September 3, 2024
Buying a vehicle is a major investment and can be a complex process. Be cautious and informed to ensure a fair, transparent purchase and avoid deceptive practices from some auto dealers.
Beware of the Following Tactics:
- Mandating Optional Charges: Some dealers may try to inflate the price of a vehicle by claiming that optional features are required, even though these features aren’t included in the listed price.
- Bait-and-Switch Schemes: Be cautious of dealers advertising vehicles online that they don’t actually have in stock, hoping to entice you into purchasing a different car on their lot.
- Deceptive Descriptions: Some dealers may attempt to deceive buyers by falsely claiming that a vehicle is a specific standard, model, or trim when it is not.
- Sticker Shock: Watch out for dealers who fail to list all price options for a vehicle, and then surprise you with a final price vastly higher than anticipated.
You deserve clear pricing, accurate information, and transparency when purchasing a vehicle. Don’t be swayed by dishonest tactics or high-pressure sales pitches.
If you believe you’ve been misled or deceived about the price or quality of a vehicle, contact the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Provide them with any evidence of deceptive practices, such as misleading ads or documents. For more information on safeguarding your vehicle purchase.
