(SANDUSKY, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced lawsuits against Boasko’s Rt 4 Automall LLC of Sandusky and Buyers Choice Cars of Columbus. In the lawsuits, the Attorney General charges the used car dealerships and their owners with violations of Ohio's consumer laws and seeks full reimbursement to the Title Defect Recision (TDR) Fund.
“In order to drive a car legally in Ohio, you need a title,” Attorney General DeWine said. “And when a used car dealership fails to timely deliver that title, we can step in to help. In this case, we paid out more than $56,000 from the Title Defect Recision Fund to help consumers who had title problems with these dealerships, and we are filing these lawsuits to recover that money.”
Boasko’s Rt 4 Automall was located at 3002 Hayes Ave. in Sandusky, Ohio. According to the Attorney General's lawsuit, the dealership entered into numerous consumer transactions and failed to transfer titles as required by Ohio law. The Attorney General’s Office issued $37,465 from the Title Defect Recision (TDR) Fund to resolve 17 consumer complaints against the business. The lawsuit names the dealership and Stacey M. Boasko and Marc L. Boasko, who ran the business, as defendants.
Buyers Choice Cars last operated at 4720 N. High St. in Columbus. According to the lawsuit, the dealership failed to provide titles to consumers within 40 days of the sale and the Attorney General paid $19,415.52 from the TDR Fund to resolve consumer complaints. The lawsuit charges the dealership and its owner, Robert Cordell, with violations of Ohio’s Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act.
The TDR Fund, administered by the Attorney General’s Office, was created to offer refunds to retail purchasers when motor vehicle dealerships fail to provide a valid certificate of title in their name within the statutorily required period of time.
Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to take the following precautions when buying a used car:
- Research a dealership’s reputation. Check with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints on file.
- Be sure to get all verbal promises in writing, especially any repairs and warranties.
- 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 if a used car dealership fails to provide you with a title within 40 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.
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Documents
Boasko's Rt 4 Automall Lawsuit
Buyers Choice Cars Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840