What can I do if a car dealer added a fee to the sale price that was never disclosed?

Consumer Protection

Legal Eagle

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The dealer's explanation raises a valid question because a lender fee is not normally added to the vehicle's sale price without being disclosed in the purchase paperwork you reviewed and signed. If the price you agreed to was about $9,500, then the documents should show how the total increased, whether through a specific fee, add on product, or adjustment that you approved. You can respond asking them to point to the exact line in the signed contract that shows the $649 bank fee and explain why it was added to the sale price instead of being listed as a separate fee. You can also repeat your request for the Carfax and ask for a written breakdown of every charge included in the $10,199 figure. Keep copies of the advertisement, your financing documents, and the messages so you can compare the numbers and continue pressing for a correction or refund if the fee was not disclosed.

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Sent this to a car dealer on February 13th (I got the car on February 4th):

"Hello, I am writing to address a $649 discrepancy in the sale price of the vehicle I recently purchased. The car was advertised online for approximately $9,500, and this is the price we agreed upon over the phone. However, upon reviewing the final documents from the finance company, I noticed the 'Sale Price' was listed at $10,199.00. This $649 hike was never disclosed to me during our financing discussion, nor is it accounted for by taxes, fees, or GAP insurance, which are all listed in their own separate categories. Furthermore, I've discovered scratches on the vehicle that appear to have been cosmetically concealed during the sale process. Between the price hike and the undisclosed condition of the paint, I feel the transaction did not reflect our original agreement. I would like to resolve this quickly. Please let me know how you intend to correct the $649 overcharge, and if I'm mistaken, please let me know. Also, please send me a Carfax for the vehicle."

His response on March 1st: "Hey [name redacted], I apologize, I hadn't seen the message that you sent me. So that is basically the bank fee, because remember, they charge us a bank fee since there's no prepayment penalty, so I have to put that on top of the price. You know, that's basically why the extra charge."

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with discrepancies in a vehicle purchase. Can you tell me if you have any written agreements or documents that support your claim regarding the sale price?

I have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) prior to purchase for the damages, and I have an estimate of cost and some photos (not great quality). I have evidence of that in the contract and in the actual ads too. I have all the information and documents.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you attempted to escalate this issue with a manager or higher authority at the dealership since their initial response?

I have none of the documents other than the contract for the car in terms of dealer stuff. No, I am looking for lawyers at the moment.

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 car purchase dispute.

No.

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

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