A Warning To New Car Buyers

JG33 · 16-05-2018, 06:47 PM

If anyone just bought a brand new car or will be buying one regardless of make, pay close attention to the manufacturer's drive away price inclusions and what a car dealership is including.

The car we bought its advertised drive away price includes 12 months registration while the car dealer only paid 6 months!!.
We only found out because some other customer queried it with Hyundai (not sure which dealer they bought their car from), so I went back and looked at my invoice and sure enough, the dealer paid 6 months when we were entitled to 12 months rego.

I spoke to the salesman and he carried on like it was news to him and maybe it only applied to certain states....yeah right.

I told him the missus has put a neg review on their Facebook page, funny enough the next day the comment vanished.

I wonder how many unsuspecting customers have been fleeced by these dealers.

**GO FURTHER** · 16-05-2018, 06:56 PM

In Victoria, how registration can be paid changed after 1 January 2018.
You can elect to pay for either three or six month registration periods or can continue with the standard 12 month renewal period.

Not sure about the other states.

Obviously, this is a great saving to dealers by at least $400, by registering the vehicle for only 6 months and to be able to advertise a lower drive away price.

However, vehicles for sale on carsales.com.au, usually state how long the car is registered for in the price or will state "Check with seller".

Smoke Pursuit · 16-05-2018, 07:01 PM

Was it a demo? Most demos are only regoed for 6 months.

Maka · 16-05-2018, 07:19 PM

Maybe legal advice needs to be sought for false advertising?

cheers, Maka

**Cav** · 16-05-2018, 07:31 PM

Caveat Emptor

I suggest you recheck everything.

Does the drive away price really say 12 months rego?

Perhaps you could post a pic of the ad that the dealer uses to sell cars at a drive away price.

JG33 · 16-05-2018, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cav

Caveat Emptor

I suggest you recheck everything.

Does the drive away price really say 12 months rego?

Perhaps you could post a pic of the ad that the dealer uses to sell cars at a drive away price.

Don't worry I checked.
On the manufacturers website Term and Conditions.

https://www.hyundai.com.au/offers/elantra/elantra

whitelion65 · 16-05-2018, 07:52 PM

My Focus was a demo, I negotiated more in the deal. But yeah, dirty tricks.
I would write to Hyundai, expressing your disappointment. They may sweeten your experience.

**Cav** · 16-05-2018, 08:05 PM

Yep well he has done the wrong thing by not giving what was advertised.

Give the salesman a ring and ask him what he is going to do about it.

Who knows he may give you another 12 months at no charge to keep you happy.

Remember that the ACCC is gunning for car dealers.

CyberWasp · 16-05-2018, 08:09 PM

Why is buying a new car so painful.

You always get stung some how in some way.

**GasoLane** · 16-05-2018, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitelion65

My Focus was a demo, I negotiated more in the deal. But yeah, dirty tricks.
I would write to Hyundai, expressing your disappointment. They may sweeten your experience.

He has.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG33

Well they can't be too concerned about losing customers. Just found out the dealer has ripped me off, Hyundai offers drive away price which includes 12 months registration, these pricks only paid for 6 months.

I contacted Hyundai to clarify this and they said it is definitely 12 months rego, I told them the dealer ripped me off so they will be contacting them regarding the matter.

JG33 · 16-05-2018, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Why is buying a new car so painful.

You always get stung some how in some way.

Wouldn't be painful if I used someone else's money.

I'm sure the car dealer would agree with you.

TICKFORD220 · 16-05-2018, 10:21 PM

Read the fine print and go into it knowing they will try and bend you over,all dealers are the same,brand makes no difference.
Car dealers/salesmen have a rep for good reason

Crazy Dazz · 16-05-2018, 10:42 PM

Name and Shame.
Here
Google Review
Post on your own facebook page and tag them in it
And know it annoys the, keep on posting on their facebook page

OzJavelin · 17-05-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG33

The car we bought its advertised drive away price includes 12 months registration while the car dealer only paid 6 months!!.

At least they paid it ..
My old SV8 Commodore was bought new in Vic under the old scheme with mandatory 12months rego.
I find out 9 months later that the dealership never actually paid it, just slapped rego plates on and a handwritten rego label as they were apparently allowed to do.
Car had to go back for RWC and new plates allocated.
That Holden dealership apparently did that a bit; they now no longer exist.

Big_Daz · 17-05-2018, 09:42 AM

[QUOTE=Cav;6133787]Caveat Emptor

I suggest you recheck everything.
QUOTE]

Thats it, I had always been under the Impression that 12 months rego was included with all new Cars in QLD but have always made sure the contract states this on it before signing (new car contracts will state 6 or 12 months rego in them as part of the On Roads). Ive bought 4 new cars (2 Demo's, 2 Brand new) in 3 years and they all had 12 months (or in the case of the Demo's, the remainder of the the 12 months) on them.

Its on the buyer to actually READ the whole contract before signing it.

blueoval · 17-05-2018, 10:16 AM

I just bought a new (ex demo) car and felt the pinch a little. I had a price I was prepared to pay but went a little higher if they did a few extra things for me. Overall, I got what I wanted and didnt feel like I was ripped a new one. Would I do it again? It will depend on how well the after sales service is and warranty experience is should I need to claim.

I ALWAYS do my research before stepping foot on a dealers property. It's not fool proof by any means and car sales people are there for 1 thing. They aren't your friend. They just want to make a sale. Just know your limits, know the product and be prepared to get up and walk out (within reason) if they can't meet you on your side of half way.

NTF6 · 17-05-2018, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GO FURTHER

In Victoria, how registration can be paid changed after 1 January 2018.
You can elect to pay for either three or six month registration periods or can continue with the standard 12 month renewal period.

Not sure about the other states.

Obviously, this is a great saving to dealers by at least $400, by registering the vehicle for only 6 months and to be able to advertise a lower drive away price.

However, vehicles for sale on carsales.com.au, usually state how long the car is registered for in the price or will state "Check with seller".

In the NT you can pay whatever you like, 1 month, 2 months or even just give them a date you want it to run out.

Itsme · 17-05-2018, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG33

If anyone just bought a brand new car or will be buying one regardless of make, pay close attention to the manufacturer's drive away price inclusions and what a car dealership is including.

The car we bought its advertised drive away price includes 12 months registration while the car dealer only paid 6 months!!.
We only found out because some other customer queried it with Hyundai (not sure which dealer they bought their car from), so I went back and looked at my invoice and sure enough, the dealer paid 6 months when we were entitled to 12 months rego.

I spoke to the salesman and he carried on like it was news to him and maybe it only applied to certain states....yeah right.

I told him the missus has put a neg review on their Facebook page, funny enough the next day the comment vanished.

I wonder how many unsuspecting customers have been fleeced by these dealers.

Did you read & understand your sale contract before signing , should have been written down on it.

JG33 · 17-05-2018, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Officemanager

Did you read & understand your sale contract before signing , should have been written down on it.

Here is a copy of it, can't see anything there to say otherwise.

JG33 · 17-05-2018, 04:46 PM

An update:
The salesman insists it's 6 months claiming that it varies from state to state.
He contacted Hyundai W.A. branch and they said 6 months, I think it's BS.

However they're going to pay the next six months when the rego is due as a goodwill gesture (that must be killing them) which would be in November. I asked for a email stating their intentions, and he said no worries (won't hold my breath).

I'm waiting to hear from Hyundai Australia if they confirm W.A. is 6 months. However it would make their ad misleading because it doesn't say which state it applies to.

If I don't hear from either of them by next Friday, I'll contact ACCC and if they can look into it. ABSOLUTELY

Mercury Bullet · 17-05-2018, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG33

An update:
The salesman insists it's 6 months claiming that it varies from state to state.
He contacted Hyundai W.A. branch and they said 6 months, I think it's BS.

However they're going to pay the next six months when the rego is due as a goodwill gesture (that must be killing them) which would be in November. I asked for a email stating their intentions, and he said no worries (won't hold my breath).

I'm waiting to hear from Hyundai Australia if they confirm W.A. is 6 months. However it would make their ad misleading because it doesn't say which state it applies to.

If I don't hear from either of them by next Friday, I'll contact ACCC and if they can look into it. ABSOLUTELY

I copped the same thing with my falcon. I assumed it would be 12 months so my fault and i copped it on the chin.
It's a PITA though as I can remember the month I bought it and now I have to remember the rego date 6 months later., it makes it hard to keep track of.

danzvtil · 17-05-2018, 07:45 PM

I would go all they way to the top. Just checked John Hughes Hyundai website Ts n Cs (a WA site, not redirected to a national one), can’t screen shot but here it is-
Drive away price includes the recommended retail price,12 months registration,compulsory third party insurance,dealer delivery change (their spelling mistake lol) and stamp duty.

If your car was delivered brand new and not demo, you are entitled to this, it’s not goodwill for them to now pay it for you.

TheGreenKugaaah · 17-05-2018, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG33

If anyone just bought a brand new car or will be buying one regardless of make, pay close attention to the manufacturer's drive away price inclusions and what a car dealership is including.

The car we bought its advertised drive away price includes 12 months registration while the car dealer only paid 6 months!!.
We only found out because some other customer queried it with Hyundai (not sure which dealer they bought their car from), so I went back and looked at my invoice and sure enough, the dealer paid 6 months when we were entitled to 12 months rego.

I spoke to the salesman and he carried on like it was news to him and maybe it only applied to certain states....yeah right.

I told him the missus has put a neg review on their Facebook page, funny enough the next day the comment vanished.

I wonder how many unsuspecting customers have been fleeced by these dealers.

Dealer convinced us that their "Ex-Demo" IRL "Ex-courtesy" car (the free car you get when your car is in for a service) was still classified as a new car, but was $20k off because it had never been purchased and had 10k on the clock... Lucky i checked the paperwork because it only had three days rego (SERIOUSLY!!!) When I brought it up, the guy went to the manager and reluctantly bought three months rego for it...

A month later we got a letter - turns out we got slogged for stamp duty because they told the RTA it was sold as a used car. Complained to the dealer and they tried to offer me one of their special "loans" to pay for the stamp duty. Sent a complaint to the ACCC and they said that they know about this kind of situation and there "is nothing we can do" because the dealers are very good at dodging the paperwork so they seem legit but technically the law is in their favour.

JG33 · 17-05-2018, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I would go all they way to the top. Just checked John Hughes Hyundai website Ts n Cs (a WA site, not redirected to a national one)

What gave away it was him? Cannot confirm nor deny.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I would go all they way to the top.

If your car was delivered brand new and not demo, you are entitled to this, it’s not goodwill for them to now pay it for you.

It went all the way to the top apparently and yes the car was brand new.

That's what I was told they will pay another 6 months rego for me when the current rego finishes in 6 months!!
Seriously, these guys must think all of their customers are idiots, as if I'm going to wait 6 months for a promise made from a car salesman.

I've sent them an email asking they have til next week to prove and to correspond in writing if I'm only meant to get 6 months Rego and if not I'll put a complaint to the ACCC.

I'm over listening the salesman, you should here how he goes on about his boss, like he's some kind of saint.

friggin brainwashed.

danzvtil · 17-05-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG33

What gave away it was him? Cannot confirm nor deny.

.

Lol, pure coincidence, I’m not from the west, Hughes is the only Hyundai dealer there I know of.....

But I agree, theres too much opportunity for the dealer to bait and switch, you’ve got reams of paperwork, figures, and decisions to be made on the day. They know this and prey on the fact that most customers won’t speak up.

JG33 · 24-05-2018, 06:26 PM

Just an update:

After threatening the dealer I would go to the ACCC by the end of the week if they do not refund $400 of my money, I received a cheque from them yesterday. Funny enough, the cheque had a different surname written on it, they had my first name and address correct and even the rego on the car correct, but they could only manage to get 3 letters out of 7 in my surname correct, hmmmm.

So 2 things I see:
1 - The mongrels acknowledge they stole from me.
2 - They're unwilling to give it back...no surprise.

So I sent the cheque back and told them the get the surname right, now I'll wait and see what other games they want to play.

This dealer spends so much money with clever advertising telling how honest he his, I now understand where the money is coming from - unsuspecting buyers.

fiestaz · 24-05-2018, 07:21 PM

This sounds very suss. I have never heard of a brand new car getting only 6 months rego.

Definitely go straight to Hyundai head office with this. Its not good enough at all (in kind words).

Crazy Dazz · 24-05-2018, 07:26 PM

Whilst I appreciate this has been extremely aggravating for you, your reactions seem a little extreme.
John Hughes is a rare breed. You'd be hard pressed to find anybody with more integrity.
They've already offered to make good on the extra 6 months rego, and when that wasn't enough they have sent you a cheque. Ok, so somebody couldn't read the handwriting and got your name wrong, first world problem.

And this could all have been avoided if you simply read the order before signing, which is pretty much "buying a car 101".

Plus, you could have gone straight to the top and resolved it. That $400 will coming from the salesman's pay, and he would have copped a bollocking. JH is one tough old geezer.

NB: Yes, John Hughes is no fool, and trades on his reputation. You will generally find that his cars are priced $500~1000 more than his opposition. Some people find its worth it when buying used, as his cars are better prepared and they DO stand by them. I have bought there used and would do so again.
But I don't see the point when buying new?
When we were shopping for a new Lancer, his team was nowhere near as competitive as Paceways, Midland, or even Southside.

xisled · 24-05-2018, 08:23 PM

Dealer tried to not pay the reg when I purchased a car, after saying they would. I made the person doing the contract add it to my contract.

JG33 · 24-05-2018, 11:13 PM

Quote: