Do I need a consumer attorney?
I recently went to a small lot dealership to purchase a vehicle. I just started my own business and could not show proof of income. The dealership said no problem And that they could get me financed. I noticed that the tires were old and requested new ones. They said no problem just add $200 on to your down payment. So, I gave them $2200 for a down payment. It has been a month and now I still don't have the tires. I called the supposed finance company because I have not recieved a bill for my car payment and they told me they were not financing me and they didn't know who was. I called the dealership. They will not take my phone calls. I emailed them and they told me I can make the payments straight to them. They will not answer any of my questions and it seems really shady. Please help.
2 attorney answers
It IS really shady. They are in the car business. Do NOT talk to them on the phone, ever again. DO make your payments, on time, to them, in a traceable fashion, OR they will likely come and steal (repo) the car without you knowing it. Do not be even one day late. Keep all communications, and do not leave any valuables in your car, as when/if they repo, that stuff will disappear like magic too.
I agree with the other response here and want to add a few things.
In Nevada, even if you sign a document saying otherwise, you cannot be charged excessive late fees for a late payment. Likewise, your car cannot be repossessed unless you are 30 days late on your payment. While the reality is that this shady car lot will probably try to charge crazy fees and/or illegally repossess your car if you are even a day late, just know that these are not legal practices (they cannot keep your personal property in the vehicle, either). If anything like that happens, you should call a lawyer or the DMV Compliance Enforcement Division as soon as possible.
With respect to the tires, you are entitled to those. Is that written anywhere in your contract? It should be, and the dealer has the obligation under the law to provide proof of the sale in writing, at a minimum.
Long story short, you should not be afraid of your car dealer. Nevada has strong consumer protection laws which govern car transactions for these reasons.
Good luck. I hope this helps
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