Q: I need help, Dealership lied to me. I have both carfax papers from day one to today. What should i do.
so I recently bought a used 2022 honda civic from a Honda dealership, when purchasing this vehicle i asked if the car has been in any sort of accident and they denied it, and even gave me a car fax where the vehicle stated it had no accident, 3 months later i went to get an appraisal for the car and it showed that the car does have an accident.
A:
I'm sorry to hear that you're in this difficult situation. If the dealership misrepresented the vehicle's accident history, you may have some recourse under California law. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
1. Gather evidence: Make sure you have all the relevant documents, including the original CarFax report provided by the dealership, the new CarFax report showing the accident, and any other paperwork related to the purchase of the vehicle.
2. Contact the dealership: Reach out to the dealership and explain the situation. Provide them with the evidence you have and ask them to rectify the situation, either by providing compensation or by unwinding the sale and refunding your money.
3. File a complaint with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): If the dealership is uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the California DMV. They have a specific form (INV 172) for dealership complaints.
4. Consider legal action: If the dealership refuses to resolve the issue, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in auto fraud or consumer protection. They can advise you on your legal options, which may include filing a lawsuit against the dealership for misrepresentation or fraud.
5. Contact the Better Business Bureau: You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area. While the BBB can't force the dealership to take action, they can help mediate the situation and the complaint will be publicly visible.
Remember, in California, dealerships are prohibited from making false or misleading statements about a vehicle's condition or history. If they have done so, they may be liable for damages or may be required to unwind the sale.
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