New Jersey Lemon Law Lawyer Blog

State sues certain Sansone dealerships

Complete story

Sansone Ford Lincoln Mercury
Sansone Dodge in Ocean Township
Sansone Chevrolet
Sansone's Route 1 Auto Mall in the Avenel section of Woodbridge

According to the story the Sansone Dealership failed to disclose the condition of the vehicles

The Ag's Office was quoted as saying

"There is no doubt that consumers would want to know and must be told about prior damage to, and fleet or rental use of, a vehicle that they are considering for purchase,"

To be fair to Sansone and the Ag's Office the law in each of these areas need to be addressed specific posts.

What are the laws on damage and disclosure?
What are the laws on Consumer Fraud?
How is the State lawsuit by AG different than a normal persons civil lawsuit?
What is a consent order and how does it affect Sansone Dealerships?

How can I get a copy of the complaint?

There is a presumption of innocence because the State has to prove a case like any other plaintiff and until proven these are only allegations are only that. I am certain the allegations are denied by the lawyers and the dealers involved. This is why we have trials to make these determinations of innocence or non innocence.

Carton and Rudnick family law
Carton and Rudnick consumer law
Carton and Rudnick

What If A Major Auto Manufacturer Closes the Doors?

This is a very good question, is merely speculation BUT I am asked the question on a daily basis. There is really no precedent for making an analysis. But form the consumer's prospective the issues are simple.

Who will service my car, honor the warranty and where will I get the parts to fix my Chrysler?

There are no easy answers BUT as with any business that goes belly up, generally the consumers are left in the cold, which is the most likely occurrence.

My guess is that one of the other manufacturers would try to make some arrangement to get the customers of the failing automaker. But if you had a lemon law claim you are probably out of luck, unless the State sets aside a fund, which is unlikely in this economy.

Carton and Rudnick family law
Carton and Rudnick consumer law
Carton and Rudnick

Consumer Fraud: Do You Need A Price Tag?

The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act has a specific provision for "price tags"

56:8-2.5. Sale, attempt to sell or offer for sale of merchandise without tag or label with selling price

It shall be an unlawful practice for any person to sell, attempt to sell or offer for sale any merchandise at retail unless the total selling price of such merchandise is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, label or sign either affixed to the merchandise or located at the point where the merchandise is offered for sale.

The reasonable reading is that the price has to be where it can be seen, which is on the product. This is only fair. The failure to have this information on the product can give rose to a number of deceptive tactics.

Carton and Rudnick family law
Carton and Rudnick consumer law
Carton and Rudnick

Continue reading " Consumer Fraud: Do You Need A Price Tag? " »

What is Spot Delivery?

Spot delivery is when a dealership lets you have a car until financing is approved. Under many circumstances this is improper. What happens when:

They sell the trade before the financing is approved?

Ask for more money?

Change the interest rate?

Ask for their car back?

Do not deliver title?

Do not provide documents?

Repossess the car they gave you?

Threaten you with repossession or reporting to the police if you do not return the car?

These are many of the things that can go wrong and you will need an experienced lawyer who can answer your questions.

Carton and Rudnick family law
Carton and Rudnick consumer law
Carton and Rudnick

Continue reading " What is Spot Delivery? Is it Auto Fraud? " »

Credit Card Companies - New Rules

For years the credit card companies have implemented RULES when the credit card agreement was signed that were onerous at best. With the economy failing the Board of Governors has changed the playing filed to help the consumers and the changes are significant.

New Rules

More time to make your payment

Paying off higher interest rate balance first

Prohibit increased rates for that would be deemed penalty rates

Two cycle billing for balances

Firm offers of credit

These are significant changes but they do not take effect until 2010

Carton and Rudnick family law
Carton and Rudnick consumer law
Carton and Rudnick

Continue reading " Credit Card Companies - New Rules To Help Consumers " »