Most used car buyers think a clean Carfax report means they’re getting a problem-free vehicle. This costs California consumers millions every year when they find out about undisclosed accidents, flood damage, or major repairs that never showed up in vehicle history reports. Carfax and AutoCheck help, but they only show part of the picture. Knowing […]
Auto Fraud
Engine Problems in Used Cars: When It’s Fraud vs. When It’s Wear-and-Tear
You buy a used car, drive it for a week or two, and then—check engine light. Overheating. Strange noises. Now you’re wondering: did the seller know about this problem, or did you just get unlucky? The difference between fraud and normal wear-and-tear isn’t just about who’s to blame—it decides whether you can do anything about […]
How to Spot Frame Damage Before You Buy a Used Car
Buying a used car with hidden frame damage is expensive and dangerous. We’re talking about a mistake that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and put your family at risk every time you drive. Frame damage wrecks your vehicle’s structural integrity, messes with safety systems, and tanks the resale value. If you know […]
Yo-Yo Financing (Spot Delivery) in CA: Exact Steps to Take When the Dealer Calls You Back
You drove off the lot feeling great about your new car purchase. The paperwork was signed, the keys were in your hand, and you thought the deal was done. Then, days or weeks later, your phone rings. The dealer is calling to tell you there’s a “problem with your financing” and you need to come […]
Wrongful Repossession in California: Defenses, The 15-Day Letter, and Getting Your Car Back
Your car is gone. If it was taken without following the law, you might be able to get it back and hold the lender accountable. California law gives you real protections against improper repossession tactics, but you need to act fast and understand your rights. What Makes a Repossession “Wrongful” in California? Not every repossession […]
Odometer Fraud in 2025: Digital Dash Tactics and How We Prove Mileage Rollbacks
The days of coat hangers and drills are over, but odometer fraud isn’t dead – it’s just gone digital. Today’s scammers use sophisticated software to manipulate electronic dashboards, making rolled-back mileage harder to spot than ever before. If you’re buying a used car or think you’ve been scammed, you need to know what you’re up […]
Dealer Fees in California: Which Are Illegal, Which Are Negotiable, and How to Fight Them
You’ve negotiated a great price on your new car, but then the finance manager hands you the final paperwork and your heart sinks. The “out-the-door” price is thousands more than what you agreed to, buried under a mountain of mysterious fees with official-sounding names like “documentation fee,” “dealer prep,” and “electronic filing fee.” If this […]
Dealer “As-Is” Sales in California: What Rights You Still Have
You’re looking at a used car at a California dealer when the salesperson hands you paperwork with those dreaded words: “sold as-is.” They explain this means “no warranty” and “all sales final,” making it sound like you’re giving up all your consumer rights. What many consumers don’t realize is that California law places significant restrictions […]
What to Do If a Car Dealer Sold You an Undisclosed Frame Damage Car
Used cars are all sold with an odometer reading higher than zero, some wear and tear on the exterior and under the hood, and most car buyers are aware that they aren’t purchasing a brand new vehicle. The dealership doesn’t have to tell you if the car has been in a very small accident that […]
Salvage Title Fraud: Everything You Need to Know
Imagine driving off the lot in what you believe is your dream car, only to discover months later that it was previously totaled in a devastating accident. This nightmare scenario plays out for thousands of California consumers every year who fall victim to salvage title fraud. Unfortunately, unscrupulous dealers and private sellers sometimes engage in […]
