Buying a New Car
What are “bait and switch” ads?
"Bait and switch" is advertising a vehicle that the dealer does not intend to sell. Usually this is done to lure the unsuspecting customer toward buying an unadvertised, often higher-priced vehicle. The ad draws the customer into the showroom, but the advertised car is not available at that time or stated price.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of such advertising, contact the consumer protection division of your state attorney general's office. If they have received a number of reports about this kind of advertising, they may file a claim against the dealer on behalf of all of the duped customers. If they find that yours is an isolated incident, they may still help you pursue an individual claim.
In either case, it may be possible to hold the dealer to providing the vehicle at the publicized price.
>>What information should an automobile ad include?
>>What are “bait and switch” ads?
>>What if the ad omits details?
>>Must a car contract be in writing?
>>Which terms should the contract include?
>>How should I evaluate the contract?
>>May I change a seller's preprinted contract?
>>May I cancel the contract even after I sign it?
>>What happens to my deposit if I cancel the contract?
>>What if I want to add something after I sign the contract?
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