Jon H. Rogers, Attorney at Law

Common Dealer Scams

Buying a car is one of the largest purchases most people make. Unfortunately, some dealerships engage in deceptive practices that can leave you with a defective vehicle or a loan you didn't agree to.

We help consumers challenge deceptive dealership tactics, including:

• "Yo-Yo" Financing: Claiming financing fell through days later and forcing you to sign a new contract at a higher rate.
• Title Issues: Failure to deliver title/plates or selling a vehicle with an undisclosed "Salvage" or "Branded" title.
• Odometer Fraud: Tampering with mileage or undisclosed discrepancies.
• Trade-In Failure: Failing to pay off your trade-in vehicle, resulting in late fees or negative credit for you.

Utah's "Lemon Law"

The New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act (Utah Code 13-20-1) protects buyers of new vehicles that have significant defects. To qualify, the defect must substantially impair the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle.

Do you have a claim? Generally, your vehicle may qualify if:

1. The dealer has attempted to repair the same defect 4 or more times; OR
2. The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 days or more.

Note: Before filing a lawsuit, you are generally required to file a complaint with the Utah Consumer Protection Division and participate in the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution process.

How We Can Help

If a dealer made you a promise, it should be in writing. If it wasn't written on the contract, they likely won't honor it. If you believe you have been the victim of auto fraud or have a Lemon Law claim, accurate records are your best weapon.

Consultation Policy

Unlike some other areas of practice, we do charge a consultation fee for all auto-related matters. This allows us to review your specific contracts, repair orders, and timeline to determine if you have a viable case under Utah law.

Please gather all your documents—including the sales contract, repair receipts, and any written communication with the dealer—before contacting our office.