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Buying a car is supposed to be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. When you purchase a vehicle, you expect the dealer to be honest about its history. Unfortunately, some dealers fail to disclose that a car has been previously used as a rental vehicle. This can have serious consequences for buyers.
What Happens When a Dealer Lies About Prior Rental Use?
A car that was previously rented may have higher wear and tear than a typical privately owned vehicle. Dealers are required by California law to disclose if a vehicle was used as a rental. Prior, undisclosed rental use happens when a dealer sells a car without revealing its rental history.
Buying a car with an undisclosed rental history can create several problems:
- Hidden wear and tear: Rental cars often have higher mileage and more intensive use, leading to more wear on the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
- Reduced resale value: Cars that were previously rentals usually sell for less than privately owned vehicles. If the dealer didn’t disclose this, you may have overpaid.
- Safety concerns: Rental vehicles are driven by many different people and may have been treated roughly or not properly maintained, increasing the risk of mechanical issues.
- Warranty and insurance complications: Undisclosed rental use can affect coverage, warranties, or financing agreements.
What Can You Get From an Auto Fraud Lawsuit?
If you purchased a car that was previously used as a rental without being told, you may have grounds to sue the dealer for auto fraud. California law protects buyers from dishonest practices and provides several remedies, including:
- Refund or return of the car: In some cases, you can return the vehicle and get your money back.
- Compensatory damages: You may recover the difference between what you paid and what the car was actually worth, plus repair costs if applicable.
- Punitive damages: If the dealer knowingly hid the rental history, the court may award extra damages to punish them.
- Attorney’s fees and costs: California law sometimes allows the dealer to pay your legal fees. Refer to the FAQ section below for more information on legal fees.
Proving prior, undisclosed rental use can be complex. You may need vehicle history reports, maintenance records, and expert inspections to ensure a thorough evaluation. That’s why having an experienced legal team is essential.
Why We’re the #1 Auto Fraud Law Firm
At Auto Fraud Legal Center, we specialize in auto fraud cases, including those involving undisclosed rental use. We have the knowledge, experience, and track record to fight for your rights. Here’s why we’re the top auto fraud law firm in California:
- Proven experience: We’ve handled thousands of auto fraud cases, helping clients recover millions in losses.
- High success rate: Since 2020, we’ve maintained a 96% win rate, showing our dedication and expertise.
- Trusted by clients: Our client reviews highlight our communication, responsiveness, and personal attention throughout the legal process.
- Full-service representation: We handle every step of your case—from investigating the vehicle’s history to negotiating settlements or representing you at trial. You won’t have to communicate with the dealer once you’re represented.
With our help, you can hold dishonest dealers accountable and get the compensation you deserve for buying a car that wasn’t what it seemed.
How We Investigate Undisclosed Rental Use
Identifying undisclosed rental use requires careful investigation. Our attorneys use multiple strategies to build a strong case:
- Vehicle history reports: We review reports from Carfax, AutoCheck, and other sources to detect prior rental use.
- Maintenance records: Rental vehicles often have service records that differ from those of privately owned cars. We analyze these for signs of frequent, high-mileage use.
- Dealer documents: We review the sales agreement, advertising, and disclosures to determine if the dealer has failed to provide the required information.
- Expert inspections: Automotive experts can confirm signs of wear consistent with rental use, supporting your claim.
By combining these steps, we can prove that the dealer misled you and strengthen your case for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team can help confirm rental history and gather evidence for your case. Rental history is often buried in the ownership history, which we subpoena from the state’s DMVs.
California law generally allows buyers three years from the date of purchase to file a claim for auto fraud. Acting quickly is important to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Dealers must disclose prior rental use. Even if a buyer could have done their own research, failure to disclose key information still qualifies as fraud under California law.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case, making legal representation accessible and low-risk. In almost every case, our legal fees and costs are paid by the dealer. Our contingency rate on your refunded money is much, much lower than typical injury case rates.
Compensation may include a refund, difference in car value, repair costs, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Each case is different, but we work to maximize your recovery.
In some cases, yes. If the dealer knowingly hid the car’s rental history, California law may allow you to return the vehicle and receive a full or partial refund.
Contact Us Today
If you bought a car that was previously used as a rental and the dealer didn’t tell you, you don’t have to accept the loss. Auto Fraud Legal Center can help you investigate, build your case, and recover the compensation you deserve. With thousands of successful cases and a 96% win rate, our team is ready to fight for your rights.
Don’t wait—your legal rights may be time-sensitive. Contact Auto Fraud Legal Center today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding the dealer accountable.
