When people looking for vehicles purchase used vehicles, they typically understand that there could be damage to repair. In addition to performing a personal inspection of the vehicle, buyers may recognize that they need to take a used vehicle they might purchase to a trusted mechanic for an in-depth inspection. Mechanics can identify issues with vehicles that could significantly alter their fair market value.
When buyers choose to purchase brand-new vehicles instead of used ones, they may operate under the assumption that these vehicles should be in excellent condition. Unfortunately, a noteworthy percentage of brand-new vehicles on dealership lots have damage that could cost hundreds to repair. Dealerships may not disclose issues with new vehicles unless prospective buyers identify them in time.
How do new vehicles sustain damage?
There are several ways in which vehicles that should be brand-new end up damaged before someone purchases them. Frequently, test drives are to blame.
Other prospective buyers may not treat the car appropriately when they take it out for a test drive. They might choose not to slow down when going over speed bumps, causing damage to the suspension and undercarriage, for example. Dealerships may perform cosmetic repairs to cover that damage or may completely ignore it in some cases.
Other times, the damage could occur during transportation. The process of getting the vehicle to the lot could result in damage to the frame, suspension or other systems. Regardless of what causes the damage, the new owner may end up saddled with repair expenses or in possession of a vehicle that has a lower resale value than they expected.
Undisclosed and unaddressed damage to a new vehicle can create unfair expenses for the new owner or may even affect their safety while out on the road. New car buyers who discover issues while driving their vehicle or after taking it to a mechanic for routine maintenance may have grounds to pursue an auto dealer fraud lawsuit.
Holding dealerships accountable for failing to disclose damage to brand new vehicles can compensate buyers who acquired vehicles in some standard condition. People who understand that brand-new vehicles can come off the lot with serious damage can pursue auto dealer fraud litigation to reduce the economic impact of a dealership’s misrepresentation of a vehicle.
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