Crackdown new rule on buying cars announced & it could save drivers $1000s even on used vehicles – get all info up front

A NEW amendment is going into effect intended to help protect car buyers from dealers falsely advertising vehicles.

The regulation added to the Pennsylvania Automotive Industry Trade Practices updates the regulatory definition of “advertisement,” making dealerships include online statements and representations.

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The amendment sees that auto dealers must inspect each car within 30 days of when it’s brought into their inventory for particular unsafe conditions, local CBS affiliate WTAJ reported.

Additionally, vehicles that accumulate 500 or more miles on a dealer lot before being sold will require another inspection under the new amendment.

If an automobile on a dealer’s lot is found to have any dangerous problems like flood damage or a bent frame, the car seller will be required to disclose the issues in writing before someone buys it.

A lot of car salesman try to get around behind honest about the condition of some vehicles when making sales but the amendment is meant to help change that in favor of the buyers.

The written disclosure is required even if a vehicle is being sold “as is.”

This is a good change for numerous drivers who could fall for an auto seller trying to get them to purchase a car that won’t even get them down the street or just drain their pockets with repairs.

“These sensible updates to Pennsylvania’s Automotive Regulations will make the process of purchasing a new vehicle more transparent,” Attorney General Henry said about the new amendment.

“My Office has worked closely with the public and regulatory agencies in finalizing these much-needed changes to deal with one of the largest sources of consumer complaints that our Bureau of Consumer Protection receives each year.”

COULDN’T MAKE IT HOME

As dealers get over on those who are looking to get a new or used car by getting them to agree to pay for an automobile “as is,” one driver even went as far as to request legal advice online to take action.

The consumer claimed that they purchased a used car and it broke down before they arrived home from a dealership.

They talked to legal experts online and shared details about their unfortunate situation.

The driver explained to a lawyer on JustAnswer Legal that they “purchased a used car ‘as is.'”

The vehicle they bought ‘as is,’ created a slew of issues for the car buyer.

Tips on buying a used car

When looking to buy a used car, U.S. News & World Report experts have a few tips before walking onto the sales lot.

1. Set a realistic budget. Some cars are more expensive to insure and register than others depending on engine type, body style, weight, and the amount of doors. Before being swindled by a crafty salesman, it’s important to know what you can and can’t afford.
2. Researching what car would fit best into your lifestyle can save a lot of time. Would a sedan work better for your garage or narrow street? Would a truck meet hauling or towing needs? Knowing what suits your needs can narrow down your options.
3. Look into certified pre-owned cars. Certified pre-owned cars are backed by the manufacturer and come with comprehensive warranties at affordable prices. Some manufacturers have better deals on CPO cars, so research diligently.
4. Not all financing options are created equal. Depending on where you look to finance, if that’s on the table, be very careful about who you finance with. Your best option would be to get preapproved by your bank before going in to give you an idea of what rates are affordable, and to give a dealership incentive to meet or beat those rates.
5. Consider a used car inspection. Depending on where you’re buying a vehicle from, you can opt to pay roughly $200 for a used car inspection to have key components examined by an expert.
6. Consider a vehicle history report. When things get close to signing, buying a vehicle history report based on the VIN can help clarify the previous owners, maintenance records (if it was taken to a dealership), title status, and more.

Source: U.S. News and World Report

They even stressed that they understood what ‘as is’ meant but felt as if there had to be something they could do to save money in their situation as the car they purchased needed repairs immediately.

“It broke down 20 minutes into my ride home from the dealership,” they explained in their inquiry.

“[The] Dealership says the car is done for and they don’t want to give me back the money I put as a down payment. Is there anything I can do?”

The consumer explained that they had a one-hour drive home from the dealership and the automobile didn’t make it which is what led them to think something could be done to help them.

Especially because they said the dealer didn’t privy them to any problems with the car, adding “They even raved about the car and its condition.”

“I should be able to do something to ensure I get some kind of refund,” they stressed.

“The vehicle literally broke down on the highway in the middle of rush hour traffic TWENTY minutes after leaving the dealership. If the engine failed that quickly there had to have been a problem with the car that the dealership did not fix before selling me the car.”