The prospect of buying a new car is in most instances, a very exciting event that we periodically get to experience. Some, more so than others. As gleeful as we may feel entering into a new car dealership, when the papers come out, we quickly find ourselves feeling lost, intimidated, taken advantage of, or outright defrauded. Unfortunately, the sad truth is a tremendous amount of car sales involve fraud, deception, or unfair practices, millions every year.

Contrary to public opinion, dealers do not make their money on the sale of new cars. The real money is made through the sale of unnecessary service contracts, added charges, options, insurance, service work and financing. Used cars are even worse, because they offer the same opportunity for abuse, but have the added chance for the dealer to reap huge profits from the sale of the used car itself. Misrepresentations concerning the merchantability or condition of the used vehicles can often times result in a consumer being left with a lemon, with little to no recourse. Even when a car is purchased with a warranty, dealers often find creative ways of excusing themselves from any obligation on the written warranty (promise) to perform post-sale service work.

The good news is, for the informed consumer, there are absolutely legal options to combat these kinds of unfair practices. These include claims under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, the Magnusson Moss Warranty Act, and the Truth in Lending Act.

If you or anyone you know has been victimized by an unscrupulous car dealership, please have them contact Tomei Law, P.C. to discuss your legal options.