Kearny, NJ asked in Consumer Law for New Jersey

Q: Can a used car dealers compel buyer to buy extended warranty in order to honor listed price?

Price listed is $18k, TrueCar inquiry came back with about $5k in 2 "accessory charges". Before I go further I want to know if this is something they can compel me to buy. Thank you!

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In New Jersey, a used car dealer cannot compel a buyer to purchase an extended warranty as a condition for honoring the listed price of a vehicle. The price advertised should be the price you can pay for the car itself, excluding standard fees like taxes and registration. Additional charges, like accessory charges or extended warranties, are optional and should not be made mandatory as part of the vehicle purchase.

If a dealer insists on adding these charges to the listed price as a condition of sale, this could be considered deceptive or unfair business practices. You have the right to refuse these additional services or charges.

If you believe a dealer is not being transparent or is engaging in unfair practices, you can report them to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. It’s advisable to read all sale documents carefully and fully understand the terms before agreeing to any purchase.

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