PA Attorney General Sues Bristol Car Dealer

BRISTOL, PA — A Bristol auto dealership and its owner were among those sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office this week, accused of using deceptive online advertising.

In all, 12 legal actions were taken against auto dealers and salespeople in the Philadelphia area, according to Attorney General Josh Shapiro. A sweep by the office targeted dealers who advertised vehicles on Craigslist without telling potential buyers that they were being old by a dealer, as required by state law.

In Bristol, Gerald's 1st Class Auto Salon, and owner Gerald Clarkson, Jr., were among four dealerships sued by the AG's office.

Eight businesses were subject to settlement agreements and had to agree not to deceptively advertise their vehicles in the future.

"Consumers have a right to know from whom they are purchasing their vehicles," Shapiro said. "Buying a vehicle is a significant investment of time and money and consumers who turn to private sellers do it because they want to save a little of both.

"They deserve a smooth transition and to be treated fairly, which means knowing all of the material aspects of a deal, especially if they are buying from a dealer."

The investigation targeted car dealers advertising in the Craigslist "for sale by owners" section. The office found more than 70 vehicle advertisements to Pennsylvania consumers that it said violated state law.

The Office of Attorney General offers the following used-car-buying tips:

• New and used car dealers are a natural place to start, but consumers should check on the dealer’s reputation and reliability before visiting.
• Private owners usually sell vehicles in the newspaper or on the internet. Consumers who buy from a private owner should ask for maintenance and repair records, and they should check the vehicle’s title to make sure the person selling the car is the legal owner.
• Consumers cannot expect perfection in a used car, but they shouldn’t overlook serious defects. Make safety a priority. Inspect the car in daylight and good weather. Road test the car before buying. If a prospective buyer is not allowed to test drive the vehicle, don’t buy it.
• Have a trusted mechanic thoroughly inspect the car before purchase. Check the body for rust or cracks. Tires, battery, doors, windows, lights, tailpipe, shock absorbers and fluids are all details that need a close look before you buy. Mechanical parts such as the headlights, heater and windshield wipers should be functioning properly. Also, check the interior seats and floor for any major wear and tear.
• As you finalize a deal on a used car, take the time to read and understand any written agreement. Ask questions. All blank spaces should be completed. Understand if there is a warranty included and what it covers. If you are required to make a deposit, ask if it is refundable. Make sure the deposit is also included in the contract.

Attorney General Shapiro encourages Pennsylvanians who believe they have been the victim of a scam or disreputable business practices regarding motor vehicles to contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or his office's website.