I Bought A New Lucid Air and It Was Wrecked Before I Took Ownership, What's Next?

In a post on the Lucid Owners Club Facebook Group, Steven Long shared his shocking experience of purchasing a Lucid Air demo unit that had allegedly been in an accident and repaired without disclosure from the seller. Despite his love for the Lucid brand and the car's impressive performance, Long was dismayed to discover that his vehicle had been repainted and likely sustained damage to the front bumper and passenger door. The incident was not mentioned during the "difficult" sales process, which also involved mismatched photos and lengthy delays.

Long expressed his frustration with Lucid's customer service, stating that they failed to return his calls and emails regarding the issue, leaving him with a damaged vehicle and few options for recourse. The responses to his post, while varied, painted a clearer picture of the situation.

So. Lucid. I absolutely love it. The story, the brand, the driving dynamics. The range. I’m a car guyand it’s simply incredible.

However... I bought a 6k mi demo unit. Never titled. And undisclosed by everyone in sales was an a... ccident. The front hood and bumper have been repainted (verified with a paint depth gauge). The passenger side door has a chip where the hood contacted it. This is after a very difficult sales process. The pictures I was sent of the car didn’t match (pics of the front were in a different studio) and other shady details I won’t bore you with. 

Customer service has failed to return my calls and emails despite numerous people being made aware of the issue. I have only one other choice, which I don’t want to do. But I am well within my legal rights as what I have described is illegal. 

I am writing this in hopes that someone in management will reach out and contact me as I am aware these groups are monitored.

Several commenters shared their own negative experiences with Lucid's customer service, describing unreturned calls, emails, and a general lack of responsiveness. Forum member Arif Hafeez claimed that his sales representative and titling staff ceased communication shortly after he took delivery of his vehicle, an issue he elevated to Lucid corporate with no resolution. 

What Is Lucid Motors?

• Lucid Motors is a California-based luxury electric vehicle manufacturer known for its high-performance, long-range EVs like the Air sedan and the upcoming Gravity SUV.
• The Lucid Air has received accolades for its exceptional driving dynamics, advanced technology, and opulent interior, solidifying its position as one of the most compelling new offerings in the EV market.

What Commenters Thought

Other commenters, such as Spott Randolph and Loc Tang, questioned the validity of Long's claims, suggesting that he should have pulled a Carfax or Autocheck report prior to purchasing the vehicle. They maintained that any damage exceeding $500 or accompanied by a police report should be listed on the vehicle's record, even if it had never been officially titled. Tang further noted that a paint depth gauge test alone may not be sufficient evidence of the accident, as OEM paint jobs are not always perfectly uniform.

Despite the conflicting opinions and advice, the overarching sentiment of the thread was one of caution and concern for potential buyers. Forum members advised those considering a Lucid purchase to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, verify the VIN, and inquire directly about any potential damage or repairs. The thread also sparked a broader discussion about the merits and pitfalls of buying demo units and the importance of transparency in automotive sales.

A Poor Experience

Ultimately, Long's disheartening experience with his Lucid Air serves as a reminder for all car buyers, whether they are enthusiasts or first-time owners, to remain vigilant and thorough when making a purchase. While the Lucid brand and its groundbreaking electric vehicles have garnered significant praise from the automotive community, the alleged lack of disclosure and customer support in this situation has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for a new car owner. 

As the thread progressed, Long indicated that he had been put in touch with a contact at Lucid, offering hope for a potential resolution. However, the incident raises important questions about the trust and transparency that should exist between manufacturers, sellers and the buying public.

How would you react if you purchased a car and discovered this? Leave your comments down below.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.