Tom&SallyQ
Michigan
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Joined: 08/12/2007
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On June 16, 2008, we traded our Class A Southwind for a new 5th wheel. We love the fifth wheel, however we have experienced a major issue with the dealer. He has yet to pay off the trade in and it not only appears on our credit reports as a current contract, but we have been called constantly by the bank regarding late payment.
This is supposedly a reputable dealer in MI and we have completed business with him on prior trades and transactions. The dealer is making payments on the old loan instead of paying it off as agreed to in the contract.
We are a wits end and are prepared to engage an attorney and the MI Secretary of State office. It has now been two and one half months since the trade and the numerous communications with this dealer always result in an answer "awaiting floor planning".
Has anyone experienced this before and how did you deal with the issue?
FYI the dealership is Walt Michael in Belleville, MI.
Thank you,
Tom and Sally
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Motor City Swagman
Detroit, Michigan/Florida
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Joined: 07/03/2001
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I have not had this problem but I do know that they are sending their Fleetwood inventory back and have switched to Coachman and other brands. I think they have been a reputable dealer in the past but may be having difficulties now, I would go in and see Walt Michael personally and ask for the truth let him know how this is affecting your credit. If you still don't get any results I would certainly get legal help.
Motor City Swagman 2000 Bounder 36S
Ford V-10, Banks Power Pack w/ TC,
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Mfan
Otsego,Mi
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Joined: 01/04/2008
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I would get an attorney involved NOW. It seems like the dealer is having a cash flow problem. If something were to happen ( like closing up ) , you are in a lot of trouble. Just my $.02 worth.
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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Joined: 01/29/2001
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Ah yes....Walt Michaels...many horror stories about that dealership...service after the sale? I can only wish you luck on that...
Best advice, besides an attorney, is get in contact with your bank and explain what is going on...take in all your evidence but most importantly keep your bank up to speed with all the going-ons...unfortunately you are responsible for payments until it is traded off...and as someone else said not paying off the trade-in is a red flag of cash flow problems at the dealer...
Good luck and keep us informed!
ERIC & BEV
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually CC/LB Duramax/Allison
2008 Jayco Designer 35RLTS fith wheel
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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moss2940
Texas
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Joined: 12/04/2003
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I agree I would talk to an attorney asap and see what your options/liabilities are. At least you will be able to make an informed decision after that.
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MI Director
Michigan
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Joined: 03/03/2007
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Contact the State Attorney General Office ASAP and report this matter to them. You also might want to engage an attorney about filing criminal charges against the dealer for failing to payoff the trade in. You also need to check as to were your trade in is because you are still being held acountable by the bank. This has happened to people before some of our friends with other dealers who are now no longer in business and stuck them with paying off there old unit which the dealer had sold to someone else along with the new one. If you still have a copy of the old registration take it to the Secretary of State office and see if they've clear the title of you and the Bank's name. If they have this will need to be reported also to the State and your attorney.
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SGTJOE
Utah
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Joined: 01/12/2006
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I don't know how it works where you live, but if you paid your taxes and registration through this dealer I hope you received your plates. This happened here several years ago with a Truck dealer, a lot of folks were left hanging for plates, taxes and balances on their trade-ins.
Get a hold of the State AG and your local DA. If this guy goes under you may be left hanging.
Good Luck
2001 Trade Winds 7390
Toad 03 Grand Am
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jamminalong
Over There...
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Joined: 12/22/2007
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I too would get an attorney asap...I have a friend that had the same thing happen when trading in a car, and after numerous calls and the dealer blowing them off, they got an attorney. Suddenly the dealer wanted to talk to them but they said forget it, then the dealer tried to offer more money above the payoff amount. They still said forget it, we'll see you in court. Guess what, my friend won.
again, get an attorney and good luck.
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kaydeejay
SE Michigan, USA
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Joined: 07/26/2004
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Ah yes, Walt Michaels. Dealt with them once - never again! Won't lose ANY sleep if they go under, but I hope you get this straightened out first.
Does your contract say they will pay off your trade? If so, take that to your local Secretary of State office and your loaning bank and ask them to lift the lien against you and transfer it to the dealer.
Failing that - see a lawyer. One lawyer's letter to the dealer should raise you up his priority list! (And you want reimbursement of the cost of the lawyer too)
Good luck.
Keith J, Retired from GM Engineering
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 2WD/CC/SB/DA.
1999 Sunnybrook 27RKFS Fiver
Bilsteins, Line-X, Westin steps, Prodigy, Retrax, 16K Superglide, 5th-Airborne pin-box, Multi-vex mirrors.
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Nascarcruzin
Home is where the RV is parked.
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Please, keep us informed.
Good luck!
Rebecca
Ronnie & Rebecca
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