WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The district attorney’s office said a Wichita used car dealership has agreed to a judgment after four customers complained.
District Attorney Marc Bennett says his office investigated the four separate complaints about Superb Motors, 400 N. West Street, and one of its salespersons, Thomas Griffin, Jr.
The DA’s office alleged that Superb and Griffin, Jr. violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in the following ways:
- Failing to deliver title within 60 days on two transactions
- Failing to disclose an odometer problem and the absence of a catalytic converter on a third
- Use of an unlicensed salesperson on a fourth transaction
- Failed to provide a Buyer’s Guide to a protected consumer (someone who is disabled, a veteran, a member of the military, or over the age of 60)
Bennett says the dealership and Griffin, Jr. deny violating the KCPA but entered into a consent judgment to settle the matter. A judge approved it Wednesday.
The judgment includes:
- $30,000 in civil penalties, plus other costs and expenses
- 12-month probationary period and cooperation with any future complaints
- Checking prior sales to see if buyers were sold vehicles without being told about safety recalls that existed at the time of the sale
The DA says Superb has refunded two buyers a total of more than $7,000. A third buyer will receive more than $6,000 back.
The DA’s office offers this advice when buying a used car:
- Get as much information about the vehicle as you can before buying
- Consider asking to take the vehicle for an independent inspection before buying
- Dealers are required to place Buyers Guides on used vehicles
- Visit Consumer.FTC.gov for more information about buying a used car
After the purchase, buyers should get a certificate of title within 60 days. If not, the purchase is “fraudulent and void,” allowing the buyer to get a refund.
To file a complaint against a business, click here or call 316-660-3600.