I was forced to pay $1,395 at Honda dealership for ‘optional add-on’ – even officials slammed ‘value package’ charge

A STATE’s Attorney General’s Office came after a dealership after prosecutors complained of unfair and deceptive practices.

One car buyer said he was charged $1,395 for an option he didn’t know was optional.

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The Attorney General’s Office accused a Honda dealership in Bowie, Maryland, of being deceptive about vehicle prices online .

The complaint stemmed from online vehicle listings being below consumer expectations, then they’d come in to buy it and reportedly find several hidden fees within the contract.

The state defines unfair or deceptive trade practices as “making a false or misleading oral or written statement, visual description, or other representation that has the capacity, tendency or effect of deceiving the possible tenant.”

The Attorney General’s Office allegedly found an extra two percent of a vehicle’s value listed as “sales commission.”

According to ABC affiliate WMAR, the dealership claimed the fee was optional but didn’t tell the customer it was.

Darcas Honda was also reported to have been charged an additional $895 for factory-preinstalled equipment that is supposed to be included in the sales price.

It was guided under a “Honda Value Package.”

Prosecutors argued buyers shouldn’t have to pay for that since the equipment is installed before they buy the car.

Additionally, the prosecutors alleged that the extra money made from the “sales commission” doesn’t go to the sales staff.

Those suing the dealership claim the profits are being used to offset the commission paid to the salesmen.

Another surprise charge brought up by prosecutors was a $500 processing charge.

The case is ongoing, and a hearing is scheduled from October 29 to November 8.

The state of Maryland is seeking restitution for affected buyers.

It has also filed an injunction to force the dealership to stop the alleged practices.

Dealership Tips

Here are some expert tips when purchasing a car from a dealership lot:

• 1. Set your price: Ensure you’ve calculated your monthly budget before going to the lot. You should include the car’s loan payment, insurance costs, fuel, and regular maintenance.
• 2. Research: Make sure you know which cars you’re interested in test driving before you reach the dealership.
• 3. Pre-approval: Secure financing before you go to the dealership. Dealerships may give you a better interest rate if they are competing with an outside bank.
• 4. Test away: Get behind the wheel before making any payments. A car purchase will be worth thousands of dollars – drivers should ensure they like the drivetrain, steering feel, and comfort of the car before taking it off the lot
• 5. Haggle: Drivers should always try to negotiate the price. There are so many good cars on the American market – buyers have a strong hand when negotiating price.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

When WMAR contacted the Darcars Honda of Bowie, reporters received this statement.

“Over the last two years, Honda of Bowie has cooperated fully with the Maryland Attorney General to respond to its request for information and address its concerns. This is an instance where the premise of the case is not supported by the record or the facts.”

“We feel confident about our level of disclosure on this matter and proactively sought to partner with the Attorney General to establish new industry best practices that could benefit all Maryland consumers.

“We are prepared to defend our company and our lawful practices in court against these baseless claims, while continuing to provide our customers with the industry’s best service in every market we serve.”

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Darcars Honda of Bowie for comment.