Cars
South Florida Car Dealership Faces Allegations of Fraudulent Practices
2025-02-05

A series of allegations against a South Florida car dealership has sparked controversy and legal action. Multiple customers have come forward with complaints of deceptive practices, including unauthorized loans, inflated prices, and misleading signatures. The dealership, Kars2Go, located in Fort Lauderdale, stands accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly those with limited English proficiency.

One such case involves Samantha Thompson, who intended to surprise her mother with a 2016 Honda HR-V for her 50th birthday. After negotiating what she believed was a straightforward cash deal for $6,800, Thompson later discovered a loan in her and her husband's names for over $11,000 at an exorbitant interest rate. This brought the total cost to more than $21,000. Thompson's attorney, Daren Stabinski, argues that the dealership applied for this loan without proper consent from her husband, who speaks limited English. According to Thompson, her husband was rushed through paperwork and misled about what he was signing. When confronted, the dealership reportedly dismissed her concerns, eventually repossessing the vehicle.

Ruperto Guzman, another customer, faced a similar ordeal. He negotiated what he thought was a final price of $17,000 for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, paying $9,000 upfront. However, he later found himself obligated to pay nearly $31,000 due to undisclosed financing terms. Guzman, who does not speak English, felt deceived by the process. Attorneys handling these cases highlight a pattern of exploitation targeting minorities with limited English skills. Despite multiple investigations by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, no violations have been found. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has rated Kars2Go with an 'F' based on numerous unresolved complaints.

While Kars2Go maintains its innocence, asserting that all transactions are transparent and conducted with customer consent, the mounting evidence suggests otherwise. The dealership claims online prices reflect base costs, with additional fees disclosed during negotiations. However, the attorneys involved emphasize the need for transparency and fairness in sales practices. As the legal battle unfolds, it underscores the importance of consumer vigilance and understanding every document before signing. This case serves as a reminder to protect oneself from potential deception and highlights the necessity for stricter regulations to safeguard vulnerable consumers.

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