Car manufacturers and dealers heavily promote their certified pre-owned vehicles. But, in our experience, certified pre-owned is mostly a marketing gimmick. Although dealerships promise that the certified cars have undergone a stringent inspection, we find that in many cases, either no inspection was performed or defects are overlooked. As a result, many of these "certified" cars are not worth the higher price that dealerships charge for certified pre-owned vehicles.
Thinking of Certified Pre-Owned? Maybe think again
Checking Your Credit Report
The New Year is a perfect time to check your credit reports. This is especially true if you are thinking of financing a major purchase (such a car or new home) or refinancing a mortgage in 2018. A surprisingly high percentage of credit reports have inaccurate information. And, if there are problems on your report, it is much better to find out about them before you apply for credit.
Unsafe Car Sold by A Better Way Wholesale Autos
The Connecticut Appellate Court has dismissed an appeal filed by an auto dealer, A Better Way Wholesale Autos. In its appeal, the dealership was attempting to throw out an arbitrator's decision that the 2004 Mercedes E 500 that it had sold to a Connecticut consumer was not safe to drive.
Auto Dealer Fraud by A Better Way Wholesale Autos
The Connecticut Appellate Court, in a unanimous decision, recently upheld a decision by a Connecticut Superior Court Judge that A Better Way Wholesale Autos committed auto dealer fraud. The judge had found, following a trial, that the dealership had committed unfair trade practices and defrauded a consumer.
The Way We Buy Cars
Buying a car in America is different from almost any other type of shopping experience. Car dealerships understand this. Unfortunately, many car buyers do not.
Beware Charity Scams
Many of us are annoyed by unsolicited telephone calls. Although most consumers are probably aware that they need to be cautions when receiving these calls, many may not know that they should be equally cautions when the caller is soliciting for a charity. Many of these charitable solicitations are little more than scams.
Games Dealers Play: Badmouthing the Trade-In
Many potential clients contact us after being told by a dealership that their old car had been in an accident and that they can't take it as a trade-in. Sometimes, this is true:many vehicles offered for sale at car dealerships that are not safe to be driven because of prior wreck damage that was never properly repaired. But, sometimes the dealership is being dishonest. This is one of the Games Dealers Play: Badmouthing the Trade-In.
Certified Pre-Owned Cars May Have Dangerous Safety Defects
Most car manufacturers have certified pre-owned ("CPO") programs. Typically, CPO programs involve an inspection by an authorized dealership, who "certifies" that the car meets certain standards. For example, Toyota advertises that it has a "160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection."
Don't Be Overcharged When Car Shopping
Some car dealerships will take advantage of inexperienced consumers by overcharging them for their cars. A little advance research can help to avoid being taken advantage of when car shopping.
Stopping Auto Dealer Fraud With One Phone Call
We frequently meet with new clients who are victims of auto dealer fraud. Many of them have done on-line research about the dealership before they meet with us, and they have discovered that many other consumers have also been ripped-off. Unfortunately, they didn't do that research before they shopped for a car.