Selling a vehicle can be an emotional experience, especially when it has been a reliable companion through thousands of miles of adventure. Unfortunately, our recent attempt to sell our 2013 Ford F-150 was marred by a frustrating and stressful encounter with a ‘reputable’ Lexus dealership, turning what should have been a straightforward transaction into a test of patience and resilience.
The KBB Instant Cash Offer
Our journey began on 11/14/2024 when we received a Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Instant Cash Offer of $7,528 for our 2013 Ford F-150. It’s pretty standard stuff, you enter the vehicle details including condition on the website and it pops out a lowball instant cash offer*. We purchased (that had stresses with ‘reputable’ dealers too!) in Florida for $15,488 in early January 2024 for our roadtrip across America. Feeling optimistic we could accept the loss and time the sale just before our flight back to Australia, we scheduled visits on 11/21/2024 to multiple dealerships near Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to secure the best deal. After several dealer inspections (Ford, Toyota, ‘we beat any Blue book offer‘ Honda and, Lexus), South Bay Lexus California agreed to honor the KBB offer, giving us a sense of relief amidst the chaos of preparing to leave the country.
Closing the Deal—or So We Thought
On 11/21/2024 afternoon, we phoned ahead and returned to South Bay Lexus to finalize the sale. The dealership inspected (e.g. took photos, started up) the truck again, and we completed all the necessary paperwork, including signing over the DMV title transfer. Since the managers with financial authority were out of the office, we were assured that a check for payment would be mailed to us within five business days. This was after we fly-out and we pleaded for options to receive the check earlier, but instead begrudgingly settled for sending it to a friend’s address.
The next morning, a dealership representative contacted us, citing a discrepancy in the DMV paperwork. They claimed there was a conflict between the printed and handwritten names. To resolve the issue, an agent visited us (at our hotel in person) to redo the title form, although it seemed very odd, we thought the process was back on track. We were told this was attention to detail to help ensure we received the check as soon as, possibly before we fly out. I got a copy of the new form, but didn’t check if Lexus had signed.
A Shocking Call
Just 24 hours later, on our drive on the I405 to a family outing, the dealership called again—but this time, the news was worse. The purchase director claimed the offer was rescinded because the truck’s oil level was dangerously low. We were stunned. I argued that the truck had met all it’s service milestones, there’s no leaks and I had recently checked the oil, and had an oil bottle in the truck bed for the occasional top up, although I did not dispose of it on handover… The oil was at 10% remaining life, and approaching the date for an oil change. There was no dash alarms and oil pressure was good. Low oil is a routine maintenance issue that does not impact the overall value of the vehicle.
When I reminded the dealership that the signed title transfer constituted a binding contract under California law, they doubled down. Their representative bluntly stated, “You can leave the car here, but we are not paying you.” With no other option, due to our deadline to leave the country, we were coerced into taking back the vehicle and the title.
Could a Dealer Drain Oil to Void a Vehicle Purchase Agreement?
Dealerships deliberately draining oil to void a purchase agreement is anl known unethical tactic could have occurred to back out of a deal.
Why a Dealer Might Use Oil Levels as a Tactic
- Leverage to Void or Renegotiate: A low oil level can be presented as a maintenance or mechanical issue, giving the dealer grounds to either rescind their offer or demand a lower price. They might exploit the seller’s lack of time (e.g., imminent travel plans) to force a quick decision.
- Avoiding Accountability for Agreed Offers: Dealers agreeing to KBB Instant Cash Offers might later decide the vehicle is less profitable than anticipated. This could push them to look for minor reasons to void the deal.
- Routine Inspection Gone Wrong: During inspections, unethical dealers might manipulate the vehicle’s condition, such as draining oil, to fabricate an issue and justify reneging on the agreement.
Signs of Potential Oil-Draining Tactics
- Oil Was Recently Checked: If you recently had an oil change or checked the oil yourself, and the level was fine, it’s suspicious for it to suddenly be low after an inspection.
- No Visible Oil Leak: A drained or low oil level without signs of leakage is a red flag. Inspect the ground where the car was parked for any oil stains or drips.
- Dealer Conduct and Timing: If the dealer cited low oil only after asking you to re-sign forms or creating delays, it could indicate an intentional tactic.
What to Do if You Suspect Foul Play
- Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Check the oil dipstick yourself and note the oil level. If you find no oil, take photos or videos as evidence. For me, the engine was still warm so the oil could not be reliably checked in the dealer lot.
- Request a Written Statement: Ask the dealer to put their concerns about the oil level in writing. This makes it harder for them to backtrack if their claims are exaggerated or fabricated.
- Report the Incident: If you suspect deliberate oil draining, report the dealership to:
- California DMV: For unethical or fraudulent practices.
- BBB and KBB: Especially if the dealer is a KBB Instant Cash Offer participant.
- Local Consumer Protection Agencies: They may investigate unethical practices.
- Consider a Mechanic’s Opinion: If you retrieve the car, have a trusted mechanic inspect it to confirm whether oil was deliberately drained or if there are mechanical issues.
Time Pressures and a Tough Decision
Faced with the looming deadline of leaving the country, we had to act quickly. There was no time to restart negotiations with other dealerships or explore private sales. Ultimately, we sold the truck to CarMax for a significantly lower value than the original KBB offer. While CarMax provided a straightforward and honest process, the financial loss was disappointing.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught us several valuable lessons about selling a vehicle:
- Don’t Assume Good Faith: Even signed agreements can be disputed if a party acts in bad faith.
- Document Everything: Keep records of offers, communications, and agreements to protect yourself.
- Act Early: Starting the process with more time could have given us better options.
- Trust Reputable Buyers: While dealerships can vary, platforms like CarMax or private sales often offer more transparency.
Reflections
Our 2013 Ford F-150 was more than just a vehicle—it was a trusted partner in our travels, towing our family across 30,000 miles of highways, mountains, and deserts. Parting ways with it should have been a meaningful milestone, but the dealership’s behavior tainted the experience.
Still, we’re choosing to focus on the positive memories the truck gave us and the relief of having one less task to manage before our departure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering selling a vehicle, especially through a KBB Instant Cash Offer, be cautious and prepared for unexpected challenges. While platforms like KBB offer a great starting point, the behavior of participating dealerships may not always align with expectations.
Our story is a reminder to stay vigilant, act early, and prioritize reputable buyers when selling a vehicle. Though our journey with the F-150 didn’t end as we’d hoped, we’re moving forward with gratitude for the adventures it carried us through.
Excerpt: Our journey selling a 2013 Ford F-150 took an unexpected turn with a dealership’s bad faith actions, forcing us to act fast and accept a lower offer.
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