Florida Buyers Accuse Dealerships of Misrepresenting Used Vehicles as New
Car dealerships have long been under scrutiny for their sales practices, and recent allegations in Florida are adding to the growing concerns. Two separate lawsuits have emerged, where buyers claim they were misled into purchasing used vehicles that were presented as brand new. These cases highlight serious issues with transparency and trust in the automotive industry.
The Jeep Wrangler 4Xe Case
Lilly Althauser-Benson filed a lawsuit against Jerry Ulm Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, alleging that she was sold a Jeep Wrangler 4Xe under the impression it was a brand new vehicle. According to court documents, the dealership did not provide her with the title of the car, which raised red flags. Althauser-Benson claims that the dealer refused to show her the title because it was previously owned by a leasing company.
The buyer believed the vehicle was new due to the presence of the original factory window sticker, which typically accompanies new cars. She also expected to qualify for the $3,750 EV tax credit associated with new models. Her attorney, Joshua Feygin, argued that the dealership intentionally withheld the title to prevent her from discovering the vehicle’s true status. This act, he claimed, violated the Odometer Act by misleading consumers through deceptive documentation.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Incident
Another case involves Shawn Crowley, who purchased a 2024 Land Cruiser from Sun Toyota. Documents obtained by the media showed the vehicle’s mileage listed as “10” in multiple places, and the paperwork described it as “new.” However, less than two days after taking possession, Crowley noticed the service light indicating an oil change was needed. Upon checking the odometer himself, he discovered it had nearly 5,000 miles.
This discrepancy led Crowley to question the accuracy of the paperwork. Sun Toyota reportedly suggested the error was a simple typo, despite the significant financial implications. Crowley paid $98,719.40 for the SUV, which is well above the starting price of around $56,000. Even when considering optional features, the cost still does not justify the amount paid. The dealership’s claim of a typo appears dubious, especially given the lack of any evidence supporting the “new” designation on the vehicle.
Lessons for Buyers
These cases offer valuable lessons for prospective car buyers. Both Althauser-Benson and Crowley could have avoided these issues with a bit more due diligence. For Crowley, simply checking the odometer before finalizing the purchase might have revealed the problem earlier. In Althauser-Benson’s case, requesting to see the title would have clarified the vehicle’s ownership history.
Such incidents underscore the importance of verifying every detail before signing any paperwork. While buying a car can be an exciting process, it also requires careful attention to avoid costly mistakes. These lawsuits serve as reminders that even routine purchases can lead to legal disputes if proper steps are not taken.
Conclusion
The allegations against these Florida dealerships highlight the need for greater transparency in the automotive industry. As consumers become more aware of these issues, they may push for stricter regulations and better consumer protections. For now, buyers must remain vigilant and take the time to thoroughly inspect and verify all aspects of their vehicle purchases.
