A new car driver found his truck to be a little unstable on the road – deeper research uncovered the pickup’s checkered vehicle history.
Barry Smith bought his Ford F-250 pickup truck from a dealership. He thought it was new, but a search discovered the truck had previously been in an accident.
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The 2019 Ford F-250 accidentally hit another vehicle while it was being loaded in the parking lot, according to Automotive News It is The unity.
According to court documents, multiple supervisors were notified about the incident.
The dealership initially paid $6,298 to repair the truck.
However, the sales department was not informed about the accident.
The pickup arrived on the new vehicle lot – Smith purchased the pickup three months later.
The dealership didn’t tell him about the earlier accident, according to court documents.
The F-250 had 656 miles when it was driven off the lot. Smith said he was told the miles were accumulated when the vehicle was used as a demonstration vehicle.
Shortly after removing the truck from the dealership’s parking lot, Smith noticed vibration and steering issues.
Smith ordered a CarFax report for the pickup, which revealed the recent accident.
The court said the dealership manager “consistently minimized the damage” to the vehicle.
One seller testified in court that “the proper procedure would have been to add a disclaimer about wreckage and repairs into the paperwork.”
Smith sued the dealership alleging fraud.
The fraud claim was rejected in the Kentucky Supreme Court.
However, the court said the dealership failed to disclose damages exceeding $2,000 to the consumer, as required by Kentucky law.
Smith received $8,026 in awards for the case. The dealership is paying another $73,001 to cover legal fees.
The dealership was asked to pay another $80,260 in punitive fees.
Managers at the dealership did not immediately respond to U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
NEW CAR WARNINGS
The court concluded that the dealership did not commit fraud. But a growing number of consumers are complaining about a fraud that is plaguing the used car markets.
Several used car consumers have fallen victim to odometer fraud schemes.
The federal government estimates that consumers lost about $1 billion to the scams.
What is odometer fraud?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says fraudulent odometer readings are a growing problem. Here’s what you need to know.
- Odometer fraud is “the disconnection, resetting, or alteration of a vehicle’s odometer with the intent to change the number of miles indicated.”
- More than 450,000 vehicles are sold every year with rolled odometers.
- Odometer fraud is estimated to cost consumers at least $1 billion annually.
Car buyers can protect themselves against odometer fraud by:
- Purchase a vehicle history report before purchasing any new car.
- Examine the vehicle closely to make sure its condition matches its stats.
- Consult a mechanic or automotive professional if in doubt.
Source: NHTSA
“Odometer fraud preys on unsuspecting consumers, undermining trust and leaving behind financial and safety risks,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said in a statement.
“It is crucial that Floridians remain cautious and informed when purchasing vehicles to avoid becoming victims of this crime.”
Scammers hacked computer software in vehicles to make older cars appear to have driven fewer miles.
Vehicle mechanics experts have warned that manipulating the odometer is easy.
Drivers can ensure their vehicles display the proper information with a quick visit to an independent mechanic.
Mechanics can test your car’s suspension and struts to discover signs of advanced deterioration.
Experts also suggest that buyers check the vehicle’s CarFax information before investing in the purchase.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
