Disputes with car dealerships (car dealers)

Disputes with car showrooms or car dealers can arise for a variety of reasons, ranging from hidden defects of the car to violation of the terms of the warranty or inconsistency of the characteristics of the vehicle as stated in the contract.

In this article, we will consider the main types of conflicts that can arise between buyers and car dealerships, as well as legal ways to resolve such disputes.

1. Violation of the terms of the sales contract

One of the most common causes of disputes with car dealers is a violation of the terms of the sales contract. These may be inconsistencies in the documentation, specified technical characteristics of the car, or a delay in the transfer of the vehicle to the buyer.

It is important to read the contract carefully before signing it, as this document is the basis for resolving any conflicts in the future. If necessary, we recommend involving a lawyer in proofreading the contract, this will reduce the number of hidden risks.

If the buyer discovers that the received car does not meet the terms of the contract (for example, a different color, with a smaller engine volume or with a higher level of wear and tear than specified), he has the right to demand from the car dealer the fulfillment of the obligations specified in the contract. If the dealer refuses, the buyer can apply to the court or send a written claim.

2. Warranty cases and violations of consumer rights

Warranty service is another common cause of conflict between buyers and car dealerships. Buyers often encounter situations where car dealers refuse warranty repairs, claiming that the damage was caused by the fault of the owner or is not covered by the terms of the warranty.

According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, the seller is obliged to provide free repair or replacement of the goods if defects are discovered during the warranty period. If the car dealer refuses to comply with these conditions, the buyer can apply to the consumer rights protection authorities or to the court with a demand to protect his rights.

In addition, in the event that defects occur very often and make it impossible to use the car, the consumer has the right to return the product and receive a full refund.

3. Hidden car defects

Often, after receiving the car, buyers discover hidden defects that were not visible during the inspection at the car dealership. These can be mechanical problems, body damage or even more serious technical faults that affect the safety and operation of the vehicle.

In such a situation, the buyer has the right to demand either free elimination of defects or replacement of the car with another one. If the car dealer refuses to solve the problem, it is worth going to court and an independent expert to confirm the presence of defects.

4. Manipulations with the price and additional services

Another common source of disputes is car price manipulation. Car dealers may sometimes offer additional services or equipment that are not mandatory, but are included in the total cost of the car without properly informing the buyer. There may also be situations when the declared price does not correspond to the final amount specified in the contract.

To avoid such situations, it is important to carefully check all documents and the cost of additional services before signing the contract. If the buyer believes that he has been misled, he can request a review of the terms of the contract or go to court.

5. Legal ways of resolving disputes

If the conflict cannot be resolved at the level of negotiations with the car dealer, the buyer has several legal options to protect his interests:

• Submitting a written complaint to the car dealership with a demand to solve the problem.
• Involvement of consumer rights protection bodies to monitor compliance with the buyer’s rights.
• Filing a lawsuit in court to collect compensation for non-fulfillment of the terms of the contract or for damages.
• Involvement of independent experts to assess the condition of the car and confirm the presence of defects.

Disputes with car dealerships are quite common and can be related to various aspects of buying a car. It is important to know your rights, understand the agreements between the client and the salon, and have a clear idea of ​​how to act in the event of a conflict.

Paying attention to the terms of the contract, thoroughly inspecting the car before buying it and knowing the legal procedures can help you avoid unwanted situations and protect your interests.

That is why the lawyers of “Prikhodko and partners” can become a reliable partner in protecting your interests both at the stage of complaints and claims, as well as in negotiations or litigation.