Lexus Customer Claims Dealer Failed to Disclose Accident
Alleged non-disclosure provides an important reminder for anyone planning on doing some used-car shopping.
Used-car shopping requires a lot of diligence and research. We’ve got plenty of tools at our disposal these days, all of which are designed to help us avoid buying a lemon. Even then, it’s quite easy for a dishonest person to conceal damage or lie about a car’s history. But it’s a whole other story when the dishonesty allegedly comes from an established Lexus dealer.
Yet that’s exactly what happened recently at Westside Lexus in Houston, Texas, according to SE Texas Record. Carolyn Guidry filed a complaint against the dealership with the Harris County District Court claiming that they failed to disclose that her 2014 Lexus LS 460 had been in an accident. Which would constitute not only bad form, but also a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Guidry purchased the LS back in January of 2015 for $77,288. She proceeded to drive it for two years before attempting to trade it in. It was then that she found out that the car had been in an accident and was later repaired. According to the claim, the damage chopped $13,000 off the value of the car.
If the claim proves to be true, it would be a stunning development. After all, Lexus has quite the stellar reputation for its dealership experience. We’d like to think that some sort of error occurred and Westside will make things right. Or perhaps Guidry’s claim will prove to be untrue.
Either way, this story serves as an important reminder for anyone who heads out shopping for a used car. No matter how much faith you have in an individual or a dealership, it’s always best to do your own research. After all, the little bit of time and money you invest up front can save you a lot of both in the long run.
