In 2015, financial results for the six publicly traded, new-car dealer groups in the United States showed that dealerships are in the business of selling cars so they can service them and finance them. Compared to the new-car department, gross profit margins for dealerships are much higher for service and parts, where they may have…

The California Vehicle Code states all California car dealers must post notice of the consumer’s right to have any vehicle for sale inspected by third party. (Vehicle Code §§11709.1 and 11609.5.) Nevertheless, Carmax, one of the largest used car sellers in the state, has been refusing to allow consumers to have cars inspected. Know your…

We are continually told by consumers that dealerships are required to run their credit, even sometimes claiming anti-terrorism laws require this! Not true. Some anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering rules require dealers to CHECK THE IDENTIFICATION of customers paying more than $10,000 in cash and to report to the IRS on Form 8300. BUT DEALERS DO…