Most consumers rightfully approach buying a car with a healthy amount of skepticism, especially with the car market being inconsistent in recent years. Car salespeople have a job to sell, but some Oklahoma car dealerships, unfortunately, have a reputation for pulling shady tricks and even committing consumer auto fraud in order to squeeze as much money out of buyers as possible.
The vast majority are honest and reputable, and we will always stand by good businesspeople conducting good business. We do, however, want to work with consumers who have been targeted by salespeople and dealerships that resort to unscrupulous (and sometimes illegal) practices. We already talked about Title Washing Scams for used cars, but we want to look at four other common practices you need to look out for when purchasing a vehicle.
1. Not Paying Premiums on Gap Insurance
Because the current market value of a car is often less than the total amount consumers typically owe on a car loan in the first couple of years after purchase, consumers sometimes get gap insurance. This policy, which may be purchased through the dealership, reimburses consumers for the difference, or gap, between what is owed and the car’s current market value after a covered loss.
Too often, consumers get into a major wreck, file a claim with their gap insurance, and discover the dealership has not been paying gap premiums all along. This is just one of many ways that money paid to dealerships can mysteriously “disappear.”
2. Bait and Switch Advertising
Oklahoma car lots and dealerships have countless tactics at their disposal to finagle more money out of consumers. One of the most common issues is with bait and switch advertising, a concept you’ve likely heard of. This is the act of drawing customers in with “too good to be true” offers that never actually existed in the first place.
For example, a car dealership may promote a “no money down” deal on a 2025 model just to later tell you that was for a strictly limited number of vehicles. This leaves you trapped in a deal that falls well short of what got you in the door in the first place. The truth is that any contract is negotiable and getting the deal that drew you into the dealership in the first place is always a possibility.
3. Adding Dubious Fees and Charges
The sky is really the limit with the types of unwanted fees dealerships may attach to an auto financing arrangement. These can range from extended warranties and protection packages to physical features like spoilers, fabric protection, or VIN etching to pack the contract.
Dealers may imply that certain warranties and insurance policies are required when, in fact, they are not. Beware of so-called “dealer-added options” and similar phrasing in auto advertisements. You only need to pay for what you agreed to, so it’s important to look over contract details before signing anything.
4. Yo-Yo or Spot-Delivery Financing
Imagine a consumer who drives their new car off the lot and assumes the car’s financing, which the dealership described as “pending,” is all but guaranteed. Then, a few days later, the dealership calls up the buyer and informs them that the financing consistent with the previous rate is no longer available. However, the buyer may keep the car with a new financing arrangement at a higher interest rate. This illegal practice is referred to as yo-yo or spot-delivery financing.
We Will Protect Your Rights
The best way for you to fight back against dealerships’ illegal tactics and consumer auto fraud, in general, is to call a committed Oklahoma consumer fraud attorney as soon as you can. We will help you work through the schemes and scams that are reaching into your pocket to steal your hard-earned money. Consumer laws are there to protect you and your rights, and we’re here to help you assert those rights. Contact HB Law Partners for a law firm that’s fighting bad companies so good companies are able to thrive in Oklahoma.
HB Law Partners
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