Just bought a 05 997 from a dealer in US. Since I'm from Norway I have bought the car unseen.

The salesperson was very helpfull during the process, answering all question and doing all the modifications I wanted, which I of course paid the normal rate for. Now, after I have received the car, there are several differences from what I was informed about. The car had CD-changer and they would buff the car to remove all scracthes and swirwls. Later they charge me $250 to do the polish because they will do the job to a other company to make it perfect. When I receive the car, the car has not been buffed at all. When I sent e-mails I didn't get answers, until I mentioned that I would contact BBB if they wouldn't answer.

I then receive a mail where he suggest that missing CD changer has been stolen and scratches and swirwl has happen during transports, because it was all perfect when the car left. I tell him that this cant be since its been locked up and transportet in container all way. And the funny part, the newly painted parts done by them are without scratches, all other parts have.....

Then he says that I shouldn't worry about the faults and enjoy the car, since I have saved so much money bying car in US. They wil not give any compensation at all. I then mail telling, its not about money, but about to honour a deal agreed about.

What should I do?

 

Never EVER buy a car sight unseen. At least find someone you can trust outside of a dealership to eyeball it for you. I'd contact the General Manager of the dealership in question and let them know the inconsistencies in the story, and see what they say. CD changer can be replaced, and paint finish can probably be polished out, so no biggies there. Anything else not quite right?

 

I feel that at this price level it would have been best to see and place your hand right on that car before paying for it . But that past and education is expensive .

You do have a nice car and my advice is to enjoy it . As for the concept of fairness ? Or "honoring" a verbal agreement ?

Well here's my thought -- fairness is one of many fairy tale concepts often taught to children by adults who know first hand what it's like to be screwed .

Maturing often involves aloss of one's innocence and with this car deal you gained a great car , gained knowledge of how to buy another one in the future , but lost some emotional security in the process .

 

Its not about honoring a verbal agreement. All things I have asked for is by mail and so is his answer. For experience, verbal agreement is no good. Mails are better

 

Did you buy it from an independent dealer? I was visiting with the dealer I bought my car from, and was told Porsche is aggressively trying to stop the exporting of cars from the US.

 

Asked them to change cooler fluid to Pentosin, not done. Some small parts in the front suspension, even when the car went throught their extensive test.

He also says that since I asked them to do some modifications, he says they didn't earn so much money, but I paid the workshop rates they asked for all work, so i can't understand????

Have bought several cars unseen from Germany without any problems, so I guess this should be ok also.

 

It sounds like you want to resolve it . How ?
Do you think they will fly out to Norway to remove swirl marks?

I am all in favor of you finding peace with this but it sounds like they have their avenue out as the car was transported . Plus it was an 05 which is not a new car .

I understand that it can be frustrating but at some point you might ask is the effort to be proven right worth the aggravation OR is sometimes winning knowing when it's best to disengage from drama .

Only you can decide for yourself . I wish you well.

 

My experience is when you have taken delivery the deal is done. It would be difficult enough if you were local and poped in the dealership everyday but being that far away you don't really have a leg to stand on. Just go from there. The stress is just not worth it.

 

I would hope that they would ship me a CD changer which I will pay the install for and refund the $250 for buffing and polishing which they didn't do.

What kind of help can I expect if I contact BBB or the Attorney general in state? Can I expect that the dealer will accept their faults if I contact the mentioned organisations? I have heard that companies don't won't to mess with the BBB, correct?

 

Since this is my first time I buy a car from US I don't know what to expect. But from experience, when buying in Germany, the dealers always fix or find a solution if there are things that isn't as it was supposed to be.

 

I would agree with some of the others, I would contact the General Manager and sort it out with him, suggest to him (only if you feel you aren't getting anywhere) that you will tell your story on every forum and any friend that you might have in Norway that might be buying a car from the US. I would also be prepared for a compromise, ask him to send you a CD changer and you will get some one in Norway to fix the Swirl Marks.

As for the BBB, I think that it is a waste of time. They don't have any power to enforce. I don't think that the local officials are going to do anything, as they can't see the car (without traveling to Nornway) and it is a small issue.

Get what you can from them, and write the rest off as a learning experience.

 

Very well said!

I agree that you shouldn't expect much from the dealer considering your location, but it is definitely worth contacting the GM over. In no way would I just accept it and move on without trying at all. In the end however, if they don't offer you a resolution, then consider it a lesson learned and move on.

 

Please report to BBB
it is free and easy anyway. They will get bad rating if they can't resolve your issues.
I think you can also contact Porsche NA. Tell them your experience of this dealership.
You should receive a survey from Porsche NA too, and tell the dealership, if they don't fix the problems, they will get the worst rating ever.
I am the one who like to fight for it. I just took deliver of my car, and the transporter open my top during transfer and make my interior very dusty and also a small mark on the body. I talked to them, and they send me a check to fix the problem.
In your situation, they are completely wrong. It should not be like that. Talk to their GM, or the owner.
Which dealership is that?

 

In hindsight you should have either hired an independent car inspector or asked someone on one of the Porsche boards to look the car over. Those guys are anxious to help out in matters like this.

It's not clear from your post that you bought the car from an 'authorized' Porsche dealer. If you didn't, you have no way to complain to PCNA.

Finally, a good detail job will take care of the superficial swirls or blemishes. Forget the CD changer and put in an IPod adapter (ie. Desion, etc). And last but not least try to forget this experience and go out and enjoy your new 'ride'.

Good Luck!

 

Yea, I did hired a inspector to inspect the car for 100 dollars even for a new car.
But you know, they are monkeys. tire sizes are wrong, options he listed are wrong.... but at least someone looked at the car. Next time, after they are done before shipping and paying, you should have someone check the things you asked them to do before paying them. I believe they can check the specific things you asked them to check.