BEWARE!! Acura Selling Crashed Cars...not reporting in Car Fax
01-08-2009, 07:23 AM
#41
I forgot to mention that I also recently bought Type-S rims to see if that would make a difference besides looks. I still have the same steering issue. I don't get cabin noise, even with a JL audio 12inch sub and Rockford Fosgate 1000w amp no rattles. At first I had the rattle by the vent at the bottom of the back window which was easily fixed after I dynomatted the whole trunk. No rattles now.
01-08-2009, 07:32 AM
#42
From the CPO sheet linked above.
Unless I misunderstand what "unibody" means, I would definitely contact Acura. You will have more than a fair chance of coming out of this feeling fairly dealt with.
UNIBODY INSPECTION
Carefully inspect unibody for signs of damage or prior repairs
Carefully inspect unibody for signs of damage or prior repairs
01-08-2009, 07:47 AM
#43
I am going to do what ever I have to do and will post the outcome.
I've met 1 good person at that dealership and his name is Greg who works in the Service Department for Open Road Acura of East Brunswick NJ. This guy trys to help me out and even cut and programmed my milled 07 key for my 05 TL. There are some good people there it all depends who you get and the situation you encounter.
01-08-2009, 07:50 AM
#44
CARFAX is a good general tool for a used car buyer but is by no means foolproof or the end all be all. I bought my wife a used ES330 and also was given a clean CARFAX report. I inspected the car myself and noticed a couple of seams that didn't seem to line up correctly, but ultimately went forward with the purchase.
I spoke with my brother who works in the insurance industry and has access to an insurance database. I gave him the VIN and he was able to give me much of the same info as CARFAX. The port of entry, original dealership, when it was sold, first registered date, to whom, their address, some of the services performed, but also the following:
accident date
insurance claim amount
general description of authorized repairs
length of substitute transporation authorization
PM me the VIN and I'll see what I can get for you - however, I can't guarantee anything.
I spoke with my brother who works in the insurance industry and has access to an insurance database. I gave him the VIN and he was able to give me much of the same info as CARFAX. The port of entry, original dealership, when it was sold, first registered date, to whom, their address, some of the services performed, but also the following:
accident date
insurance claim amount
general description of authorized repairs
length of substitute transporation authorization
PM me the VIN and I'll see what I can get for you - however, I can't guarantee anything.
01-08-2009, 08:08 AM
#45
CARFAX is a good general tool for a used car buyer but is by no means foolproof or the end all be all. I bought my wife a used ES330 and also was given a clean CARFAX report. I inspected the car myself and noticed a couple of seams that didn't seem to line up correctly, but ultimately went forward with the purchase.
I spoke with my brother who works in the insurance industry and has access to an insurance database. I gave him the VIN and he was able to give me much of the same info as CARFAX. The port of entry, original dealership, when it was sold, first registered date, to whom, their address, some of the services performed, but also the following:
accident date
insurance claim amount
general description of authorized repairs
length of substitute transporation authorization
PM me the VIN and I'll see what I can get for you - however, I can't guarantee anything.
I spoke with my brother who works in the insurance industry and has access to an insurance database. I gave him the VIN and he was able to give me much of the same info as CARFAX. The port of entry, original dealership, when it was sold, first registered date, to whom, their address, some of the services performed, but also the following:
accident date
insurance claim amount
general description of authorized repairs
length of substitute transporation authorization
PM me the VIN and I'll see what I can get for you - however, I can't guarantee anything.
01-08-2009, 10:55 AM
#46
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Wouldn't the unibody be the sub-frame and the main support components; A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-Pillar, upper and lower sills, etc.
I can still see where in an accident the doors could be damaged, and the pillars repaired to *appear* near-new. IOW - not *necessrily* obvious during a visual inspection.
OP - sounds like your car has a lot more problems than you *just* happening to find a bondo/paint repair, leading to your discovery of a suspected accident of moderate to high severity.
One thing I am *sure* about: Acura should NOT have sold a new or used Acura with outstanding safety recalls; can be a BIG no-no.
See these links:
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-016.pdf - Power Steering Hose
Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in
your new or used vehicle inventory. If a repair kit is not
available for a new TL, it may be sold or leased with the
understanding that it must be returned for campaign
completion at a later date. If a repair kit is not available
for a used TL, it should be fitted with a current P/S feed
hose before it is sold or leased. Like the new TLs, used
TLs fitted with a current P/S feed hose must be
returned for campaign completion at a later date. To
see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN
status inquiry before selling or leasing it.
your new or used vehicle inventory. If a repair kit is not
available for a new TL, it may be sold or leased with the
understanding that it must be returned for campaign
completion at a later date. If a repair kit is not available
for a used TL, it should be fitted with a current P/S feed
hose before it is sold or leased. Like the new TLs, used
TLs fitted with a current P/S feed hose must be
returned for campaign completion at a later date. To
see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN
status inquiry before selling or leasing it.
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-013.pdf - Window Wiper Motor:
Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in
your used vehicle inventory. According to federal
law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until
they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by
this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling or
leasing it.
your used vehicle inventory. According to federal
law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until
they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by
this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling or
leasing it.
01-08-2009, 11:09 AM
#48
while I agree to what you are saying and if/when it comes down to legally resolving this, then such arguments will be presented to absolve the dealerships liability from selling a defective CPO. That said and done, the very least they could've done is to advise the Buyer of what has happened to the vehicle. Clearly, they didnt inspect the vehicle when the lease was turned in and most likely got rid of it hoping the buyer wouldn't either.
While I do agree that it should be Buyer beware, unfortunately we're finding ourselves being increasingly stuck in an environment of used car sales where such horror stories are becoming everyday events. So much for ethical business practices.
While I do agree that it should be Buyer beware, unfortunately we're finding ourselves being increasingly stuck in an environment of used car sales where such horror stories are becoming everyday events. So much for ethical business practices.
Wouldn't the unibody be the sub-frame and the main support components; A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-Pillar, upper and lower sills, etc.
I can still see where in an accident the doors could be damaged, and the pillars repaired to *appear* near-new. IOW - not *necessrily* obvious during a visual inspection.
OP - sounds like your car has a lot more problems than you *just* happening to find a bondo/paint repair, leading to your discovery of a suspected accident of moderate to high severity.
One thing I am *sure* about: Acura should NOT have sold a new or used Acura with outstanding safety recalls; can be a BIG no-no.
See these links:
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-016.pdf - Power Steering Hose
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-013.pdf - Window Wiper Motor:
Not sure if the Window Wiper Motor applies to you vehicle or not. Both recalls were in effect at the time you say you made your purchase.
I can still see where in an accident the doors could be damaged, and the pillars repaired to *appear* near-new. IOW - not *necessrily* obvious during a visual inspection.
OP - sounds like your car has a lot more problems than you *just* happening to find a bondo/paint repair, leading to your discovery of a suspected accident of moderate to high severity.
One thing I am *sure* about: Acura should NOT have sold a new or used Acura with outstanding safety recalls; can be a BIG no-no.
See these links:
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-016.pdf - Power Steering Hose
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-013.pdf - Window Wiper Motor:
Not sure if the Window Wiper Motor applies to you vehicle or not. Both recalls were in effect at the time you say you made your purchase.
01-08-2009, 12:02 PM
#49
Car's recall were still outstanding for Wiper hose &
Wouldn't the unibody be the sub-frame and the main support components; A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-Pillar, upper and lower sills, etc.
I can still see where in an accident the doors could be damaged, and the pillars repaired to *appear* near-new. IOW - not *necessrily* obvious during a visual inspection.
OP - sounds like your car has a lot more problems than you *just* happening to find a bondo/paint repair, leading to your discovery of a suspected accident of moderate to high severity.
One thing I am *sure* about: Acura should NOT have sold a new or used Acura with outstanding safety recalls; can be a BIG no-no.
See these links:
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-016.pdf - Power Steering Hose
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-013.pdf - Window Wiper Motor:
Not sure if the Window Wiper Motor applies to you vehicle or not. Both recalls were in effect at the time you say you made your purchase.
I can still see where in an accident the doors could be damaged, and the pillars repaired to *appear* near-new. IOW - not *necessrily* obvious during a visual inspection.
OP - sounds like your car has a lot more problems than you *just* happening to find a bondo/paint repair, leading to your discovery of a suspected accident of moderate to high severity.
One thing I am *sure* about: Acura should NOT have sold a new or used Acura with outstanding safety recalls; can be a BIG no-no.
See these links:
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-016.pdf - Power Steering Hose
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-013.pdf - Window Wiper Motor:
Not sure if the Window Wiper Motor applies to you vehicle or not. Both recalls were in effect at the time you say you made your purchase.
Your 2005 Acura is included in the 04-05 TL WIPER MOTOR Campaign. Description 04-05 TL WIPER MOTOR
Date 02/26/2008
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Not Fixed
Your 2005 Acura is included in the 04-08 TL POWER STEERING HOSE Campaign. Description 04-08 TL POWER STEERING HOSE
Date 02/27/2008
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Not Fixed
This is starting to become clearer to me now that the car was not inspected before my purchase. no 150 point could of been done as I now have the papers from acura stating they just did the recalls 1 week ago when I took it for problems I listed before. I had to mention the recalls because they had no idea it needed. The paper I have indicates that they NOW completed the recalls.
Last edited by LexLuminati; 01-08-2009 at 12:04 PM.
01-08-2009, 12:21 PM
#50
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After purchasing the car I went into owners.acura.com and registered my vin. These recalls were outstanding for my vehicle:
Your 2005 Acura is included in the 04-05 TL WIPER MOTOR Campaign. Description 04-05 TL WIPER MOTOR
Date 02/26/2008
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Not Fixed
Your 2005 Acura is included in the 04-08 TL POWER STEERING HOSE Campaign. Description 04-08 TL POWER STEERING HOSE
Date 02/27/2008
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Not Fixed
This is starting to become clearer to me now that the car was not inspected before my purchase. no 150 point could of been done as I now have the papers from acura stating they just did the recalls 1 week ago when I took it for problems I listed before. I had to mention the recalls because they had no idea it needed. The paper I have indicates that they NOW completed the recalls.
Your 2005 Acura is included in the 04-05 TL WIPER MOTOR Campaign. Description 04-05 TL WIPER MOTOR
Date 02/26/2008
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Not Fixed
Your 2005 Acura is included in the 04-08 TL POWER STEERING HOSE Campaign. Description 04-08 TL POWER STEERING HOSE
Date 02/27/2008
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Not Fixed
This is starting to become clearer to me now that the car was not inspected before my purchase. no 150 point could of been done as I now have the papers from acura stating they just did the recalls 1 week ago when I took it for problems I listed before. I had to mention the recalls because they had no idea it needed. The paper I have indicates that they NOW completed the recalls.
Well, according to Acura's own TSB it is a "violation of Federal Law" for a dealer to sell a used Acura with an outstanding Wiiper Motor Recall (TSB 08-013).
NOW you some leverage.
Let them know you're planning on reporting them to Acura, NHTSA (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ and http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/) and the NJ Attorney General's office if you don't recieve a speedy and satifactory resolution.
As a matter of fact, you might call the NJ Attorney General's office of Consumer Affairs/Consumer Protection and find out what your options are regarding this issue.
Your other (non-accident) problems may also open the door for Lemon Law action. You'll need a Lemon Law Atty or read the staute carefully to determine if you *might* qualify.
01-08-2009, 12:23 PM
#51
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With a poor economy and slow car sales, it will get *worse*. Buyers have to be EXTRA careful because money is harder to come by than ever; some people will stoop to anything to put $50 in their pocket.
NO company has your best interests at heart. Ever! They have THEIR best interests at heart.
01-08-2009, 12:33 PM
#53
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American Honda Finance Corp has a 3rd party they hire to do the return inspection ~4 - 6 weeks before lease termination. They schedule an appointment and come to you.
While it is fairly comprehensive, it is just a *visual* inspection of the car PLUS a *check* of the common mechanical/electronic systems (radio, lights, engine start, wipers work, etc, etc). It will NOT uncover repaired damage if the repair is well done.
01-08-2009, 01:18 PM
#55
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I know that on a Lexus vehicle, a certified pre-owned car can actually have one body panel replaced (missing the all important factory vin# sticker) and still be considered CPO. Not sure what the Acura policy is?
Also, the dealer has a paint thickness meter that can quickly tell if any paint has been done by a 3rd party. The factory has a paint thickness tolerance set in the paint booth that a 3rd party body shop has no way of matching all around your car during repair. I guess the dealer would first have to suspect that any paint has been added. You might check to see if this is part of the certified xxxx point inspection process. If so, you would have a strong case for returning the vehicle.
(playing devils advocate)
To counter this argument, the dealer may also accuse you of causing this damage, if they have documentation that shows that the paint/bodywork was in factory condition?
Anyone in the auto industry with experience should be able to quickly tell if paint has been added and bodywork replaced, especially since the vin# stickers will not be present on each replaced body panel.
I would suggest going to the dealer 1st and give them the opportunity to make it right for you. Based on their response, I would then escalate to corporate Honda with a request of the regional factory rep to visit you at the dealer in question, then a lawyer if necessary.
It is the dealers responsibility to sell you you what they advertise, nothing more nothing less. You cannot be held responsible for them not thoroughly checking the vehicle before selling it to you. That is their expertise, not yours.
Also, the dealer has a paint thickness meter that can quickly tell if any paint has been done by a 3rd party. The factory has a paint thickness tolerance set in the paint booth that a 3rd party body shop has no way of matching all around your car during repair. I guess the dealer would first have to suspect that any paint has been added. You might check to see if this is part of the certified xxxx point inspection process. If so, you would have a strong case for returning the vehicle.
(playing devils advocate)
To counter this argument, the dealer may also accuse you of causing this damage, if they have documentation that shows that the paint/bodywork was in factory condition?
Anyone in the auto industry with experience should be able to quickly tell if paint has been added and bodywork replaced, especially since the vin# stickers will not be present on each replaced body panel.
I would suggest going to the dealer 1st and give them the opportunity to make it right for you. Based on their response, I would then escalate to corporate Honda with a request of the regional factory rep to visit you at the dealer in question, then a lawyer if necessary.
It is the dealers responsibility to sell you you what they advertise, nothing more nothing less. You cannot be held responsible for them not thoroughly checking the vehicle before selling it to you. That is their expertise, not yours.
01-08-2009, 01:28 PM
#56
I just called Acura and "Bill" the Used Car Sales Mananger was transferred to another Dealership. Now I am dealing with Bob (Bills replacement) he is the new manager. I gave him my vin and told them about the recalls not being fixed before I purchased the car and also told him about the body work not being listed. I indicated that the steering has been an issue.
Bob has been a bit nicer then Stewart...but maybe its because he's new and insecure. He told me to bring the car this Saturday Jan 10th 2009. He was more worried about the recalls not being completed before the car was sold....and said he doesn't know what could be done about the body work but he will look at it.
I really wish the could provide me with proof of what happend to the car before I bought it, and repair my steering issues....that would make me keep my car that I love so much! Maybe the should do another 150 point inspection also.
Bob has been a bit nicer then Stewart...but maybe its because he's new and insecure. He told me to bring the car this Saturday Jan 10th 2009. He was more worried about the recalls not being completed before the car was sold....and said he doesn't know what could be done about the body work but he will look at it.
I really wish the could provide me with proof of what happend to the car before I bought it, and repair my steering issues....that would make me keep my car that I love so much! Maybe the should do another 150 point inspection also.
Last edited by LexLuminati; 01-08-2009 at 01:30 PM.
01-08-2009, 01:29 PM
#57
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Lease returned/repo etc) Lexus vehicles almost always go through the auction process before ending up back on the lot of your local dealer. And are up on the auction block usually once a month. All car dealers (anyone with a license to buy) have a shot at buying them, and they are inspected, refurbished with missing items (checked for missing floor mats etc) before the sale. everything that can be easily removed (gear shift knobs etc) are usually removed before the auction so they do not get stolen by sticky fingers during this transition period. They are placed back in the vehicle prior to delivery of the new dealer/owner.
01-08-2009, 01:32 PM
#58
Advanced
Come on, this guy--OP--is getting hosed. He bargains for a CPO vehicle, relies upon the expertise of Acura and its dealership, pays extra for the CPO, gets a car that is supposed to be clean--I highly doubt Acura would sell a car that has been damaged--and now he is SOL?
I have not bought a CPO vehicle before but I expect Acura to warrant that the vehicle is free from damage or repair. If so, and this guy relied upon that representation--which he did--then you have legal standing for fraud or constructive fraud, and breach of contract; there could also be treble damages.
At the very least, Acura or this dealership should refund every penny including taxes paid.
One last thing, how hard is it for a dealership to run a magnet along a body seam to search for use of body filler?
I have not bought a CPO vehicle before but I expect Acura to warrant that the vehicle is free from damage or repair. If so, and this guy relied upon that representation--which he did--then you have legal standing for fraud or constructive fraud, and breach of contract; there could also be treble damages.
At the very least, Acura or this dealership should refund every penny including taxes paid.
One last thing, how hard is it for a dealership to run a magnet along a body seam to search for use of body filler?
01-08-2009, 01:59 PM
#59
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This is a very good idea and makes panel replacement much easier to find, but, based on the OP's description, it sounds as if the panels were NOT replaced. In that case the VIN Stickers would still match.
Very true, but the question is not, "Is it easy?", the question is, "Is it required?" or "Is it customary?". Of course, I don't know Acura's CPO procedure for each of the 150 points, but my guess is that a lot of what *really* happens is a brief check and some good old-fashioned pencil-whipping.
If the dealership did not know about an accident and repair and it was not discovered during routine inspections, then yes, the OP is SOL. If the dealership, honestly and in fact, DID NOT KNOW, then there is nothing to mis-represent, no contractual breach, etc.
The one caveat being if it *should* have been discovered during normal/routine inspection.
I think that if the repair was done well, it will be very possible to argue that the repair would NOT be discovered during routine inspection - or, conversely, very hard to prove that it should have been discovered.
Look at it this way, the Owner had the car for ~6 months and never noticed it. Why expect a junior/mid-level tech notice it in an hour?
01-08-2009, 02:11 PM
#60
Advanced
Well then maybe someone on this forum can enlighted us: What does Acura warrant when its sells a certified vehicle? That is, does it warrant that the vehicle is damage and accident free?
01-08-2009, 02:36 PM
#61
I'm going to be at the dealership on Saturday as well to pick up my car. What time were you called in ? Perhaps we could meet up. Being a relative novice with spotting trouble signs on the car, I could use some more experienced help.
Last edited by encryption; 01-08-2009 at 02:39 PM.
01-08-2009, 03:33 PM
#62
I am probably going to be there like 12pm. SSM Acura with Type S rims and a dented back door.
01-08-2009, 04:08 PM
#64
Should be there between 12 and 1 myself. This is the one I'm scheduled to pickup
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...8&postcount=16
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...8&postcount=16
Wow Man! Nice...what a coincidence. I will probably see you there. This shit got me stressed out.
Lets say I come out winning with my situation...it will suck to have to go through hours of contacting lawyers, dealership, forms, research, and then vehicles, loans....etc.
now I have to deal with insurance, body work, rentals, and worries of having a car that I may have to keep with problems.
I never thought getting a car would be so stressful...it shouldn't go this way, for nobody.
I will PM you my number.
Last edited by LexLuminati; 01-08-2009 at 04:12 PM.
01-08-2009, 04:14 PM
#65
I can imagine what it must feel like for you and I do hope it works out for you. I only buy things I'm passionate about else little catches my eye. So if you're anything like that, I can imagine how discomforting this must be. Good Luck!!
01-08-2009, 06:22 PM
#66
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
No offense to the OP (I really hope things work out for you) but seeking help from him would be useless. Your better off bringing a trusted mechanic/body shop dude to check out the vehicle for you.
01-08-2009, 07:13 PM
#67
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Until you can PM - you would have to post your vin here, which some folks are not crazy about doing. I can't check the insurance database for everyone as it isn't me doing it, but I will try to help out some folks from time to time.
01-09-2009, 01:26 AM
#69
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wow
i find that hilarious not your situation bro but, the fact that you posted their pictures up here like their wanted for murder or sorta like on americas most wanted
but i hope everything works out in your favor though:...thumbsup:
i find that hilarious not your situation bro but, the fact that you posted their pictures up here like their wanted for murder or sorta like on americas most wanted but i hope everything works out in your favor though:...thumbsup:
01-09-2009, 03:15 AM
#70
unfortunately for me, I'm driving 4 hours to get the car and I know literally 1 other person in Jersey who is slightly more experienced than I am, but is unavailable that weekend. How many posts does it take before you can start sending PMs anyways?
01-09-2009, 06:38 AM
#71
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
There is alot of info in your registration email. You won't be granted full access to user profiles, photo galleries, or the private message system, you also will not be be able to post new threads in the Black Market, until you've been here 15 days and have made 3 constructive posts.
01-09-2009, 08:05 AM
#72
Safety Car
I havent really read the other posts but Id get a nasty lawyer involved and sue the shit out of the dealership. Id have a demolition derby afterwards infront of everyone that works there....just because I could. Id laugh when id see the owner crying.....and then id throw him the keys to the wrecked acura they sold me and say hey man theres one thats certified.....its all yours.
01-09-2009, 08:29 AM
#73
I now have gained much experience from this and can show him my car while at the dealer (which happens to be the same one he wants to purchase a vehicle from. I can show him some of the things my boy at the auto body shop showed me to look for. He showed me where to knock on the TL's outter frames, quaterpanel and even bumpers. He's repaired like 10 TL's already and he could take my car appart with in an hour.
My boy a (Certified Auto body tech) is probably coming with me to Acura with the paint depth gun to help me with my argument. All depends on how much work he has tomorrow at his shop. I have to drive 1hour to get there so I will be taking alot of time off his hands.
He showed me the paint lines which are barely visible that were left over by masking tape...you can actually feel them when you open both the doors on the Right side of my car. I compaired the left side to the right side doors and there is a slight difference which further proove's a repair was made.
You may ask why I didn't notice it...well here is why. The Rubber that outlines the door leaves a light outline of dirt that looks very similer to the marks left by masking tape, you could barely see it...you won't know unless you wipe it off or feel them to see if you feel a groove. If it doesn't wipe off then you know its a paint mark left by tape.
I was a fool to trust Acura and their inspection method...if I would of known I would have brought my friend it the first place.
I am posting pictures and will be posting them to help out people.
Last edited by LexLuminati; 01-09-2009 at 08:34 AM.
01-09-2009, 08:54 AM
#74
your knowledge gained due to this unfortunate event was the reason I asked for your help as well. I would've never been able to catch the things you now see clearly and I do appreciate you offering to help me.
If you can send other users an email through the board via their profiles, please email me and we could exchange mob #s. I know you will be frustrated and eager to find a resolve for your own problems but I'm bordering paranoia with this and will truly appreciate any help you can potentially offer me tomorrow. If not, I understand.
If you can send other users an email through the board via their profiles, please email me and we could exchange mob #s. I know you will be frustrated and eager to find a resolve for your own problems but I'm bordering paranoia with this and will truly appreciate any help you can potentially offer me tomorrow. If not, I understand.
Why would my help be useless if offered?
I now have gained much experience from this and can show him my car while at the dealer (which happens to be the same one he wants to purchase a vehicle from. I can show him some of the things my boy at the auto body shop showed me to look for. He showed me where to knock on the TL's outter frames, quaterpanel and even bumpers. He's repaired like 10 TL's already and he could take my car appart with in an hour.
My boy a (Certified Auto body tech) is probably coming with me to Acura with the paint depth gun to help me with my argument. All depends on how much work he has tomorrow at his shop. I have to drive 1hour to get there so I will be taking alot of time off his hands.
He showed me the paint lines which are barely visible that were left over by masking tape...you can actually feel them when you open both the doors on the Right side of my car. I compaired the left side to the right side doors and there is a slight difference which further proove's a repair was made.
You may ask why I didn't notice it...well here is why. The Rubber that outlines the door leaves a light outline of dirt that looks very similer to the marks left by masking tape, you could barely see it...you won't know unless you wipe it off or feel them to see if you feel a groove. If it doesn't wipe off then you know its a paint mark left by tape.
I was a fool to trust Acura and their inspection method...if I would of known I would have brought my friend it the first place.
I am posting pictures and will be posting them to help out people.
I now have gained much experience from this and can show him my car while at the dealer (which happens to be the same one he wants to purchase a vehicle from. I can show him some of the things my boy at the auto body shop showed me to look for. He showed me where to knock on the TL's outter frames, quaterpanel and even bumpers. He's repaired like 10 TL's already and he could take my car appart with in an hour.
My boy a (Certified Auto body tech) is probably coming with me to Acura with the paint depth gun to help me with my argument. All depends on how much work he has tomorrow at his shop. I have to drive 1hour to get there so I will be taking alot of time off his hands.
He showed me the paint lines which are barely visible that were left over by masking tape...you can actually feel them when you open both the doors on the Right side of my car. I compaired the left side to the right side doors and there is a slight difference which further proove's a repair was made.
You may ask why I didn't notice it...well here is why. The Rubber that outlines the door leaves a light outline of dirt that looks very similer to the marks left by masking tape, you could barely see it...you won't know unless you wipe it off or feel them to see if you feel a groove. If it doesn't wipe off then you know its a paint mark left by tape.
I was a fool to trust Acura and their inspection method...if I would of known I would have brought my friend it the first place.
I am posting pictures and will be posting them to help out people.
01-09-2009, 09:26 AM
#75
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
I really do apologize for saying that. I think it came out harsher than the way I meant it . 
01-09-2009, 10:28 AM
#76
your knowledge gained due to this unfortunate event was the reason I asked for your help as well. I would've never been able to catch the things you now see clearly and I do appreciate you offering to help me.
If you can send other users an email through the board via their profiles, please email me and we could exchange mob #s. I know you will be frustrated and eager to find a resolve for your own problems but I'm bordering paranoia with this and will truly appreciate any help you can potentially offer me tomorrow. If not, I understand.
If you can send other users an email through the board via their profiles, please email me and we could exchange mob #s. I know you will be frustrated and eager to find a resolve for your own problems but I'm bordering paranoia with this and will truly appreciate any help you can potentially offer me tomorrow. If not, I understand.
Maybe you should bring an expert also with you if you really are worried. Not every car Acura sells is the devil...hell I didn't even notice until I got hit by another car. Test drive it as much as possible...take a 30 minute drive...if they want the car sold they sure better let you do what you want.
Do you have an email address that I could email you my number?
I love my car. I had the money to buy a used 2006 G35x, Lexus IS350, and2005 530i...but none of them had the look, feel, or comfort of the TL or even customazation options. I fell in love with possibilty's of Nav2go and so on. Its one of the best looking car's that looks good stock. Very little things need to be done.
01-09-2009, 10:33 AM
#77
01-09-2009, 01:11 PM
#79
Cruisin'
Join Date: Jun 2008
Age: 50
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This is a very good idea and makes panel replacement much easier to find, but, based on the OP's description, it sounds as if the panels were NOT replaced. In that case the VIN Stickers would still match.
Very true, but the question is not, "Is it easy?", the question is, "Is it required?" or "Is it customary?". Of course, I don't know Acura's CPO procedure for each of the 150 points, but my guess is that a lot of what *really* happens is a brief check and some good old-fashioned pencil-whipping.
Very true, but the question is not, "Is it easy?", the question is, "Is it required?" or "Is it customary?". Of course, I don't know Acura's CPO procedure for each of the 150 points, but my guess is that a lot of what *really* happens is a brief check and some good old-fashioned pencil-whipping.
01-09-2009, 01:30 PM
#80
05 TL 6MT
Join Date: Jan 2009
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Just my 2 cents here. When I bought my 2005 TL, I had a buddy check the VINs on a couple models this dealer was selling. They all came back clean. I then did some more research on the matter and was turned on to autocheck.com. Well, I checked the 4 VINs and 3 of them came back with frame damage or other title problems not reported by CarFax.