Caution: Inclement Weather Look Closer

It was a cold rainy Thursday and a friend asked that I accompany her on an appointment to test drive a Nissan Murano.

We arrived at the dealership and a 2012 Murano was parked right where we could not miss it with a huge sign across the front windshield displaying the model, year and discounted price. It is a 2012.

The salesperson came out, a few pleasantries exchanged and we took a walk around the car giving the exterior a good once over. My friend got in the passenger seat, because salesperson must first drive car off the lot, and I sat in the backseat. Off we went on the appointed test drive route.

At the designated safe spot for a driver change, my friend took the wheel. She and the salesman discussed features exchanged a few questions and answers and back to the dealership we went for the heavy lifting - negotiations.

Since my friend had done her homework, got pre-approved for financing and knew her firm buy figure, the process didn't take but one back and forth and one manager visit to say welcome.

After about an hour off she went to the F & I and the Murano to prep for delivery. Contracts were reviewed, service contracts presented and declined, protection package presented and declined, credit life presented and declined, etc. You get the picture. Buyers order and contact signed and another happy Murano owner walks out the door with the delivery person.

Now, the delivery person took her out to the car for features and equipment familiarization and another walk around the car.

It stopped raining and I came out to take a better look at the exterior and low and behold on the hood were several spots that at first glance looked like just a few rain spots. Wrong. Ran my finger over each one a found deep service scars. At about this time the general sales manager came out to thank her for the business and asked if all went well.

I showed him the several blemishes he rubbed them agreed to have them removed and had salesperson get a We Owe form. This form is used to schedule appointment for car to be brought back buffed and whatever else is needed to remove the imperfections.

This could have been prevented if we had not been distracted by the cold and rain. This could have happened if it were night time. Caution: in inclement weather before you sign the contract have the car cleaned, brought inside with good lighting and you conduct a thorough walk around paying extra attention to painted surfaces and wheels. If it's dark have the car taken inside for a good look.

My friend brought the car back as scheduled given a loaner and asked to come back in a few hours. A few hours later the dealer called and said the car would have to go to a paint specialist. She loss that day, the weekend and Monday of the following week.

It's Tuesday around 6:15pm and she's waiting for the dealer to bring her new Murano over as he said in an earlier call today. Caution: in inclement weather look closer before you buy.