Buying a vehicle is a major financial decision for most people. In many cases, buyers spend weeks or even months searching for the right car, truck, or SUV, especially because vehicles are now more expensive than ever before. Unfortunately, not every seller is honest during the sales process, and there are times when buyers later discover that the vehicle they purchased had serious problems that were never disclosed to them beforehand. If you recently purchased a vehicle in New Mexico and now believe the dealership was lying about your vehicle’s condition, you are most likely wondering whether what happened was actually illegal. Please continue reading and speak with an experienced New Mexico consumer lawyer from Feferman, Warren & Mattison to learn more about your legal options and how consumer fraud claims involving motor vehicles are handled. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Types of Lies About a Vehicle Could Be Illegal?

Generally speaking, there is a difference between a seller simply failing to mention a minor issue with a vehicle and a seller actively misleading a buyer about the condition of that vehicle. Certain deceptive practices connected to vehicle sales may violate consumer protection laws, particularly if a seller intentionally concealed information or made false statements to complete the sale. Some examples of potentially illegal conduct involving vehicle sales can include the following:

  • Telling a buyer that a vehicle was never involved in an accident when it actually sustained major collision damage
  • Concealing flood damage or salvage history
  • Rolling back or tampering with an odometer
  • Advertising a vehicle as being in “good condition” despite known problems, including body damage, frame damage, or known mechanical issues
  • Claiming repairs were completed when they were not
  • Misrepresenting warranty coverage
  • Hiding mechanical defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s safety or value

How Can Consumers Tell if They Were Misled?

In many situations, consumers do not realize they may have been misled until days or even weeks after they drive the vehicle home. Sometimes the warning signs are immediate, while other times they become apparent only after the vehicle is inspected by a mechanic or starts experiencing repeated problems. Sometimes a consumer only learns about prior damage when they try to sell or trade in the vehicle. Some common signs that a seller may have been dishonest can include the following:

  • The vehicle breaks down shortly after purchase
  • Dashboard warning lights suddenly appear after the sale
  • Repair shops discover hidden damage
  • Vehicle history reports reveal prior accidents or flood damage
  • Mileage records appear inconsistent
  • Parts of the vehicle appear recently altered or temporarily repaired

Can I Sue a Dealer for Lying About a Vehicle’s Condition?

If you believe you were deceived during a vehicle purchase, there are several potential legal remedies that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case. In many instances, consumers may seek compensation for the financial losses they suffered because of the seller’s conduct. Potential legal remedies may include:

  • Seeking reimbursement for overpaying for the vehicle
  • Payment for loss of use of the vehicle
  • Canceling or rescinding the sale
  • Pursuing compensation connected to fraud or misrepresentation
  • Holding dealerships or sellers accountable for deceptive business practices

If you believe a seller lied to you about a vehicle’s condition, it is important that you preserve as much documentation as possible. This may include advertisements, financing paperwork, text messages, emails, repair estimates, inspection reports, warranty information, photographs, and vehicle history reports. In many cases, these documents become extremely important when attempting to prove that a seller knowingly misrepresented the condition of a vehicle.

Additionally, if you’re looking to take action against the dealership, you shouldn’t proceed without a competent consumer lawyer in your corner. Feferman, Warren & Mattison stands ready to help you. Contact our firm for an initial consultation today so we can discuss your case.