New Jersey Lemon Law Lawyer Blog

Manufacturers frequently have problems that need to be fixed on a wide scale basis. If you remember a few years ago there were Kia Sephia brake problems that resulted in a recall. This is not that uncommon, unfortunately..

Ford just issued on the Explorer

A new risk of fire in Ford SUVs has prompted a recall from the Ford Motor Corp. Ford is recalling about 1,500 2008 Explorer, Explorer Sport Track and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs equipped with the 4.6 liter engine and 6R transmission.

A bolt securing the oil cooler line fittings at the transmission may not have been tightened sufficiently at the Ford assembly plant.

If the bolt loosens, the transmission cooler lines can leak fluid on to the vehicle's the catalytic converter posing the fire risk.

Continue reading " Ford Recalls 1,500 Explorers, Mountaineers for Fire Risk " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Recalls

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I would have to say that it is worth the money, BUT, you really need to understand the limitations of CARFAX so you don't get burned. CARFAX operates like any other database: Garbage in Garbage out. It is only as good as its source of information. If you look at a CARFAX you and it does not show an accident that does not mean that the car was not in an accident. It only means that the CARFAX data base does not show an accident.

CARFAX does not have access to CLUE (comprehensive loss underwriting exchange) which is a huge database maintained by the insurance companies of all claims paid on autos-both property damage and bodily injury.

Continue reading " CARFAX? Is It worth the money? " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Dealership Fraud

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Most reputable car dealers a members of NADA National Association of Auto Dealers. You might find this hard to believe but there is actually a code of ethics for dealerships. Here it is:

1. ADVERTISING

This dealership is committed to advertising its products and services in a clear, conspicuous and accurate manner that fully complies with applicable legal requirements. This includes disclosing credit terms in accordance with the federal Truth in Lending Act and consistent with state and local law.
2. FINANCIAL SERVICES

Implicit in these standards is the requirement that NADA members comply fully with all federal, state, and local laws governing their businesses.

At this dealership, the finance and insurance professionals will at all times...

* Disclose fully to customers the costs, terms, and contractual obligations of credit and lease transactions. Documents will be written in a simple, plain, and unambiguous manner to the extent permitted by federal and state law.
* Offer optional insurance or other optional products in a clear and informative manner. Any purchase of such a product must reflect a voluntary choice by the consumer.
* Advertise financial services products in a clear and non-deceptive manner.

Continue reading " Auto Dealership Ethics " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Dealership Fraud

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Car salesman have one goal. Sell you a car and take as much of your money as possible. There are all types of unflattering terms that are insulting. And they describe customers. Before you buy or lease your next car you need to know this.

1. Bumping -- Raising what the customer says he wants to pay for a car ("If Mr. Customer says he only wants to pay $250 a month, just say, 'up to ...?' He'll probably bump himself up to $300.")

2. Closer -- An experienced sales person who is brought in to make the customer agree to the dealership's terms.

3. The feel of the wheel will seal the deal -- The idea that if customers test drive a car, they will fall in love and buy it.

Continue reading " Car Salesmans' Secrets " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Dealership Fraud

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Cherry Hill Triplex was sued in New Jersey Superior Court for Consumer Fraud. The case went to arbitration and the plaintiff received a favorable award. This is not a final award since Cherry Hill Triplex has the right to present the case to a jury and let a New Jersey jury decide if they did something improper.

Plaintiff claims that she was informed the dealership no longer had the trade-in car she had left the day before, according to testimony. The sales staff then forced her to buy the van despite her objections and attempts to return the car.

Continue reading " Cherry Hill Triplex , $48,000 arbitration award " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Dealership Fraud

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Buying the wrong car can have a devastating impact on you life. If you car breaks down how will you get to work and pay the bills. If it doesn't work right, why doesn't the manufacturer just replace it? If only life were that simple?

The lemon law works to force manufacturers to back their product: Paint peeling, knocking engine, faulty transmission, leaky sunroof or door locks. You are dealing with a billion dollar company. The lemon law gives you a protection. You can FORCE the manufacturer to buy back the car.

If the use, value or safety of you car has been substantially affected you can have your car repurchased with attorney fees and cost reimbursed. You can also get you money back if the dealer has taken too long to fix the car. Yes that is correct. Even if the dealer fixes the car, but it takes too long, you can get your money back.

Continue reading " New Jersey Lemon Law. " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Lemon Law

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Several Bob Ciasulli automobile dealerships settled a lawsuit filed by the State of New Jersey
They agreed to pay the State $425,000 for costs, fees and in furtherance of the interests of the State of New Jersey.(2002)

These dealerships were included in the settlement:

B.C.T. Imports, Inc.; Bob Ciasulli Toyota, Inc.; Bob Ciasulli Jeep/Eagle, Inc.; Bob Ciasulli Hyundai, Inc.; Arrow Hyundai, Inc.; Arrow Auto Imports, Inc.; Mack Auto Imports, Inc.; Mack Dodge, Inc.; Mack Pontiac/Cadillac, Inc.; Monmouth American, Inc.; Monmouth Chrysler/Plymouth, Inc.; M.T. Imports, Inc.; Route 88 Vehicle Corp.; United Galaxy, Inc.; and Universal Global, Inc.

Continue reading " Ciasulli Auto Dealerships Lawsuits (2002) " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Dealership Fraud

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Many car salesman are also victim of dealership fraud. They have a pay plan that is in writing. Despite the simplicity of the pay plan (commissions as a percentage of profit) the dealership inflates the cost of vehicles to reduce their pay. They will add on various, questionable costs to the "cost" of the car. Much of this is hidden from the salesman: Pack, used car kitty, lot fees, bruise fees, dent fees.

Dealerships will also claim that a product such as GAP or ETCH cost a certain amount which is false

Car salesman are left with few options because they risk being blackballed and out of the industry. Turnover is very high at most dealerships and this is part of the reason.

Continue reading " New Jersy Car Salesman: Pay Plan Fraud " »

Posted by Jonathan Rudnick | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Salesman Pay Plan Lawsuits

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