Helping You With Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Concerns

While certified pre-owned vehicles are a great option to purchase a car for a lower price, they do come with the risk of fraud. If a dishonest seller or auto dealer did not properly inspect the vehicle or duped you into buying one with significant concerns, you may have a valid auto fraud claim in California. At Auto Law Firm, PC, attorney Michael Klitzke and his experienced legal team assist clients throughout California, and the firm is located in California, to obtain justice in certified pre-owned vehicle fraud cases. The legal team has extensive experience handling certified pre-owned vehicle fraud cases. They work closely with clients to achieve favorable outcomes, whether that means securing compensation or resolving claims efficiently. Clients do not pay upfront legal fees; instead, legal fees are paid from settlements or verdicts.

Attorney Michael Klitzke focuses his practice solely on auto fraud claims. With a top 100 verdict in California for 2022 and a six-figure victory that won him the Best of the Bar award, you can trust him to fight to protect your rights and obtain the justice you deserve. The legal team takes a strategic approach to certified pre-owned cases, carefully evaluating each situation to maximize results. Certified pre-owned vehicles often come at a higher cost than regular used cars, so buyers should weigh the benefits against the additional cost for valid reasons. If you have questions about your rights, the legal process or legal fees, we encourage you to reach out. Car salesmen may sometimes use deceptive tactics, so it is important to remain vigilant during the buying process. Consumers can expect certified pre-owned vehicles to meet certain standards, and warranties typically cover specific mechanical or performance issues. Understanding your finance options is also crucial when purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. There are several reasons why auto fraud occurs in the certified pre-owned market, including financial incentives and complex sales processes. Finally, consumer protection is essential in certified pre-owned vehicle transactions to ensure fair treatment and prevent fraud.

Introduction To Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Certified pre-owned vehicles, often referred to as CPO cars, offer consumers an appealing alternative to buying a new car or a standard used car. These vehicles are typically inspected and certified by either the manufacturer or the dealership to ensure they meet specific standards for quality and reliability. For many buyers, certified pre-owned vehicles provide added confidence, as they usually come with an extended warranty and other benefits that are not available with regular used cars. However, it’s important to remember that not all car dealers and auto dealers operate with the same level of integrity. Some may attempt to take advantage of consumers by misrepresenting the condition or certification of a vehicle, leading to potential auto fraud. If you find yourself in this situation, auto fraud attorneys can help you pursue legal action and recover damages. Being informed about certified pre-owned vehicles and working with reputable dealers can help you avoid fraud and ensure your next vehicle meets your expectations for quality and value.

The Importance Of Vehicle Inspection

When considering the purchase of a used car, especially a certified pre-owned vehicle, a thorough inspection is essential. A detailed inspection can uncover hidden mechanical problems or defects that might not be obvious during a test drive. Before finalizing your purchase, always request a comprehensive vehicle inspection report and take the time to review it carefully. It’s also wise to research the dealership and the dealership’s salesperson to ensure they have a reputation for honesty and transparency. Understanding your financing options and being aware of any additional fees is equally important, as some car dealers may use these aspects to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from auto fraud and make a purchase with confidence. If you suspect you have been the victim of fraud or have concerns about defects or undisclosed issues, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney who specializes in auto fraud cases. Many offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your investment.

Understanding Common Problems With Used Vehicle Sales

Certified Pre-Owned (“CPO”) vehicle purchases frequently result in fraud lawsuits. CPOs are portrayed as better than other used vehicles because the vehicle allegedly passed a rigorous 120–180-point inspection. In truth, many dealer technicians lack the basic training and tools needed to do the inspection. By law, a certified pre-owned vehicle is required to undergo a thorough inspection and meet specific standards before being sold as “certified.” Certain sales practices, such as misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition or failing to meet certification requirements, are illegal under California law. It is essential that all prior damage, accident history and issues be fully disclosed to the buyer. The dealership’s salesperson plays a key role in ensuring transparency during the inspection and sale process. Unfortunately, buyers can be defrauded by misrepresentations about the vehicle’s condition or history. Sometimes, dealers may agree to resolve issues or provide refunds but later refuse or delay, forcing consumers to seek legal action. Certified pre-owned warranties may cover a certain number of miles or remain valid for a set number of miles until expiration. Hundreds of such fraud cases occur each year in California. Auto fraud is sometimes called ‘Car Dealer Fraud.’

California Vehicle Code § 11713.18(a) prohibits the sale of “certified” vehicles where:

• The odometer has been rolled back or reset
• The vehicle was a Lemon Law Buyback under any State or Federal law
• The vehicle has any title brand, including title brands used by other states
• The safety of the vehicle has been substantially impaired due to an impact, fire or flood
• The vehicle has sustained frame or structural damage
• The dealer fails to provide the buyer with a completed inspection report prior to selling the vehicle
• The vehicle is sold “As Is”
• The dealer attempts to disclaim the implied warranty of merchantability

When you purchase a CPO, you should receive an inspection checklist. The checklist is a crucial part of your claim and makes it more likely to obtain a favorable result. If you were sold a CPO and experienced any of the issues above, the auto fraud team at Auto Law Firm, PC, can help get your money back.

Get Started On Your Case Today

If someone sold you a used vehicle that has any unreported defects or problems in California, don’t wait to contact an experienced auto fraud attorney at Auto Law Firm, PC. To schedule a free consultation at the California auto law office, call 619-984-1239 or fill out an online contact form.