So, after owning my 2006 RL for 9 months , I take it in for the first service. On the advisors desk, I see the vehicle history printed out and it indicates "rear bumper repaired and refinished".

Nobody in service seems to want to talk about it other than to say it was before the car was purchased. Upon talking to the sales manager, he indicates that the car had "lot damage", it was repaired in their body shop and they were under no obligation to say anything to me prior to me taking delivery and paying for the car.

Of course, I disagree and think they should have disclosed it. Had I known, I would not have taken delivery of the car.

Do I have any recourse?

 

It is against the law not to mention the car had been fixed before purchase. That dealer could be sued easily because of this. They MUST disclose it on the purchase invoice or forms.

For example: The new Nissan Sentra and Altimas had the engines replaced at the dealer. They are required to put on the sticker the engine was replaced with a new stock OEM one with a 100k warranty.

Yes you do, SUE EM.

 

I don't know about NJ, but in PA, my understanding is that if the repair is under a few hundred bucks, they do not have to disclose it.

If not for that law, practically every car would have disclosures for tiny imperfections. OTOH, the dealer can get a lot done at the rate their in-house body shop charges.

That's why I go over every car I buy inside and out carefully.

 

In speaking to the General Manager of the dealership yesterday, it was a $300 repair that involved repainting a portion of the rear bumper. He agreed to replace the entire rear bumper but I am not enthusiastic about that option as they could do more damage than good.

Not even sure what I want from these guys except to make an example out of them that you don't treat repeat customers of your dealership this way when they purchase a $45,000 vehicle. It's a matter of principal as much as anything else.

I've notified Acura in California as to what I consider to be deceptive sales practices on the part of one of their dealers although there is nothing further for them to do on my behalf as this does not involve a manufacturing defect.

I think I will start by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau and NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and see where that goes.