What does it feel like when you have just bought the best “newish” used car and finally have four wheels of your own? Well, while you’re proudly driving off the lot, you will picture fantastic road trips, driving your girlfriend home or going on long shopping trips.
The dealer told you the car is in a good condition, has never been in an accident and has low mileage. What else do you need for a perfect mood?
However, after a week or two, your car suddenly breaks down turning your wonderful experience into a nightmare.
You are in despair because you think you have just been cheated on a used car dealership but don’t have the slightest idea how to deal with a car dealer fraud! No worries! We are here to help you with some useful advice.
Steps To Take If You Are a Victim of Car Dealer Fraud
Once you find out that you are a victim of auto dealer fraud, don’t waste time! Just take actions because a bad car can cost you thousands of dollars in unnecessary repair fees, plus, days of missed work. Finally, you will end up renting another vehicle when yours is in the repair shop. But why should you go through all this?
Some states will require you to contact the dealer first to give them the opportunity to correct the matter or to speak with a state consumer protection agency, before taking any legal action for possible auto dealer fraud.
You need to contact the dealer in writing and express both the problem and what you would like the dealer to do to fix the problem.
If the dealer doesn’t seem to accept any wrongdoing, don’t waste your time going after the dealer on your own. You better speak with an experienced auto dealer fraud attorney.
You can sue a used car dealership for selling you a bad car if they did not properly disclose any known issues with the vehicle. So a car dealer who doesn’t tell the potential buyer that the vehicle was previously involved in an accident is engaged in fraud.
Here we are dealing with examples of car dealer misrepresentation that also include rolling back the odometer, disguising frame damage, “bait and switch” advertising, and asserting that a vehicle has options or features that it does not.
However, before having an auto fraud attorney sue the used car dealership, you will have to prove the following:
- The dealer misrepresented or omitted material facts.
- You have suffered a financial loss as a result.
- You would not have purchased the car if you had known about the material facts at issue.
You will also need to show that you asked about the condition of the car and that the dealer or salesman denied that there was anything wrong with the car.
Also bear in mind, that State laws vary, which means that dealer obligations will differ according to where you purchase your used car.
Long story short, car buyers have the right to know the truth about the vehicle that they purchase. And if a seller fails to disclose a known defect, you may have a good basis for a legal claim.
Wrapping Up…
If you believe that you are a victim of a used car dealership, don’t hesitate to call our experienced attorneys to discuss your situation and determine what options are available for your case!
Our skillful dealer fraud attorneys at the Margarian law firm will fight the battle for your consumer rights and advocate you in the court to put the money back in your pocket.
Once your attorney proves misrepresentation, you could be awarded the following:
- A refund of all payments made toward the purchase,
- Canceling any outstanding loan balances or obligations,
- Payment of court costs and legal fees.
