Can a dealership be liable for falsely claiming a vehicle was 4WD when the buyer later discovers it is only 2WD?

Consumer Protection

Legal Eagle

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Yes, a dealership can be liable if it knowingly or negligently misrepresented that the vehicle was 4WD and you relied on that statement when deciding to buy it. Even without paperwork, repeated verbal assurances that it was 4WD, after you made it known that 4WD was required, can support a misrepresentation or consumer protection claim. The fact that the salesperson claimed to look it up and confirmed it strengthens your position. His ongoing promises to fix it and failure to do so may also support a claim that he is avoiding responsibility.

Your next step is to send a written demand by certified mail summarizing the conversations, stating that the vehicle is 2WD, and requesting a specific resolution by a set date.

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If a car dealership promises that a car is 4WD, but it ends up being 2WD, are they liable?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how frustrating it can be when a dealership doesn't deliver on their promises. Can you tell me if you have any documentation or evidence of the dealership's claim about the car being 4WD?

I don’t have any paperwork. They gave us minimal paperwork when we purchased. Before buying, my husband and I asked him multiple times if he was sure it was 4WD because we would only purchase 4WD. He promised over and over that it was. He even looked something up, or pretended to, and said that yes, it’s definitely 4WD.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already attempted to resolve this issue with the dealership directly?

Yes, he’s been promising for over a month to take care of it, but keeps dodging us.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Consumer Protection Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your dealership dispute.

Yes.

Legal Eagle

Hello, I’m Legal Eagle. I’m an attorney who works in your area of law, and I’ll help you sort this out today. I’ve read what you shared, so let’s go over what’s happening and what your best next steps look like.

Legal Eagle

Your next step is to send a written demand by certified mail summarizing the conversations, stating that the vehicle is 2WD, and requesting a specific resolution by a set date.

Legal Eagle

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please let me know so I can help!

I hope I was able to help resolve your issue! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Legal Eagle

133,377 satisfied customers

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