Dealer Scam? Need advise.
 

I need some advise.

I bought my car back in April of this year. 1000.00 cash downpayment, contract signed and good to go right?

Not so fast... I received a letter about a week ago from the dealer collection department claiming that I still owed the 1000.00 downpayment. Furious as hell I called the number on the letter. A lady answered.

Lady: How did you pay?
Me: Cash.
Lady: Do you have a receipt?
Me: I didn't know I was supposed to have a receipt.
Lady: I'll look into it and call you back.
Me: Sure.

Then I get a call from the dealer saying that they never received the payment and it's overdue and it needs to be taken care of right away. I told them you must be crazy. I'm not paying additional 1000.00! He said we'll see you in court then and hung up...

I re-read the contract and in the line where it said Downpayment it clearly states "$1000.00 cash". And the total invoice was deducted 1000.00. I just spoke to a lawyer and he said they (dealer) will probably take me to small claims court in which case he cannot represent me.

What should I do???

Learn not to deal in cash with large amounts?

Always get a receipt for any payment?

If you have paper work from the dealer saying you paid the $1000 down payment go to the dealer and show them. If they still don't belive their own paperwork, I guess you'll be seeing them in court. In your contract that saying you paid $1000 that would act a recipt in this case. But for future reference, always get a recipt. Never know whos out to screw you

The thing is I went to go pick up the car near closing time and was kinda rushed.... They forgot my owners manual and almost forgot my temporary registeration. I think the person who took my cash "pocketed" it and is trying to screw me over since he knew he didn't give me a receipt?

So the contract should be good right?

Man that sucks, do what fullmonty says and take your paperwork down and see if you can straighten it out. It's been like three months, they are probably idiots, maybe they lost their own paperwork who knows. If it doesn't go well, then show up in court and fight it, it's your word against theirs. Why would the dealer let you have the car in the first place if they didn't take your 1k cash at signing? Doesn't make sense. Finally, let us know what dealer it is so others don't have to go through the same nightmare.

Going to call the dealer after work...

San Bernardino Nissan.

I will keep you guys posted. This really does suck.

Buy from me next time.

Just kidding, go to the dealer and work something out.

I would've if I knew about this forum prior to my purchase..

Yeah I'm gonna call them after work.

Just make sure you keep your cool when your there and not say anything incriminating/threating like "I'm going to run you over with my Z tonight after you get off work".

Try to keep that to yourself :).

I will keep that in mind. :tup:

Let us know how it goes. But ya if that contract says you made a $1000 down payment, then you are golden. Even if they a stupid enough to go to court over it they will lose.

Thanks.. Good to know I have something to prove in case it ends up going to court.

I will definitely keep you all posted.

If they take you to court, I'd be counter-suing for my time and effort to defend myself!!! I don't know if it would stick or not, but that's B.S. if they sue you.

Hmm... That's not a bad idea. Well we'll see how "far" it goes.

i would think your contract would hold up.
but when i bought mine i also paid an extra 1000.00 down but it was with a check but they gave a reciept . hell the check was even post dated 10 days out and they took it. but it was the 3rd car i bought there. good luck