A couple of weeks ago I purchased an '06 Honda Metropolitan Scooter for my wife for Christmas. Lots of fun, except we both realized it would be more fun if we had two, one for each.

So yesterday I call a different dealership (because they were open & the other one wasn't) to see if they had any '06 scooters left. They said yes, and in fact if I wanted a really good deal, they had three '05 models they could let go for cheap. So, I go to the dealership and look at the models that are visually identical to the one I bought my wife...same engine size, basically spec out exactly the same. The only difference was a decal on the back that says Metroplitan II. I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc,  etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same".

So I buy it, do the paperwork, and take it home. I unload it and get ready to take it for a spin and immediately notice that it has no acceleration and I can't get the thing to go over 20-25 mph. (My wife's tops out at 40 mph). So this morning I get on the net and discover that in '05 Honda made two models, the Metropolitan and the Metropolitan II (from '06 on there was only one model). Seems that the Metroplitan II is restricted and has a top speed of 25mph so that it is "moped" legal in certain states. BTW, Texas does not have moped clause, so there's no reason why they should even be selling the damn things here.

I call the dealership this morning and say that I didn't realize this was restricted and that unless they could remove the restrictions mechanically I was bringing the thing back with 1.2 miles on it. After calling Honda Tech, it seems it would require replacing too many components to be worth the $$. I found other information on the internet discussing modifications to correct the restrictions (seems other people found themselves in the same situation) and it requires replacing two parts and removing a third.

So they tell me..."well, you bought it, it's yours, but if you want to trade it for an '06 that isn't restricted we'll do that, but it will cost you $400 more". In other words, they're saying either keep what you have or pay what is essentially full price for an '06.

The way I see it, the salesman failed to answer my question about differences accurately and perhaps even honestly. He slipped at one point and said he knew all along that the Met II's were restricted in our discussions today. I failed to do my research before my purchase...although the Honda site doesn't even differentiate between the two, only to say one is "moped legal". Hell, they're all mopeds to me. So, I'm thinking that they should take some responsibility, and I'm willing to meet them halfway on the price increase.

Do I have a leg to stand on or any legal jousting I can toss back at them? Or, should I get some lube on the way over there and start stretching my hamstrings?

a shitty sales tactic. I would raise holy hell and get what you wanted.

Is there a manager or corporate number you can call? Buyer beware but I hope it works out for you.

Your word against there's and who's fault is it.  The salesman's because he didn't know every single type of model around or yours because you did no research prior to a purchase?

I would pay the 400 and get what you want and be done with it personally.  After you do that, write a letter to Honda and see where you get.  Document everything and have the car dealership or the salesman see if they will sign something saying this is what happened.

It's the dealership that gets stiffed from honda.  The salesman probably felt pretty bad about it to.  I'd talk to him first.

I think you are finished.

#1.  Why would you buy a moped?

#2.  Why would you admit to buying a moped on Arfcom?

#3.  Care to admit to boning any fat chicks, too while you're at it?

This is precisely why I NEVER take a car salesman's word unless I, 1) see it in writing and 2) research the facts for myself.

Remember, their ONLY goal is to make as much money as possible.


CMOS

I believe that the law requires a vehicle dealer to accept a return within the first 3 days after purchase.  I think it's referred to as the "Buyer's Remorse" law or something like that.  I don't know for certain, and don't know about the laws in your state, but it might benefit you to look it up.

Do you have the regular ole 72 hour buyer remorse thing in Texas. Not sure about mopeds but in WV you can return vehicles and motorcycles within 72 hours if you are not satisfied or were mislead.

Edit: Damnit, beat again

Pay full price for the 06 and then sell the one you have, since the 400 they want is essentially the cost of the 06.

Quoted: Pay full price for the 06 and then sell the one you have, since the 400 they want is essentially the cost of the 06.

Best advice here!

Quoted: A couple of weeks ago I purchased an '06 Honda Metropolitan Scooter for my wife for Christmas. Lots of fun, except we both realized it would be more fun if we had two, one for each. So yesterday I call a different dealership (because they were open & the other one wasn't) to see if they had any '06 scooters left. They said yes, and in fact if I wanted a really good deal, they had three '05 models they could let go for cheap. So, I go to the dealership and look at the models that are visually identical to the one I bought my wife...same engine size, basically spec out exactly the same. The only difference was a decal on the back that says Metroplitan II. I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc,  etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same". So I buy it, do the paperwork, and take it home. I unload it and get ready to take it for a spin and immediately notice that it has no acceleration and I can't get the thing to go over 20-25 mph. (My wife's tops out at 40 mph). So this morning I get on the net and discover that in '05 Honda made two models, the Metropolitan and the Metropolitan II (from '06 on there was only one model). Seems that the Metroplitan II is restricted and has a top speed of 25mph so that it is "moped" legal in certain states. BTW, Texas does not have moped clause, so there's no reason why they should even be selling the damn things here. I call the dealership this morning and say that I didn't realize this was restricted and that unless they could remove the restrictions mechanically I was bringing the thing back with 1.2 miles on it. After calling Honda Tech, it seems it would require replacing too many components to be worth the $$. I found other information on the internet discussing modifications to correct the restrictions (seems other people found themselves in the same situation) and it requires replacing two parts and removing a third. So they tell me..."well, you bought it, it's yours, but if you want to trade it for an '06 that isn't restricted we'll do that, but it will cost you $400 more". In other words, they're saying either keep what you have or pay what is essentially full price for an '06. The way I see it, the salesman failed to answer my question about differences accurately and perhaps even honestly. He slipped at one point and said he knew all along that the Met II's were restricted in our discussions today. I failed to do my research before my purchase...although the Honda site doesn't even differentiate between the two, only to say one is "moped legal". Hell, they're all mopeds to me. So, I'm thinking that they should take some responsibility, and I'm willing to meet them halfway on the price increase. Do I have a leg to stand on or any legal jousting I can toss back at them? Or, should I get some lube on the way over there and start stretching my hamstrings?

Lawyer up. The last I heard, you have 72 hours to return ANY purchase. No questions asked!! Ask your attorney about it.

I doubt the dealer gave or gives a God damn that you didn't get what you wanted.

Yes, you should have done your research. Yes, he should have told you about the one MAJOR difference between the two.


I suppose you can go back and try to get them to do a trade and meet you half way on the price at most. I doubt this will work, however. You can try raising hell, but probably won't get far either.


Either do the modifications yourself, and risk them not doing warranty work on it as a result (or at least trying to refuse to do warranty work on it), or pay the $400 and get the one you want. In the end, while $400 isn't a drop in the bucket, it isn't $4,000 either.


ETA:
Don't know about the laws in your state but here, we don't have "buyers remorse" or "cooling off" or whatever they get called type laws. When I bought my car, they made sure to hand me the paper with the notice on it that CA doesn't have any such laws. If your state has it, use it as others mentioned above.

I bought on 06 Odyssey from Honda in FW last year, I remember hearing and being told about the whole "return" thing within so many days or the "lemon" law or whatever it was, ask to speak to the general manager and explain from there.  But get started so that what you do is within the time window.

I'd also send a certified letter with return receipt requested and a signature on delivery stating everything that happened.  That way you have a copy of the letter and some proof that the documentation was done.

Not one but two of these?

-JTP

Should have bought a Harley.

I can't believe anyone believes what an auto salesman says.  Most of them don't know a damned thing about what they are selling, and the rest lie.

That sucks, but I bet you are out of luck.

See the manager. If nothing happens, call corporate HQ and raise hell

tag

Quoted: powersports.honda.com/images/model/model_images/Scooters/2005/Metropolitan_II_Blue_Hibiscus.jpg Not one but two of these? -JTP

I am SO picturing Air Soft and a can of camo paint.....


Sorry to hear your frustration, check the 72 hr law.

Your crying over $400 and it was not even a Vietnam bringback?

So let me get this straight, you're riding a 50cc scooter?
All kidding aside.  I owned a 50cc Honda Spree when I was in my early teens.  That was until a group of guys on crotch rockets surrounded me at a red light and began reving their engines.  It was hard to get back on after that :)

Ok, no more shit about the scooter...it's red and white BTW...no floral pattern!

Buying her the scooter allowed me to get this...

And the $400 is the difference between getting the EoTech 553 this weekend at the funshow or not.

I appreciate most of the feedback, but does anyone know for sure whether there is a 72 hour return period in Texas? I gotta return the thing in about 20 minutes.

They are very simple to work on.  Do the parts swap/removal yourself.

Chalk this one up as a life lesson.

Probably out of luck, but give it a try.  See what your state laws are regardign returning items.

Quoted: A couple of weeks ago I purchased an '06 Honda Metropolitan Scooter for my wife for Christmas. Lots of fun, except we both realized it would be more fun if we had two, one for each. So yesterday I call a different dealership (because they were open & the other one wasn't) to see if they had any '06 scooters left. They said yes, and in fact if I wanted a really good deal, they had three '05 models they could let go for cheap. So, I go to the dealership and look at the models that are visually identical to the one I bought my wife...same engine size, basically spec out exactly the same. The only difference was a decal on the back that says Metroplitan II. I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc,  etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same". <snip>

You've got bigger problems than a scooter refund can solve, pal.

I worked for Honda a few years ago and I would say if you raise enough hell about it ,you will get what you want.I have seen it done.What they did to you was wrong.

Quoted: #1.   Why would you buy a moped? #2.  Why would you admit to buying a moped on Arfcom? #3.  Care to admit to boning any fat chicks, too while you're at it?

Did you check out his screen name?

Scooter. Any chance you chowed down over the holidays and could drop some ballast? Failing that, strap on some tannerite and use it for an IED at the stealership.

Quoted: Ok, no more shit about the scooter...it's red and white BTW...no floral pattern! Buying her the scooter allowed me to get this... i24.photobucket.com/albums/c35/scooter1942/Mark14-With-Sling-600_50.jpg And the $400 is the difference between getting the EoTech 553 this weekend at the funshow or not. I appreciate most of the feedback, but does anyone know for sure whether there is a 72 hour return period in Texas? I gotta return the thing in about 20 minutes.

 Man why did you buy that Tapco M1A?


 

Alright, alright...now I'm going to show off. Every wonder why my screen name is Scooter1942? Here's my other scooter, but it requires a helluva lot more maintenance than a new Honda.




Nice catch on the wife/gf thing. We're not married, living together, own a house together, etc. I knew if I said I bought my girlfriend a scooter I'd catch a bunch of crap for that too so I just called her the wife.

Glad I could provide some entertainment for you bozos.

That's more like it. Nice restoration.

Now, address DzlBenz's post on the female(s).

you didnt notice the power difference when you test drove it?

you did test drive it right?

Quoted: Your word against there's and who's fault is it.

Not really.

"I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc, etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same".

See "Express Warranty" and dig into the Uniform Commercial Code. When it is Merchant vs. Consumer, the consumer gets more leeway. Verbal warranties are binding. I have no time to write more - on with your homework! If not a solid argument, then you can at least generate a lot of smoke quoting the UCC.

www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/ucc.table.html

Quoted: Ok, no more shit about the scooter...it's red and white BTW...no floral pattern! Buying her the scooter allowed me to get this... i24.photobucket.com/albums/c35/scooter1942/Mark14-With-Sling-600_50.jpg And the $400 is the difference between getting the EoTech 553 this weekend at the funshow or not. I appreciate most of the feedback, but does anyone know for sure whether there is a 72 hour return period in Texas? I gotta return the thing in about 20 minutes.

Just giving you crap  Those scooters are a lot of fun and would save me a ton of money

Scooter I sent you an IM

Quoted: powersports.honda.com/images/model/model_images/Scooters/2005/Metropolitan_II_Blue_Hibiscus.jpg Not one but two of these? -JTP

Where's the gun rack?

Texas does not have a buyer's remorse law for stuff except when sold by door-to-door salesmen types AFAIK.

If it's not in your purchase contract that you have so much time to return it you are probably SOL.  Still, I would complain to Honda.

Quoted: I believe that the law requires a vehicle dealer to accept a return within the first 3 days after purchase.  I think it's referred to as the "Buyer's Remorse" law or something like that.  I don't know for certain, and don't know about the laws in your state, but it might benefit you to look it up.

Exactly what I was going to say.

raise hell.. if ngnored, repeat and repeat again
if you bitch enough, especialy since you are in the right on this issue, you will get your way eventualy.
just dont waste time bitching to the sales guys, odds are they can not do annything. talk to the higher ups. if all alse fails, dress up as a leamon and dance around just outside their business
thats what i would do.
also, write a formal letter regarding this concern to honda and how your trust has been violated and that as it stands you will be looking elsewhere for future automotive purchases if these are the kinds of business principles that they stand by.
i would not pay the 400$ bitch untill they cave, because they will
then use the 400$ to buy your EOtech

Quoted: I believe that the law requires a vehicle dealer to accept a return within the first 3 days after purchase.  I think it's referred to as the "Buyer's Remorse" law or something like that.  I don't know for certain, and don't know about the laws in your state, but it might benefit you to look it up.

In montana the 3 day buyers remorse clause only applies to sales made when the salesman  comes to your home, not when you go the their place of business. Thats why when I was selling cars the dealership would never let us do business at the customers house.

Quoted: Alright, alright...now I'm going to show off. Every wonder why my screen name is Scooter1942? Here's my other scooter, but it requires a helluva lot more maintenance than a new Honda. i24.photobucket.com/albums/c35/scooter1942/Harley_Davidson_WWII_Tanks_in_Town_.jpg Nice catch on the wife/gf thing. We're not married, living together, own a house together, etc. I knew if I said I bought my girlfriend a scooter I'd catch a bunch of crap for that too so I just called her the wife. Glad I could provide some entertainment for you bozos.

Holy Shit lucky bastage! You could just stand in front of the dealership with a sign ssaying how they screwed you over, it worked for another member here

Quoted: Quoted: Your word against there's and who's fault is it. Not really. "I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc, etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same". See "Express Warranty" and dig into the Uniform Commercial Code. When it is Merchant vs. Consumer, the consumer gets more leeway. Verbal warranties are binding. I have no time to write more - on with your homework! If not a solid argument, then you can at least generate a lot of smoke quoting the UCC. www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/ucc.table.html

just one goes slower

Scooters are fun as hell!!  This is my Honda Ruckus, also a little 4 stroke 50cc that gets 100mpg:


Just last weekend we did a little group ride down to the local range.


If you can't get them to take it back, there are a couple of websites out there that will show you how to derestrict it.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Your word against there's and who's fault is it. Not really. "I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc, etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same". See "Express Warranty" and dig into the Uniform Commercial Code. When it is Merchant vs. Consumer, the consumer gets more leeway. Verbal warranties are binding. I have no time to write more - on with your homework! If not a solid argument, then you can at least generate a lot of smoke quoting the UCC. www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/ucc.table.html just one goes slower

Yeah, that might be the loophole...

...but complaining with the law behind you is better than complaining without it.

i saw a ruckus on campus. it did look like a good time and i started looking into the cost. none of the scooters are cheap, but they are damn economical to operate. if it didnt rain here 300 days a year, id probably have one.

Quoted: Texas does not have a buyer's remorse law for stuff except when sold by door-to-door salesmen types AFAIK. If it's not in your purchase contract that you have so much time to return it you are probably SOL.  Still, I would complain to Honda.

That is correct.  In Texas, a sales person who sells you something AT YOUR HOUSE has to notify you of the three day right of rescission law. Up to 72 hours after purchase you can cancel a contract.  

Texas also has a Time Share cancel law.  5 days I think.

Quoted: Seems that the Metroplitan II is restricted and has a top speed of 25mph so that it is "moped" legal in certain states. BTW, Texas does not have moped clause, so there's no reason why they should even be selling the damn things here.

Uhh, yes we do.  

Texas Transportation Code;

541.201

    (8)  "Moped" means a motor-driven cycle that cannot attain a
speed in one mile of more than 30 miles per hour and the engine of
which:

    (A)  cannot produce more than two-brake horsepower; and

    (B)  if an internal combustion engine, has a piston
displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and connects to a power
drive system that does not require the operator to shift gears.

BBB

Quoted: Quoted: Your word against there's and who's fault is it. Not really. "I say to the salesman this looks the same as my girlfriends '06, 4 stroke, 49cc, etc. etc. and I then ask if there are any differences. He's say's "They're pretty much the same". See "Express Warranty" and dig into the Uniform Commercial Code. When it is Merchant vs. Consumer, the consumer gets more leeway. Verbal warranties are binding. I have no time to write more - on with your homework! If not a solid argument, then you can at least generate a lot of smoke quoting the UCC. www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/ucc.table.html

+1 to that.  I've probably been in 10 pissing contests where I started talking about the UCC, and that usually gets you concessions very quickly, even if you are talking out of your ass.

I used to work at a Honda motorcycle dealership.  Honda of America has some really great people, you should call them ASAP.  You should also find the owner of that dealership, I doubt that this is really the way he wants to do business.  I'll also look when I get home and see if I can find my old rolodex, should have the regional manager's name and phone number in there.