Car Dealership cannot install contracted optional equipment on new car

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spatterso911

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I purchased a 2011 Denali XL and during negotiations, requested a vehicle with factory-installed retractable running boards. A vehicle meeting my specifications could not be located. The salesman indicated that the factory electric running boards could be installed after the car was purchased. I requested that he confirm this with the parts department of his dealership and with the sales manager, and he returned indicating that they could and had done this in the past. I purchased the vehicle contingent upon their ability to perform this installation. The salesman even returned with a cost of ($1900) -- (factory option is $1095, installed), but I agreed to this price since it was being installed by the dealership, rather than in the factory.

We notated this in the contract, indicating the price and the planned installation of the factory running boards.

I returned to have the boards installed, and they attempted to install an aftermarket board, NOT the factory running boards. I was not satisfied with the look of the aftermarket boards. Dealership indicated that they had made a mistake, and that the cost to install the factory boards would be closer to $7,000 and would likely void my new-vehicle warranty. They now state that they can install any other board except the factory running boards.

They indicated that the manufacturer of the boards would be introducing an aftermarket board exactly like the factory boards, but I would have to wait a number of months. I have waited nearly a year, contacting the board manufacturer intermittently during that time period. They now tell me that they will not introduce such a board. I returned to the dealership, who now have new general and sales managers, and they are stonewalling me, indicating that I should just accept the aftermarket boards or take my money back. To date, I have not had any factory or aftermarket retractable running boards installed, and the dealership still has my $1900 + tax.

My decision to purchase this particular vehicle was contingent upon their ability to install the FACTORY boards as promised, otherwise I could have ordered another vehicle from the factory with my factory boards installed and optioned as I desired. I have contacted the salesman who has since left the dealership, and he insists that the dealership assured him that they could install the factory boards.

Can I request/force the dealership to buy the car back so that I can order one from the factory? Can I insist on installation of the factory boards without fear of cancellation of my warranty?
 
Your contract does not indicate the installation is mandatory and a major condition they must meet. Their liability would be the refunding of your money. If it means that much to you, trade the vehicle in and buy another new one, with the option.
 
Your contract does not indicate the installation is mandatory and a major condition they must meet. Their liability would be the refunding of your money. If it means that much to you, trade the vehicle in and buy another new one, with the option.

I'm not sure I understand your response. We did put the steps and price in the contract, indicating factory steps to be installed. In addition, their misrepresentation led me to purchase the vehicle, a fact that can be substantiated by the salesman, who supports my viewpoint. He is no longer employed by them.

Does the contract have to stipulate the installation of the factory steps or else return the vehicle, or something to that effect??
 
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