Consumers Need To Beware Of Dangerous Used Cars
Buying a used car can expose a consumer to unknown dangers and problems. Recently, consumer groups and the attorneys general from 40 states called upon the Federal Trade Commission to update what they contend are outdated and inadequate protections for used car purchasers.
The changes being urged would involve adding information to the Buyer’s Guide such as whether a car suffered damages in a crash or flood or was bought back by an automaker as a lemon. A Buyer’s Guide is required to be placed in all used cars. But, the Buyer’s Guide has not been significantly improved since 1985.
The National Association of Attorneys General says it is time to protect buyers from rebuilt wrecks that are may be unsafe, are overpriced or both. The attorneys general association said that requiring more information would cost little and would result in an effective and efficient federal double-faceted assault on used-car fraud.
Not unexpectedly, the National Automobile Dealers Association opposes adding such information claiming it would impose significant, costly, and in some cases, impossible burdens on used car dealers.
Currently, this information is available to consumers through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, which requires all states, insurance companies and junk yards, to report vehicles so badly damaged they were considered totaled and not worth repairing. Consumers can check vehicle identification numbers for a small fee at a government website. However, many consumers don’t know that this information is available.
