PA attorney general files suit against North Hills car dealer for allegedly selling known broken vehicles
The state Attorney General’s Office is filing suit against an auto dealer in the North Hills, alleging the business is deceiving customers by selling them a vehicle with known issues.
A Pittsburgh woman told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 she fell victim to the alleged practices this week when she bought a car.
The lawsuit was filed by Deputy Attorney General Jaimie George in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on Friday. It alleges the North Hills Auto Mall and its owner Regis Mannke are violating state auto regulations and the Consumer Protection Act.
The lawsuit alleged the business is claiming the vehicles are in good condition and under warranty, but the Attorney General’s Office released a statement saying in part, “The dealership had classified the vehicles as being sold “as is,” and the “warranty” was actually a limited-service contract from a third party.”
The statement goes on to say if a seller knows a car has serious issues prior to selling it, that’s against state law, even if the car is sold “as is.”
Zandra Specter, 80, said she bought a car for $10,000 at the North Hills Auto Mall on Camp Horne Road on Wednesday and was given a 72-hour return policy.
“He assured me that the car was in good condition, and just a perfect little car,” Specter said.
After driving the car home, Specter said it was clear something was wrong with the car.
“I came home and the whole way home, the car just kept knocking and knocking,” Specter said.
She took it to a mechanic.
“He said the brakes are bad and he showed me in the hatchback, that area is moldy. It smells like it was wet, and there’s a broken brake light,” Specter said.
Since Wednesday, Specter said she has made several attempts to get in touch with the business to get her money back but hasn’t received a callback, and that the 72-hour period will end on Saturday.
“They take advantage of you because they can, and I even told them I’m really desperate for a car, and I shouldn’t have said that, but they made me feel comfortable,” Specter said.
The lawsuit is asking the court to make Mannke and North Hills Auto Mall pay restitution to all customers who have suffered losses, be banned from selling cars in Pennsylvania, pay $1,000 for each violation of the Consumer Protection Act, and pay $3,000 for each violation involving a customer over the age of 60.
The business is also alleged to have required deposits of at least $500 to secure a vehicle before purchase and did not offer refunds even if the sale fell through. Required documentation, such as the purchase agreement and warranty information, was allegedly not provided to customers.
“I hope that the lawsuit accomplishes something, and I hope whomever is in charge of that place puts a stop to this,” Specter said.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to the business Friday for comment before the close of business but was told they closed early for the day.
The Attorney General’s Office asks that if you have been a victim of the North Hills Auto Mall, you file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov. Repair facilities, dealers, or anyone else who may have information about the alleged business practices are also asked to contact the bureau.
