Also, there are many issues facing automobile dealerships that are peculiar to the industry that most consumers don't ever think about. There are freight costs, emissions and environmental issues, and, especially this year, the cost of clearing the snow off the lot -which can cost thousands of dollars for just one snow storm. It is vitally important for both for the consumer and automobile dealerships to work together to create an understanding of what actually is involved in buying an automobile. It not only is the right of the consumer to know how the law protects them, but it is also their obligation. It is our obligation, together as the Better Business Bureau and as members of the auto industry, to make consumers aware of the seemingly endless resources that are available.
Education is the best protection against fraud and the easiest to obtain.
There are many resources available to the consumer that offer tips on buying a car, including negotiating with a salesman, how to inspect a vehicle before purchasing, and explanations of state and federal laws. Contact the Better Business Bureau to obtain a Reliability Report on a dealership before you purchase a vehicle. The BBB also has resource literature available to you at no cost. In addition to the Better Business Bureau, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Consumer Affairs , or the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office are great resources for information before purchasing a car. The Better Business Bureau is a non-profit, public service organization serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.