Used cars are all sold with an odometer reading higher than zero, some wear and tear on the exterior and under the hood, and most car buyers are aware that they aren't purchasing a brand new vehicle. The dealership doesn't have to tell you if the car has been in a very small accident that did no real damage, but they do have an affirmative duty to tell you certain "material facts" about the vehicle, regardless of whether or not you ask for them. These "material facts" include disclosing if the … [Read more...] about Car Dealers Sold a Undisclosed Frame Damage Car
Auto Fraud
Does Your Car Dealer Wants You to Sign a New Contract
Have you ever driven home in your new car, only to receive an unexpected call from the dealership a few days later? If the dealer wants you to sign a new contract, it's a situation that can catch many car buyers off guard. This scenario is known as a yo-yo financing tactic in the world of auto fraud. Typically, dealerships make this request when they claim they couldn't secure financing at the terms originally promised. This can lead to changes in your interest rate, monthly payments, or … [Read more...] about Does Your Car Dealer Wants You to Sign a New Contract
Deferred Down Payment Arrangements Can Be Illegal!
Have you ever bought a car and felt something wasn't quite right with the down payment? You're not alone. At Consumer Action Law Group, we've seen many cases where car buyers in California fall victim to deferred down payment schemes. These arrangements might seem helpful at first, but they can lead to serious financial trouble and even be illegal. In this article, we'll break down what deferred down payments are, how they work, and why they can be risky for car buyers. We'll also explain your … [Read more...] about Deferred Down Payment Arrangements Can Be Illegal!
Can a Dealership Sell You a Car Without Inspection?
Buying a used car should be an exciting experience, not a nightmare. But what happens when that shiny "new-to-you" ride won't even pass inspection? At Consumer Action Law Group, we've seen too many Californians stuck with lemons that dealers shouldn't have sold in the first place. Let's face it: some dealerships care more about their bottom line than your safety or satisfaction. They might try to offload cars with hidden problems, leaving you with a vehicle that's not just disappointing, but … [Read more...] about Can a Dealership Sell You a Car Without Inspection?
I Just Bought a Used Car That Fail Smog Check! What to Do?
Of course, a used car isn't going to be just like new - it's a used car. That doesn't mean that you should expect the car to break down, or fail a smog check right after it's purchased. Dealerships have to inspect a vehicle to make sure it is safe to drive, and they must disclose any major problems with the vehicle before making the sale. If the car does not pass smog, and therefore cannot be registered in California, the dealer is obligated to disclose this to potential buyers. If the new owner … [Read more...] about I Just Bought a Used Car That Fail Smog Check! What to Do?
Double Charged by the Dealer?
Car salesmen have the power to add all sorts of additional fees to your sales contract, effectively making the price of your car much higher than what you anticipated based on the sticker price. Many of these additional charges are legal and justified, but there are some financing "tricks," used by dealers that could cost you much more in the long run. Are you aware of how a backdated contract could result in you being double charged by the car dealer? When a dealership is unable to get a … [Read more...] about Double Charged by the Dealer?