People in the market for a used vehicle may turn to a dealership to find one. They will then likely expect that the salespeople will be forthcoming about the condition of any particular vehicle. Flood damage is one issue that might not seem like a huge deal; however, it can lead to significant problems with a vehicle later. Because of this, car dealerships are required to disclose known flood damage. Pay attention to unusual odors A musty or moldy smell inside the car is one of the most telling signs of flood damage. Sellers might try to mask these odors with strong air fresheners or a heavy a ..read more

Many humorous depictions of vehicle salespeople have historically included elements of odometer fraud. Even cartoons might show a salesperson driving a vehicle backward or hooking wires up to a drill to reverse the odometer to show misconduct on the part of the salesperson. Many modern vehicle buyers fall victim to the misconception that digital odometers protect them from fraud. Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people purchasing used vehicles overpay because the odometer reflects an inaccurately low number of miles traveled. Both ..read more

You might naturally be worried about fraud at one of those “buy-here/pay-here” car dealerships. You may not even trust a regular dealership to always be on the up and up. But most people assume that luxury car dealerships are immune to unscrupulous practices. Even though it may seem incongruent with the image of high-end dealerships, there’s a dark reality lurking behind a lot of those luxury facades. A sleek showroom and polished sales pitches don’t make prestigious establishments any more trustworthy than the average dealership. A big price tag doesn’t guarantee a good car A recent news arti ..read more

It’s possible that both new and used cars are going to increase in price for the foreseeable future. There are many reasons for this, one of which is the United Auto Workers strike that has now been going on for weeks. Not only has the strike closed plants, but it has led to the layoffs of related workers. For instance, some workers ordinarily work to create parts and materials that are then sent to a plant where vehicles are assembled. But if that plant is on strike, there is no need for the parts, and so the workers making them are also increasingly being laid off. Essentially, it’s a trickl ..read more

When you purchase a brand-new car directly off a dealership’s lot, you have every reason to expect that you’ll be given the keys to a vehicle in pristine condition. However, there’s every possibility that the vehicle you get has hidden, undisclosed damage. While reputable dealers should disclose any significant damage, many do not. There’s a legal limit on what dealerships can hide Pennsylvania’s New Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Act requires dealerships to make disclosures to purchasers regarding damage repairs that exceed the greater of $500 or 3% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail pri ..read more

Pennsylvania imposes several rules that govern professional automotive sales. Professionals who make a living or even augment other sources of income with the money made from vehicle sales are required to fill out state paperwork and pass a background check to engage in their chosen profession. State rules require licensing for anyone who sells four vehicles or more in a 12-month period. Of course, licensing can be a hurdle for those with certain criminal convictions, and selling a vehicle through a dealership comes with challenges and expenses. Particularly in scenarios where salespeople want ..read more

Getting a used car largely requires that someone trusts their initial reaction to a vehicle and also that they obtain appropriate information from the salesperson assisting them with the transaction. Pennsylvania state law clearly requires that dealerships and the sales professionals they employ disclose known information about any issues with vehicles they’re selling. However, many dealerships skirt such requirements by selling their vehicles in as-is condition and only inspecting them in a cursory fashion. Although someone may trust a salesperson who’s telling them that a specific used car i ..read more

Purchasing a new car is an exciting experience for many people. The smell of a brand-new vehicle, the glossy exterior and the anticipation of driving it off the dealership lot can be exhilarating. However, it is essential to be aware that new cars can sometimes have hidden damages that may go unnoticed. Here are some all-too-common problems in new cars at dealerships. Mechanical problems The most common mechanical problems in new vehicles are engine-related issues. These can range from minor concerns like rough idling or misfires to serious problems like engine overheating or failure to start ..read more

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of picking out your dream ride when shopping for a car. However, you must be careful before making a purchase. Not all auto dealers are trustworthy or have your best interests at heart. Some auto dealers may engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices to convince you to buy a vehicle, knowing full well the troubles that lie ahead. Therefore, it helps to be wary of and avoid these common deceptive practices if you are considering buying a car. 1. Financing tricks Auto dealers may try to deceive you when it comes to financing. For example, they might ..read more

Lemon laws in Pennsylvania protect those who buy new vehicles from unintentionally purchasing a bad car. If a dealership cannot repair issues with a vehicle in a timely manner, then the buyer can request a buyback or a replacement vehicle. This system is great for those who wanted a decent vehicle but ended up with a lemon. However, it also means that dealerships typically have a few vehicles on hand that don't meet the standards applied to particular makes and models. Unfortunately, there are plenty of salespeople who try to pass lemons off to unsuspecting members of the public as used vehicl ..read more