My brother in law has a 2007 Nissan Maxima (not sure of the package & exact mileage, but it has leather, bluetooth and some other bells and whistles) and took it to the dealership to get a final service before his warranty runs out. The mechanic took it for a test drive and during this was t-boned by a truck driver. It was the truck drivers fault. There was damage all over the vehicle and multiple areas of frame damage. The insurance decided to total the car. My brother in law asked me for opinions as to how to deal with the dealership because both he and I think they should give him a good deal. I dont want the dealership to "lose" money, but I dont feel it is right for them to get any commission off of a new vehicle from them. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks
Lawyer up!!! Although since it was in the dealerships possession their insurance should pony up. If not, sue their insurance company
Couldnt agree more. They have called their lawyers the second that accident happened. They will out power you. To be honest....Id ask for a new Maxima for free. Start at FREE and work your way up if need be. Car dealers are ALWAYS making money off you. If nothing else, you will feel comforted by having a reputable lawyer.
Im not sure of all the details regarding your situation, but I would always have a lawyer. A good lawyer may have an angle you didn't think of, or on the other hand, they may be a huge waste of money.....however, at least you exhausted all your options and ruled out leaving something on the table. If someone totaled my car, Id have a lawyer.
You should demand payment for the blue book value of your car. You should also be reimbursed for a rental car until payment is received. If the accident was the negligence of the truck driver, the truck drivers insurance will be responsible for your claims. I would contact their insurance company directly. I would not negotiate any deal to purchase a car from the dealer ship until payment is received. The insurance should be providing a rental car immediatley. You brother may want to consult with a lawyer, but i dont think its necessary since he wasnt driving and wont be suing for pain and suffering
I'm not sure about in the USA, but in Canada that is absolutely false. My wife is a salesperson for Mazda and like all other brands, the dealerships only get 8% profit on the price they sell you a car, in that they need to pay off expenses as well as the salespersons commision. Dealers make their money on warantees, maintenance packages and extras such as wheels, lip spoilers and car alarms, etc. OP - the offer they made your borther for the same model car at 9K is a good deal. I would jump on it if pride is not an issue with your brother. (Pride as in: "they screwed up, I'm not giving them business ever again") They want to keep clients and by giving him this deal, if he accepts it, he is basically accepting to stay a client with them. IMO, he should take their offer.
