[NJ] Do you have a legal case if a dealer hid damage on a car you bought and inflated fees?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you've faced with your car purchase; that sounds really frustrating. Can you tell me if you have any written documentation or communication regarding the hidden damages and the fees you were charged?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already attempted to resolve this issue with the dealership or seller before seeking legal assistance?

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.

EsquireChamp

Hey there! Welcome to AskaLawyer. I'm an attorney with many years of experience. I understand you bought a car in NJ and discovered $7.8k in hidden damages after a Subaru certified shop's inspection.

EsquireChamp

Based on New Jersey consumer protection laws, you may have a strong case for auto fraud under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA):

Potential legal grounds:

NJ Consumer Fraud Act (CFA): This is your strongest tool. It prohibits "deceptive and unconscionable" practices, including knowingly concealing material facts. If you can prove the dealer knew about the $7.8k in damages and failed to disclose them, you may be entitled to treble damages (three times your actual loss) plus attorney fees. Undisclosed prior damage or accidents are specifically cited as violations in NJ cases. (NJ Rev Stat § 56:8-2)

Used Car Lemon Law (UCLL): NJ requires dealers to provide a written warranty for vehicles sold for more than $3,000 that are less than 7 model years old and have under 100,000 miles (NJ Rev Stat § 56:8-67). The dealer must correct "material defects" that substantially impair use or safety during the warranty period (e.g., 30 to 90 days depending on mileage). Failure to disclose known material defects is also a per se violation of the UCLL.

Documentation Failure: Failing to provide required sales documents (except finance papers) may further support a claim of deceptive practices. New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations also govern how dealers must disclose pricing and fees, which may be relevant to the price discrepancy and fee stacking you experienced.

Key evidence for your case:

• The Subaru Certified Shop Report: This is critical evidence of "material damage" that significantly impacts the vehicle's value or safety.
• Lemon Squad PPI: This helps establish the car's condition at the time of sale. If the damages were "hidden" and not discoverable by a standard PPI, it strengthens the argument that the dealer (who has a duty to inspect) may have actively concealed them.
• Price Discrepancy: The jump from the advertised $9.55k to $10.19k (before taxes/fees) may be investigated as "bait-and-switch" or deceptive pricing.

Next steps:

1. Prepare for the paralegal: Bring the original advertisement, the Subaru shop's itemized $7.8k damage report, and your Lemon Squad PPI.
2. Verify coverage: Confirm if the vehicle meets the Used Car Lemon Law criteria (age, mileage, price).
3. Request documents: Formally demand the missing sales paperwork in writing to establish a paper trail.