Auto Dealership Accused Of Deceptive Trade Practices By Dissatisfied Customer
A Pinellas County resident has taken legal action against a local auto dealership, alleging deceptive trade practices and misrepresentation. On July 9, 2024, Jeffery Knuckles filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, against Standard Auto of Tampa, LLC.
The case stems from Knuckles’ purchase of a 2014 Ford Escape from Standard Auto of Tampa on March 15, 2023. According to the complaint, the dealership assured Knuckles that the vehicle had undergone thorough inspection and maintenance, including an oil change, brake replacement, and battery replacement. Additionally, they claimed that the car had no accident or damage history except for a minor dent on its rear panel. Based on these representations, Knuckles agreed to buy the vehicle for $8,500 and paid a $140 deposit to hold it overnight.
However, after completing the purchase and paying an additional $395 “Delivery & Handling” fee along with a $200 three-month powertrain warranty fee—totaling $8,560—Knuckles began experiencing issues with the vehicle almost immediately. The check engine light came on shortly after leaving the dealership. When he returned for service under warranty, he was told it merely needed resetting. Subsequently, the purportedly new battery died. A system test at Advance Auto Parts revealed a fault with the turbocharger.