luckily I’ll be dead long before these people are the majority.

  • freddofrog42 on 30/04/2023 - 17:14
    +1

    Serious question - what is the car insured as, what details did you enter etc?

    Things like this matter when making claims as quotes could well vary based on 2WD/AWD etc. Insurance companies will love the opportunity to bounce back a claim based on such a fundamental difference.

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