The Gaskas said they saw a used 2019 Lexus RX 350 from DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich advertised on CarGurus for $40,838. They visited the dealership Jan. 11 and purchased the vehicle after being told again the price was $40,838.
But the retail installment sales contract listed the vehicle’s price with accessories as $42,238 and included a charge for a “sales commission” of $844.76 — 2 percent of the vehicle price, the Gaskas said.
Both of these actions were illegal under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, the Gaskas alleged.
“It shall be an unfair or deceptive act or practice for a new car dealer or used car dealer to fail to sell or lease, or refuse to sell or lease, a motor vehicle in accordance with any terms or conditions which the dealer has advertised, including, but not limited to, the advertised price,” a state regulation cited by the case states.
Breaking any state or federal law related to vehicle sales or leases also violates the Connecticut trade practices law, according to state regulations.
Connecticut law requires dealerships to include any “conveyance fee” either within the vehicle prices they advertise or alongside it separately in 8-point font.
“The selling price quoted by any dealer to a prospective buyer shall include, separately stated, the amount of the dealer conveyance fee and that such fee is negotiable,” the law states. “No dealer conveyance fee shall be added to the selling price at the time the order is signed by the buyer.
“… No dealer shall include in the selling price a dealer preparation charge for any item or service for which the dealer is reimbursed by the manufacturer or any item or service not specifically ordered by the buyer and itemized on the invoice.”
Charging more than was advertised and charging for a commission unordered by the customer both represented unfair trade practices, the Gaskas alleged.
