(NEWARK, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today filed a lawsuit against Clark Motor Company of Heath and the three Newark brothers who ran the dealership. The Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks reimbursement to the state’s Title Defect Recision Fund and charges the business with failing to deliver motor vehicle titles as required by law.
“We stepped in to help consumers who failed to receive titles from this dealership, and now we are seeking reimbursement from the dealership,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Dealerships have a responsibility to deliver titles to consumers and when they don’t, we will take action to help consumers and to hold dealerships accountable.”
Clark Motor Company operated at 1070 Hebron Road in Heath. Phillip C. Clark Jr., David Clark, and Christopher Clark ran the business, which closed in early 2013.
According to the lawsuit, the Attorney General’s Office issued $94,345 from the Title Defect Recision Fund to resolve complaints from consumers who failed to receive titles for vehicles they purchased from the dealership. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks full reimbursement to the fund and charges the dealership and the Clark brothers with violations of Ohio's Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act.
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 or 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 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.
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Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840