Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When are Used Car Dealers Required to Issue Refunds?
Although many used car dealers make vague promises about refunding a buyer’s deposit if that person discovers damage within a certain period of time, or is otherwise unhappy with an offer, it is not uncommon for dealerships to fail to respect these guarantees. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law does require used car dealers to make refunds… Read More »
Undervaluing a Vehicle Trade-in
Used car dealer fraud can occur at essentially any stage of the purchasing process. This includes unfair or deceptive advertising, concealing the inclusion of certain add-ons in the purchase contract, selling a flood-damaged vehicle without notifying the buyer, and rolling back an odometer. While these are perhaps the most well-known schemes utilized by used… Read More »
What are Salvage Titles?
When someone is in the market for a used car, it is important that he or she keep an eye out for vehicles with a salvage title. Cars with this type of title are those that have been substantially damaged, usually in a previous collision, and then were deemed a total loss by the… Read More »
What is Curbstoning?
In Pennsylvania, lemon laws only apply to auto dealers who sell new vehicles. For this reason, many used car dealers and private sellers attempt to take advantage of buyers by using a scam called curbstoning. Curbstoning involves a dealer posing as a private seller in order to sell a vehicle. By pretending to be… Read More »
Common Types of Auto Dealer Fraud
Both federal and state law require used car dealers to abide by certain rules when selling vehicles in Pennsylvania. For instance, dealers must disclose specific kinds of damage, including bent frames, flood damage, and problems with the transmission. Additionally, used car dealers must follow strict rules when it comes to advertising, so if you… Read More »
Used Car Dealerships and Airbag Fraud
Both state and federal law require used car dealers to have all of their vehicles inspected before they can be sold. Unfortunately, some dealers have inspections conducted by unqualified mechanics who miss important safety defects, while others purposely avoid inspections to save on costs. Both of these actions are unlawful and can leave consumers… Read More »
Tampering with Check Engine Lights
Buying a used car can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially for consumers who purchased a vehicle that begins exhibiting a mechanical defect, often indicated by the check engine light. Fortunately, those who purchase defective vehicles from used car dealers are often eligible to recover damages compensating them for the cost of the… Read More »
Who can Repair Used Cars that are Under Warranty?
Knowing that a car is under warranty is a great comfort to many motorists, as it ensures that many defects and malfunctions will be repaired free of cost during the warranty period. While manufacturers and dealerships are allowed to limit their warranties to certain parts of a vehicle, they are not permitted to restrict… Read More »
What is Mileage Fraud?
Both state and federal law prohibit used car dealers from taking advantage of potential buyers by failing to disclose certain types of damage, falsely claiming to have made repairs, or refusing to honor a valid warranty. Mileage fraud also falls under this category and occurs much more often than most people realize. In fact,… Read More »
Online Used Car Schemes
While many of us associate online scams with spyware, the theft of credit card information, catfishing, and luring users to phony websites, the internet has also proven to be potentially dangerous to used car buyers. Although this type of conduct is often more difficult to prosecute than in-person schemes, it is possible to hold… Read More »
