The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has recently taken action against Darcars Honda, a car dealership located in Bowie, Maryland. The dealership is facing administrative charges for allegedly engaging in unfair and deceptive sales practices that violate the state’s Consumer Protection Act.
One of the main accusations against Darcars Honda is that they advertise prices online that are significantly lower than what customers ultimately end up paying. This discrepancy is said to be due to hidden fees that catch buyers off-guard. According to prosecutors, Darcars charges an additional 2 percent of the car’s value under the guise of a „sales commission.“ While the dealership claims that this fee is optional, they reportedly do not inform customers of this fact.
Despite being labeled as a „sales commission,“ the Maryland Attorney General’s Office asserts that Darcars employees do not receive any of the two percent fee. Instead, the dealership is accused of pocketing the money to offset the commissions they pay their workers. Additionally, Darcars allegedly charges an extra $895 for preinstalled equipment that should already be included in the sales price. The dealership refers to this as the „Honda Value Package“ and claims it is optional, but prosecutors argue that customers are left with no choice as the parts are installed without their knowledge.
Another deceptive practice highlighted by the Attorney General’s Office is Darcars‘ failure to disclose a $500 processing charge that is legally required with every new or used car purchase. This lack of transparency can lead customers to be surprised by additional costs that were not initially disclosed.
A hearing to address these allegations is scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 8. The state is seeking restitution for affected customers and a court injunction to compel Darcars to cease their deceptive practices. In response to the charges, a spokesperson for Honda of Bowie, the parent company of Darcars Honda, stated that they have cooperated with the Attorney General’s Office and believe that the case lacks merit. They assert that they have been transparent in their dealings and are prepared to defend their practices in court.
It is essential for consumers to be aware of potential deceptive practices by car dealerships and to carefully review all terms and fees before making a purchase. The outcome of this case will shed light on the importance of transparency and honesty in the automotive industry.