Warranty Woes: Used Car Dealer Sued For Multiple Violations

This case was such an interesting one to us that we felt we should pass it on for public educational purposes. This one caught our attention due to the fact that the Attorney General’s Office is the party that first filed the suit.

The case centers around a used car dealership in Pompano Beach Florida called Hollywood Auto Gallery. It is operated by one Zachery S. Kessler. Accusations of wrongdoing revolved around two particular actions by Kessler. First, he sold the cars with a “Warranty” that was really only good for minor repairs. Some of the cars that his company allegedly sold to customers broke down only blocks from the dealership. Second, Kessler would take “refundable” deposits from potential customers who later were manipulated and told that they had a contract. Thus many of the vehicles were bought under duress. There were numerous other “promises” that Kessler made both verbally and in his marketing materials.

Kessler and his company face some pretty stiff penalties if convicted. Each violation is subject to a $10,000.00-$15,000.00 fine. If the number of violations for which he is accused are all proven he will need very deep pockets indeed.

What happens if you think you have been “taken for a ride” by a disreputable car dealer? First, you can contact www.myfloridalegal.com which is the website for Florida Attorney General, Bill McCollum. It has numerous resources that outline your rights as a consumer. It will even guide you step by step on what to do if you think you have been victimized. Next, it’s important that you check all the facts on the automobile that you are contemplating purchasing. The best resource to help you with this is www.carfax.com. Any reputable used car dealership will provide this or similar documentation which will outline the history of your car. Third, if you think something is wrong, it probably is. Listen to your gut. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. And if you don’t get the answers you are looking for, walk away. It will save you a lot of money, time and heartache down the road. Finally, before you visit a car dealership, check them out (this goes for attorneys too!). Ask others who have purchased vehicles from them. Find out if they are involved in the community. Even ask them for referrals from satisfied customers. If they are legitimate, they will be more than willing to provide them.

As always, your first line of defense is you, the educated consumer. You are your best protection and the sleazy operator’s worst nightmare.