DeWine Announces Help for No. 1 Consumer Complaint: Motor Vehicles

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)- Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today a new tool to help consumers buy used cars. The Attorney General’s Used Car Buyer Checklist covers purchasing, maintenance, and contract issues.

“Any time a consumer invests in a car, it is a big financial decision,” Attorney General DeWine said. “This Checklist will equip consumers with information we hope will save them time, money, and hassle.”

The Used Car Buyer Checklist provides guidance to consumers on a number of topics including how to determine if a car dealer is reputable, how to determine the condition of a used car, how to research the vehicle history, how to ensure a fair purchase price, and how to review written contracts. The Checklist also contains tips on car repairs.

This new tool was created directly in response to consumer complaints. In 2013, motor vehicle complaints were the most frequently reported complaints to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Ohio consumers filed 5,577 last year regarding all sorts of motor vehicle issues, with the top problems reported as issues with car titles, misrepresentations while purchasing cars, and car maintenance and repairs.

Consumers can obtain a copy of the Used Car Buyer Checklist on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.

Consumers who suspect a scam or unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Ohio consumers filed 26,000 complaints with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2013.