Koster
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced a settlement on Wednesday with two St. Louis-based used auto dealers to resolve allegations that the companies were selling cars without compulsory inspections.
Preowned Auto Sales LLC and St. Louis Car Credit LLC allegedly charged late fees in violation of Missouri law and improperly withheld deposits from customers who later decided not to purchase a vehicle, in addition to selling cars without needed inspections.
Under the terms of the settlement, the two car dealers have agreed to pay $1,400 in penalties and $1,600 in restitution to their former customers. The companies have also agreed to stop requiring non-refundable deposits for retail sales. Additionally, the companies will only sell cars that have valid and current safety inspections.
"The attorney general's office has an important role in ensuring pre-owned car businesses play by the rules and treat customers fairly," Koster said. "We will continue to take action against those pre-owned car businesses that violate Missouri laws, and this settlement should serve as a reminder to them."