How to Claim Compensation for a Flood-Damaged Car Sold by a 4S Store?
3 Answers
Once you discover issues with the car you purchased, gather evidence such as taking photos and negotiate with the seller. If the seller refuses to resolve the issue or engages in evasive tactics, you should resort to legal means to protect your rights. You can request mediation from legal mediation institutions, such as those affiliated with the judicial bureau. This step serves as the final measure before taking the case to court, allowing you to inform the seller of the potential consequences.
Buying a flood-damaged car is indeed frustrating, but we consumers have plenty of legal weapons at our disposal. According to the Consumer Rights Protection Law, if a 4S dealership sells a flood-damaged car as new by concealing its condition, it constitutes fraud and is subject to a refund plus triple compensation. I recommend immediately confronting them with the purchase contract and payment records while recording the entire process for evidence. If they refuse to cooperate, directly file a complaint via 12315 or involve the local market supervision authorities. Flood-damaged cars are prone to electrical failures and pose significant safety hazards—never compromise. Lastly, a reminder: always insist on including 'non-accident vehicle, non-flood-damaged vehicle' in the contract—black and white terms are the most reliable. Keeping maintenance records is also crucial, as these can serve as legal evidence when needed.
Last year, my friend bought a new car from a 4S dealership. After driving it for two months, he kept noticing a musty smell. When they dismantled the seats, they found sand and mud—clear evidence of a flood-damaged car. He immediately stormed into the dealership, slamming the table and demanding an explanation. The manager tried to brush it off at first. Later, he hired a third-party inspection agency to issue a report, filed a complaint with the Consumer Association with all the evidence, and even consulted a lawyer to send a legal notice. Eventually, the 4S dealership proactively settled the dispute, offering a full refund plus an additional 20% compensation for damages. He summed up three key lessons: collecting evidence of flood damage early is more effective than arguing, always make the seller cover the inspection fees, and ensure the settlement agreement clearly details all compensation to avoid future disputes. If the inspection seems too costly, start by checking hidden spots like the carpet padding and spare tire compartment yourself—it’s a surefire way to spot issues.
