Dealer Fraud

[ehenry818]

In 2007 I purchased a used vehicle. I checked the carfax, it was clean and the dealership stated there was no problems with it. So after test driving it and checking under the hood, all seemed well. We did have some minor issues but got them resolved after filing a complaint with the BBB.
About a week ago, I contacted a dealer about trading in this vehicle. I know its worth less than I owe. The dealership asked me for the VIN number and to my surprise she told me it had been in an accident. The accident happened 2 months prior to me purchasing the vehicle when it was in the dealers possesion. I never had a reason to pull the carfax again as they had the vehicle for 9 months or so. (Its a Large SUV many were not selling that fast, so we thought nothing of it)
If I was informed about this I would not have purchased the truck. I have twin boys who were 6 weeks old at the time. So there was no way I would have bought a vehicle that had an accident.
I did contact a lawyer and I am waiting to hear back.

I want to know is there any legal action I can take?

[Eagle]

Well, first of all you should be aware that many dealers are liars and crooks. The dealer may by lying to you now to coax you into trading it in at a lower value.

If the dealer is telling you the truth then you would only have a lawsuit if you suffered damages as a result of the lie. So for example, if the accident was minor and did not effect the value of the car of its usefulness then you have no lawsuit.

[ehenry818]

The dealer I wanted to trade in the truck with sent me a copy of the report. I was looking around at state laws and according to what I read, it does say if they know they have to tell me. I would never have purchased this truck. The only thing I am looking for is the dealer to take back the truck and give me the money I paid for it. I know it was purchased in July of 2007, but I had no reason to pull the carfax report after that. So according to what you are saying they are able to get away with it and are free to continue doing so.

[Eagle]

No, what I am saying is that a lawsuit would not be worthwhile unless you suffered damages as a result of the lie. If it was a minor accident (i.e. a dent) then it is not worth suing.

The dealer may be guilty and subject to fines by the state for not disclosing the accident to you.

Can you find out the nature and type of accident?

[ehenry818]

In the report it says RIGHT SIDE IMPACT WITH ANOTHER
VEHICLE

It has the case number and the town it happened in. I am not sure the extent.