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• 3 Auto Dealer Tactics the Overhaul Missed: By RON LIEBER
• CONSUMER WATCH: The downside of voluntary repossession
• Misrepresentation costly for Norfolk dealership
• USED-VEHICLE PURCHASE
• J. Smith v. Casey Chevrolet, Circuit Court of Newport News, Virginia:
• Charlie Falk Auto Wholesale, Inc. Pays Judgments
• CONSUMER WATCH: Looking for options in tough cases
• Consumer Watch: Couple gets some relief in warranty case
• Dealership Found Guilty of Fraud, Jury Awards Punitive Damages

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Case Results

• Auto Fraud
• Richmond Dealer Guilty of Fraud, Punitive Damages Awarded

Awarded: $34,000 in punitive damages

• Dealership Found Guilty of Fraud in Sale of BMW
• CAR DEALER ORDERED TO PAY $140,000 + FOR FRAUD, CLAIMS POVERTY
• Charlie Falk Auto Wholesale, Inc. Pays Judgments
• Settled Case - Auto Fraud
• Settled Case - Prior Wreck Auto Fraud
• Automobile Fraud
• Auto Fraud - Settled Case
• Car Dealership Pays Over $114,500 For Fraud In Selling Wrecked Vehicle

Awarded: Over $114,500

• Misrepresentation costly for Norfolk dealership

Awarded: $114,400

• Auto Fraud Case Results

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News

USED-VEHICLE PURCHASE

The following article appeared in The Virginian-Pilot on February 23, 2006: Bill is dropped over consumer concerns A bill that opponents called "a wolf in sheep's clothing" has been dropped before it could be considered in the House of Delegates. The legislation, SB153 , required auto dealers to inform potential buyers about the right to request an inspection before purchasing a used vehicle. The legislation also would have given legal protection to a car dealer if the buyer later contended that he or she was not informed of mechanical problems. It was that part of the proposal that drew criticism from a coalition of statewide poverty advocacy groups, consumer protection lobbyists, and Richmond-based used car dealer CarMax. In a press conference Wednesday, John Gayle, the Virginia coordinator for the National Association of Consumer Advocates, said the bill's death was a victory for poor people. At a time when a large number of hurricane-damaged vehicles are appearing on the market, residents need protection from dealers who might pass off salvaged cars as perfectly fine, he said. "Virginia would become a dumping ground for those vehicles," Gayle said. "This bill is terrible for Virginia consumers. The only people it would help is disreputable car dealers." The bill had passed the Senate 31-8, but Sen. Thomas Norment , R-James City, withdrew it from consideration this week after stronger opposition arose. Norment, who is part owner of a car dealership, had said the bill would have given drivers an unprecedented legal right to an inspection. He also had said that buyers were better off knowing a car's defects before the purchase, rather than going to court for damages after buying the vehicle. - Meghan Hoyer

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