Legal Question in Consumer Law in Washington

Auto sale - Dealer forced sale??

I go to shop for a new car, after 3 hours of being there, call my fiance to bring in the trade to see what they offer. They give me a price, saying my rims, stereo & toolbox can be taken off and swapped with the new car tomorrow. I sign the contract, left the dealership only to return the next day and they say my car isn't there, it's being cleaned. I won't sihn the NEW contract becaue I want to be able to get my stuff off the truck. They say come back. I go in the next day.. they don't have the keys. I've had it, I leave the new truck there, tell them I want mine back.. this smells funny. They call 5 days later saying they are selling my truck because I signed and my new truck needs picked up. I never pick it up.. They get a loan through a bank approx 2 days after that. Long story.. The bank now (4 mos ago) has taken the truck back, sold it.. and wants me to pay for the difference. Do I need to sue this car dealership? I really thought this was so crazy.. I guess I ignored it too long.


Asked on 12/05/07, 7:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Auto sale - Dealer forced sale??

You need to find a local attorney who handles consumer protection issues, and be prepared to be charged for this by the attorney by the hour. You might want to look for somebody on avvo.com, as that can sort out type of practice.

The dealership can sell the truck and require you to pay them the balance between the contract amount you agreed to pay and the amount they got for the truck at auction.

The proof of your claim is going to rely on your being able to show a written contract regarding your trade in.

Letting it go for four months doesn't help, either, unfortunately.

best of luck with this -

Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 12/05/07, 11:56 pm


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