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I bought a 2011 BMW from a dealer about 2.5 years ago. A couple of months ago the radio stopped working so I took it to a BMW specialist. He has informed me that the car is on BMW's "black list" because it has been in multiple accidents and the electronics are a mish mash of parts - all prior to me buying it. BMW will not allow him to do any work on the electronics - radio, computer etc. The car does drive but I am now concerned that something else could suddenly go wrong. The dealer website says all cars go though a thorough AA check which the mechanic tells me would pick up the issues he's found (45 of them).

The car was sold to me as a quality import and I paid $20,000. There was no mention of prior accidents or issues. If I had known I would not have bought the car.

Do I have any recourse or am I out of luck because it took too long for me to find out that the car had been misrepresented.

thanks

John

Hi there,
The CGA doesn't list a specific time-frame for disputes to arise and to seek resolution in the Disputes Tribunal. Information can be found here: https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/cars/solving-issues-car-dealer/
There are many different inspections the AA carries out for different purposes, AA/Jevic odometer verification, Entry compliance, dealer-only Appraisal, and Customer purchased PPI inspections. So to say an AA check is a pretty broad term.

Hi

website says "Transparent full $190 AA inspection" - it's one of their selling points, along with statements that they do not sell accident damaged cars

I will approach the dealership with the printouts from the car's recorder that details the accident(s) and ask themto respond.

Yes, best to make the dealer aware and see what they say. It looks like they are definitely referring to the AA Pre Purchase Inspection which is an 8 page inspection report (so you would definitely know if this was done) and is usually booked and paid for by the buyer, not the dealer. https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/buying-a-car/car-buying-guide/pre-purchase-vehicle-inspections/
It should have been advertised that an inspection is available if requested as it's not normally something dealers/sellers would automatically provide (due to cost), unlike an Appraisal (one page) report that Appraised dealers list.