(Columbus, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against Dads Car Lot Inc. and its owners William D. Taylor Sr. and Gary Jones. The lawsuit charges the Pickerington used car dealer with multiple violations of Ohio’s consumer laws.
“Buying a car is a major purchase for most consumers and they rightly expect to be treated fairly according to the law,” DeWine said. “Businesses must fulfill their promises to consumers, and if they don’t, we will take action.”
The Ohio Attorney General's Office has received dozens of consumer complaints against Dads Car Lot. In their complaints, consumers cited problems with certificates of title, repossessions, misrepresentations, and repairs and services. To resolve title complaints, the office provided more than $9,000 in consumer restitution through the Title Defect Recision Fund.
According to the Attorney General's lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Dads Car Lot routinely failed to provide consumers with dated receipts listing the terms of the sale. It also routinely failed to apply for a certificate of title within 30 days of selling a vehicle.
The Attorney General's lawsuit charges Dads Car Lot with violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act and Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act. The lawsuit seeks permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties, and full reimbursement to the Title Defect Recission Fund.
Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to take the following precautions before buying a used car:
- Research a dealer's reputation. Check with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints on file.
- Get everything in writing, especially verbal promises.
- Read the fine print. Make sure you understand the purchase agreement and the financing terms. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
- Understand that "as is" means the car is not covered by warranty. You will be responsible for repairs.
- Take a vehicle for an extended test drive before buying. Ask a trustworthy mechanic to check it for problems.
- Contact the Attorney General's office if a used car dealer fails to provide you with a title after 30 days of the sale.
- Keep in mind that in most cases, you cannot return a car once you buy it.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
–30–
Documents
Copy of Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840