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This past Friday; I took my father and mom (87 & 86) to purchase a new vehicle. I tried to convince my dad to buy used, as that is what I always do - but he wouldn't have it. He had to have a new car! "This is probably my last car before I die." He is the type of person who hounds you to death, until you give in. A real grown baby! So; I finally broke down, and drove him to the dealership. To cut to the chase, the finance guy loaded up the sales contact with extras, that he claimed came factory from Chrysler (the vehicle is a Dodge Grand Caravan). For example: remote start, car wrap... totaling over $3,000 in options he doesn't need. They also tabed on $1,000 over the agreed upon sales price of the van. I was in the finance guys office with them, but had to sit behind my parents, as we all couldn't fit in the small office. I wish I would have kept mom at home, as I could have then sat next to dad in the office, and seen all the fluff charges on the sales contract.
I was at a motorcycle safety course (motorcycling is my respite as a caregiver) on Saturday for 10 hours, so I didn't go over his contract until today. That's when I realized all these "factory included options," where not factory included. When we came home from the dealer on Friday, we had a severe rainstorm (or I would have read the contract then - all the paperwork was in the glove box of the new van).
So; I put a stop order on the $8,000 down payment check with our bank, today. The new mini van is here at our home, with a total of 20 miles on it. I took a picture of the odometer with a date stamped digital camera, in case I have the dealership pick up the van. I emailed the finance guy today, stating the above issues (can't get him on the phone) - with a threat to go to our personal Lawyer, as well as the IL States At tourney office. My Dad is a WW II and Korean war vet - so the American Legion might be an option for fraud help? Anyone else have any helpful input, for a situation such as this. I informed the finance guy in my email that I would like the sales contract re-written (without all the extras, which haven't been installed by the dealership yet), or they can come and pick up the damn van. I am going to try and call Chrysler Corp direct as well, as complain about the dealership. Found out today, they have a C rating, with the Better Business Bureau. I am the POA and caregiver for my parents. My Dad is the only one who signed the sales contract. After this incident; I may have to have him declared incompetent - so this doesn't happen again. He's not too good with figures etc. anymore. He always wants to take charge when he buys anything. Any helpful input regarding what I can do with this situation, is greatly appreciated! I live in Cook County IL if that makes any difference.

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It sounds as if you are doing everything that needs to be done. I agree with contacting all of the people you mentioned. My concern here is the potential of removing your father's sense of autonomy and power. He knows he is old and ill but still wants to feel useful and in control. I would allow that belief to continue. If he wants to make another large purchase I would recommend taking him to the company and when possible quietly take the salesman aside and inform him that dad has some medical issues, you are the POA, and all financial decisions are yours. Tell the salesman he should respect your father's sense of autonomy and allow him to negotiate a deal. This way your father can feel that he did all the work and be proud of the deal he got. You, however, will arrange the actual deal. Having him declared incompetent is a big step and should be taken carefully.
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Thanks for the replies all! Sorry for the late response. After Labor Day; I was able to get a hold of a half way decent manager at the dealership. I explained how the salesman misrepresented - what came factory on the vehicle, and what was a dealer option, to my elderly father. I also explained to the manger how the finance guy, was also evasive on the factory vs. option topic. So; the manager agreed with my request to re-write the contract. We were lucky enough to get a finance woman who was really nice. Dad wore his Navy hat with his campaign ribbons on it (WW II, Korea) - so; she asked about, and thanked him for his service time. All the unnecessary options (almost $4,000 worth), were taken off by the finance lady - as well as the $2000 extended warranty. So; now Dad is happy, as well as I - to a point. If he would have agreed to let me get him a good used vehicle - I would have been a lot happier! I think if I didn't have put a stop order on the original 8K down payment - the ordeal probably would have been more difficult? Thanks again for all the helpful input! I appreciate it!
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Return the vehicle to the dealership.....if it was purchased within the three-day window. Purchase another ( if you wish) from the same dealership only this time with caution.....no gimmicks, no add-ons, no "features".
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My mother did this exact same thing, but with a lease. We did not know at the time that she had AD. 2 months later, she forgot to pay and the car was repossessed. We approached the dealer at that point and they said that although they noticed my mom's confusion, there are laws against age discrimination and there is a very sensitive, fine line. She kept the car another couple of months until she got lost, and AD progessed to the point that she could not drive anymore. At this point with a letter from the doctor in hand, the dealership agreed to take the car back with no penalty.
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Bill - thx for giving us an update. I do have a wee bit of a concern I'd like to express however.

I'm really glad but the financial and if things work out for your folks and you. It goes without saying that no one should be ripped off and that certainly was the case here.

My concerns are more that you are very alert now to watch your dads behavior and abilities as far as driving is concerned. If he was not capable of making sound financial decisions and understanding what was being done to him, his reaction time when behind the wheel and ability to make good driving judgments is probably also heading in the direction of some kind of impairment.

If they are unable to recognize their mental disability - and this is more often than not the case - then "taking away" the driving privileges is one of the hardest things we have to do to our elders and something that causes deep anger and aggravation because it decreases independence.

My dad use to repair and race midget race cars. He drilled into me how getting behind the wheel is driving a weapon. Yet, even with his experience, when the time came that he should no longer be driving, he was unaware of it. My mom and I had to disappear the keys. Your dad is already quite senior, so just watch closely and be prepared. You wouldn't want him to hurt or kill anyone or themselves.
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Thank goodness you found the one person with common sense and a shred of compassion, whether real or feigned...who wasn't counting commission dollars. She saved the dealership AND you a lot of grief.
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I know that stopping payment on a check here in Texas like that is a FELONY! A dealership can OWN YOU in such a case.

That said, I would not threaten with a lawyer - I'd GET ONE! Right NOW!

I hate it when these sob's prey on the elderly. Often there's no justice and no satisfaction, but do your best and try anyway.

Make sure you have full coverage on that van in case you're stuck with it for awhile.
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It sounds like you have done quite well - BBB, Attorney General, and personal lawyer involved should do the trick and get them to cancel the "extras," if not the enitre contract. Document objectively and carefully that this was presented to your dad as "factory options" and he did NOT understand there would be extra charges and was unable to read the fine print he signed to, was just told to initial and sign and he complied. You may need a letter to them by an attorney as well, sometimes that's all it takes. I hope you can nail these guys and but good.
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Your father seems perfectly alert and intact and he can do what HE wants with the vehicle. His signature is valid. I doubt that the dealership will cooperate with a third party who is having second thoughts. I don't blame them.
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Glad it worked out, and may I add, what the heck is wrong with people?!!! Hate slimy people...
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