Told My Car Was AWD When It Is RWD

Wallyt99 on 29/04/2023 - 20:51
Last edited 30/04/2023 - 10:02 by 1 other user

About 6 months ago I bought a new to me car at a dealership.

The advertisement didn't say whether it was RWD or AWD, and so I asked the dealer explaining to them I needed AWD, and the sales person told me it was AWD.

I subsequently bought the car, but now 6 months later I've found out the car is the RWD version.

I've spent significant coin on the car including new tyres, new brake pads, a new alternator, and done 10,000ks.

I'm really not sure what to do here though as I've clearly been ripped off. The AWD is worth at least $3000 more than RWD.

The dealer was a major auto company dealer and not a dodgy brothers yard.

Any advice?

Automotive Car Ford SUV

Comments

    • Wallyt99 on 30/04/2023 - 04:49
      +8

      As described below it is to ensure legal towing capacity.

      I also explained why I needed AWD to the dealer.

      • matt-ozb on 30/04/2023 - 10:14

        why do you need AWD?

        • bobkin on 30/04/2023 - 10:46
          +11

          The awd models have a towing capacity of 2700kg, the rwd models 2300kg (assuming it’s a ford territory)

  • Euphemistic on 29/04/2023 - 21:22
    +1

    What car?

    It appears you’ve driven it long enough to realise you probably don’t need AWD

    What can you do? Not much other than learn an expensive lesson

  • lachhelix on 29/04/2023 - 21:23
    +6

    I listen to most car sales people with a grain of salt - a vast majority will say whatever they want to make the sale/don't have a clue and start listing out the features of a car like electric windows and keyless entry - features most cars have had for the last decade.

    I'd have checked the contract before you signed to make sure you were happy with the model you bought

    Congrats on the new car nevertheless!

  • KaTst3R on 29/04/2023 - 21:30
    +1

    Did you record it or get it down on paper?

  • Circly on 29/04/2023 - 21:40

    Don't think you have much of a case.

    • lachhelix on 29/04/2023 - 21:44

      😂😂

    • thatonethere on 29/04/2023 - 22:09
      +10

      I was expecting this - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005106244479.html?pdp_np…

      • pegaxs on 29/04/2023 - 22:58
        +1

        Weirdly enough, either of these options would work…

      • bdl on 29/04/2023 - 23:05

        Aliexpress so cheap you can get both for less than the cost of OP taking dealer to court. :D

        ps: I have no idea why Aliexpress keeps on referring me to their Vietnamese site :|

        • pegaxs on 30/04/2023 - 09:07
          +1

          I get either the Russian site or the NZ site…

    • aaronaldo on 01/05/2023 - 14:07
      +1

      haha, I can see the sales person telling the buyer to bring the car in and they'll "fix" it…. it'll take 2 weeks… then goes and slaps on one of these stickers out back.

  • Wiadro on 29/04/2023 - 21:44
    +1

    It probably is awd you just don’t know how to change it from rwd to awd

    • bdl on 29/04/2023 - 23:05
      +1

      Neither did the dealer :)

  • randomusername2017 on 29/04/2023 - 21:58
    +4

    Sure it's a car?¿

  • afoveht on 29/04/2023 - 22:02

    major auto company dealer and not a dodgy brothers yard

    Why not both?

  • brendanm on 29/04/2023 - 22:11
    +4

    Don't leave us hanging, what car is it? I hope it's a territory.

  • pegaxs on 29/04/2023 - 23:00
    +13

    I needed AWD…

    Nek minnit…

    but now 6 months later I've found out the car is the RWD version.

    My god, this forum is just the gift that keeps on giving. Needed AWD, but took 6 months to notice it didn't have AWD… *cry_laughing_emoji.gif*

    The AWD is worth at least $3000 more than RWD.

    Yeah, but think of the saving on fuel and tyres…

    • RockyRaccoon on 30/04/2023 - 08:00

      Even JV. below had some wise advice rather than being too cruel.

  • jv on 29/04/2023 - 23:21
    +7

    Any advice?

    Can you prove they said that?

  • Muzeeb on 30/04/2023 - 00:03
    +10

    Tell us the car son

  • Eeples on 30/04/2023 - 00:34
    +1

    What remedy do you think is fair, OP?

    • SoTightEcoLPI on 30/04/2023 - 00:52

      I am thinking bringing back Tracy Grimshaw for a return interview with some cold hard compensation in the form of Cashback credit to his account for this misleading advertised car sold to the OP!

    • Wallyt99 on 01/05/2023 - 00:00
      -1

      This is actually a very good question and to be honest I'm not really sure.

      I've spend money on the car (Over $3000), but also put 10k kms on the car.

      A ternination of the contract would likely be reasonable, but the sad thing is I really like the car. It just doesn't meet the needs that I explained to the dealer and that sucks.

      There was another car for sale at the same time almost identical but was the salesperson was honest about it being RWD. It was $3000 less.

      This would also be an acceptable remedy.

      • Jack D Price on 01/05/2023 - 11:32

        How did you find out it wasn't AWD? Am honestly thinking of trying to go AWD, but I haven't driven one yet.

  • iNeed2Pee on 30/04/2023 - 00:44
    +7

    These forum posts are killing me slowly.

    • blitz on 30/04/2023 - 00:56
      +2

      Killing you slowly with their love?

  • SoTightEcoLPI on 30/04/2023 - 00:51
    +4

    Assuming it is a Territory, An AWD model Territory are worth less than the RWD counterparts.

    You've also mentioned you have spent coin on serviceable items like tyres and brake pads. How unfortunate.

    I'd also suggest that the below is kept always full to ensure good serviceability of the item.

    https://imgur.com/gallery/6TD2A

    .

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 30/04/2023 - 10:49
      +1

      Unavailable on the BMW site.

      • maverickjohn on 30/04/2023 - 21:43

        The same jokes seriously get old.

        • DashCam AKA Rolts on 01/05/2023 - 12:09

          Might be old, but still relevant and relatable.

    • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 30/04/2023 - 13:40
      +1

      Agree. Owned owned one of the last models in diesel titanium spec brand new. RWD is less thirsty, costs less to service and is more reliable. I think this
      deception' was a win

  • Pelicannn on 30/04/2023 - 01:16
    +2

    Where’s Wally?

    Not getting a refund on his 6 month old car, that’s for sure…

  • shake on 30/04/2023 - 01:30
    +11

    IMO some pretty harsh comments on here… does it really matter why or if the OP needed AWD?

    Change the word “needed” to “wanted” and the situation remains the same. He/she is just asking for any advice on how to go about seeking redress.

    For what it’s worth, I agree with bobbified above - probably comes down to whether the paperwork supports your case, otherwise it’ll be a tough battle.

  • Wallyt99 on 30/04/2023 - 04:32
    +10

    The paperwork doesn't mention the drive type nor os the drive type mentioned in any of the service books ETC. Which I did check thoroughly. It's a ford territory.

    The only way to differentiate the models is to check under the car and I'm not a mechanic.

    The AWD has a 500kg greater tow capacity which I need to tow my boat legally, which I explained to the dealer.

    • Wallyt99 on 30/04/2023 - 04:44
      +3

      The other think I spent money on the car was installing the Hayman Reese 2700kg towbar. For a car that only has a 2300kg capacity.

      • Muzeeb on 30/04/2023 - 07:50
        +14

        Did you discover it's RWD at a wet boat ramp while trying to retrieve the boat?

        • mapax on 30/04/2023 - 08:19

          Saw that happen the other week, might still have it on dashcam. Of course the other boat owner was a useless profanity and yelled abuse instead of offering to help the guy who couldn’t get traction.

      • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 10:08
        +1

        Did the towbar installers tell you it wasn't an AWD after the installation was paid for?

      • BartholemewH on 30/04/2023 - 10:16

        The towbar installer didn't mention it was missing a transfer case / drive axles?

        • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 16:32

          Towbar is a broomstick held on with gaffer tape with a central cuphook.

          *Basically even if the towbar dude twigged, they would keep schtum until smoko, to enjoy the full potential of the amusement on offer. Or visit this thread and chip in.

    • forrester on 30/04/2023 - 05:40
      +21

      If you had included this background in your opening post, the responses would have possibly been more understanding and more relevant.

      Sorry to hear your misfortune, it must have been horrible when you found out. Not sure if you can get much recourse unfortunately.

      • cookie2 on 30/04/2023 - 15:15
        +11

        It's not on the OP that people are choosing to be wanks and smartarses instead of moving along. If this was face to face, you'd call it bullying. And you don't blame the one being bullied, the fault is with the aholes.

    • sk3iron on 30/04/2023 - 09:48
      +4

      They are badged similarly but not the same, i.e. TS SZ MKII Auto & TS SZ MKII Auto AWD. Specifically, if it doesn't have the AWD moniker, it's not AWD. Much in the same way that it states Auto, if it doesn't, it's a Manual but it doesn't state Manual.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 01/05/2023 - 14:17

      The only way to differentiate the models is to check under the car and I'm not a mechanic.

      You ever heard of a VIN?

      Should have been the first thing on your "Extensive research"

    • pformag on 02/05/2023 - 16:24

      Your rego will have AWD or RWD in the title

  • DingoBilly on 30/04/2023 - 05:45
    +28

    People here are being complete assholes for no reason when many of them would likely have done the same and also end up in the same situation. You could have explained the situation a bit better but it does make sense when reading your other posts.

    Unfortunately, I'm not sure you have a good solution unless it was written down or you can prove it in some way. You could try contacting the dealership and explaining the situation, and seeing if they'd refund any amount of money but your chances are very low and your overall situation of not being able to tow the boat would still remain.

    This forum post may be useful for you as it's a somewhat similar issue. People in that post were much more helpful rather than the largely useless comments above, but sounds like general outcome is same - need to check your contract.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/444116

    • sk3iron on 30/04/2023 - 09:31
      +6

      Not low, absolutely zero. I can almost guarantee that the original purchase agreement clearly states what the model was in bold at the top of the document, OP just failed to read it.

  • CrazyBargainCatcher on 30/04/2023 - 08:26
    +1

    ‘new tyres, new brake pads, a new alternator, and done 10,000ks.’
    You must drive horribly to need all these in 10,000ks and 6 months.

    • solidussnake on 30/04/2023 - 08:34
      +13

      Well OP did say it was a ford..

    • SteveB00 on 30/04/2023 - 08:41
      +6

      Territory was discontinued in 2016 so it’s obviously a used car. Do you know what condition the tyres, brake pads and alternator were in when the car was purchased?

    • mapax on 30/04/2023 - 08:41
      +1

      You must drive horribly to need all these in 10,000ks and 6 months.

      How does that relate to the alternator?

    • seannami on 30/04/2023 - 08:47
      +3

      Maybe they just wanted better tyres/ different kind of traction (if they are going boating etc)

      • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 15:55

        So why would they even mention it? If it was AWD he would still have done it.

        • ConsumerAffairs on 30/04/2023 - 19:38

          Was probably wondering why their road grip was a little lack luster

    • Protractor on 30/04/2023 - 15:49

      Not sure if that makes the car, or the driver, the core citrus component

    • Zawoooo on 30/04/2023 - 18:01
      +2

      Would be an upgraded alternaror, performance brake pads due to towing and AT or Mud tyres.

      • Wallyt99 on 01/05/2023 - 00:04

        The pads were noisy hence replaced them. AT tyres, and the alternator died. Nothing to do with driving at all.

  • ganchan on 30/04/2023 - 08:32
    +4

    I've tried to buy cars from dealers - they would tell me a blatant lie to my face, then I'd tell them what they are saying is not true and give the correct info.

    Their response is to smile and say nothing.

    Don't trust them. They lie. Look over every inch of the car yourself.

    Check the roof, did they put some cheap paint on top to mask a scratch?

    Check under the bonnet, is there some foreign matter near the radiator grille?

    Test drive with the window open while you brake - do they squeal?

    Get the VIN and independently check the model specs on one of the many sites that let you do that.

    • Lord Fart Bucket on 30/04/2023 - 20:45

      The guy that sold me my brand new car (a salesman at the dealer) was arrested at the dealership by the cops on the request of the manager of the dealership.
      He was ringing people after a sales contract was signed to try to get them to sell their trade-in privately to his "friends".

      For those wondering, one of the one's Church St, Parramatta.

      • MorriJ on 01/05/2023 - 01:05

        I get that's dishonest, what on earth was he charged with though?

        • Lord Fart Bucket on 01/05/2023 - 09:32
          +2

          Fraud. From what I understood of it, he defrauded the dealership.
          Dealer gave a trade in value of my car of say $8K, knowing it was worth $12K. He then - off the books - offered me $9K. He'd "work the paperwork" (signed contract!) to manage that $8K and got his friend to sell the car for $12K. He and his friend pocketed the $3K profit.

  • decryption on 30/04/2023 - 08:48
    +3

    You got fleeced by a typical car salesperson. Sell the RWD and buy an AWD. The Territory shouldn’t have lost much value unless you paid too much for it in the first place. A valuable lesson.

    • BartholemewH on 30/04/2023 - 10:22
      +2

      Correction - Sell the Territory and buy something else to tow with.

    • Saga on 30/04/2023 - 12:37
      +4

      Get someone to take the tow bar off first - especially if you decide to replacing with a AWD Territory. There's no point buying that twice.

  • aThirstyCamel on 30/04/2023 - 08:48
    +3

    What a Wally!

  • abear on 30/04/2023 - 08:56
    +4

    The Ford Territory AWD are all diesel engines with AWD badges on both front guards
    It's a bit hard to miss by either you or the dealer

    • pegaxs on 30/04/2023 - 09:20
      +3

      Not really… from about 2004 to 2010 there were petrol AWD variants. But yeah, from my memory, they all had the AWD badges on them… oh, and a front diff and drive shafts when you got gown and had a look underneath was also a dead giveaway.

    • BartholemewH on 30/04/2023 - 10:25
      +1

      Not true at all. Diesel wasn't even available until SZ, with AWD available from the beginning.

  • Rob-4x4 on 30/04/2023 - 09:02

    Toyota RAV4s are currently available in 2wds & AWD .. might be one of those …

    • pegaxs on 30/04/2023 - 09:12
      +3

      They are front wheel drive when not AWD. And OP has already said it was a Ford Tragedy…

    • Euphemistic on 30/04/2023 - 09:44
      +7

      Not RAV4. There’s no mention of roof racks.

  • smartazz104 on 30/04/2023 - 09:04
    +1

    This is almost as bad as the guy who though he had somehow purchased a RWD Camry…

  • Bilby s on 30/04/2023 - 09:10
    -2

    Really the onus is on the buyer to check if the vehicle listed in the sales order form is in fact what they are after. A check of the vin would have given you all the vehicle specifications. Even after signing the contract you have a cooling off period as well. You may have some recourse through the dealer principle. Did the contract state it was awd?

    • Muzeeb on 30/04/2023 - 09:24

      Have you even read the thread?

  • sk3iron on 30/04/2023 - 09:28
    +1

    It's hard not to pile onto the "took you 6 months to notice" group but it sounds like you enjoyed and found the last 6 months with the car perfectly fine until you "found out" it didn't have a feature you thought you needed but clearly haven't.

    What people are not pointing out is that you it sounds like you probably "thought" you were getting a smashing deal as compared to the higher price of the higher end model and when you were offered a "deal" on the cheaper model, you acted too impulsively & hastily without doing your due-diligence and are blaming the dealer for the mistake. I'm not surprised you don't want to name them, sounds like they were in the right.

    Next time when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    These sound like fundamental buyer beware statements but i'm shocked at none of these stages did you twig; always check the paperwork you sign before you sign it, ensure the product you receive matches the one you ordered before you take receipt, and that the product is what was described and came with everything as described. Also when purchasing a vehicle, a simple REVS check or PPSR can reveal all the info about the vehicle, make, model, variant and it's accident history, if any.

    Unfortunately, these steps should've taken place six months ago but it sounds like you've otherwise enjoyed the car for the last 6 months blissfully ignorant of the difference so ultimately who cares anyway, chaulk it up to life experience and move on.

    • Wallyt99 on 01/05/2023 - 00:09

      Not at all true. I paid towards the top of the market price.

      You are the first person to request I name the dealer. As I haven't contacted them about it yet, as I was seeking advice here, naming them would be rather unhelpful to all parties.

  • Big Dog on 30/04/2023 - 09:34
    +1

    @wallyt99 you seem reluctant to mention the make and model of the car. Are you sure there is an AWD model available?

    • mapax on 30/04/2023 - 09:42

      OP already confirmed it is a territory

      • Big Dog on 30/04/2023 - 09:49
        +1

        Ah yes, I see it now. I searched for all of OP's comments but somehow missed it. Thanks.

  • mousie on 30/04/2023 - 09:35
    +1

    Is it a high yield investment vehicle?

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2023 - 09:40
    +2

    How many magic beans did the car cost? Any more than 3 and you got screwed

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