COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - In an effort to aid consumers in the purchase of new cars, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a new tool - the Used Car Buyer Checklist - on Wednesday that covers purchasing, maintenance and contract issues.
"Any time a consumer invests in a car, it is a big financial decision," DeWine said. "This checklist will equip consumers with information we hope will save them time, money, and hassle."
The checklist provides consumers with guidance on numerous topics, including determining if a car dealer is reputable, how to determine the condition of a used car, how to research a vehicle's history, how to ensure a fair purchase price and how to review written contracts.
Tips on car repairs are also included as part of the checklist.
DeWine's new checklist follows 5,577 motor vehicle complaints filed in 2013. The top motor vehicle complaints last year included issues with car titles, misrepresentations while purchasing cars, and car maintenance and repairs.
A total of 26,000 consumer complaints were filed with DeWine's office in 2013. Motor vehicles were the subject of the most complaints.