By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer says more than 50 car dealers around the state have been in apparent violation of the state's "lemon law."
The law requires car dealers to "brand" cars as "lemons" when they're returned because of chronic problems.
Among the dealers in Western New York which failed to follow the law are Basil Ford, Gillogly Chevrolet, Delia Chrysler Plymouth Dodge, Paddock Chevrolet and Transitowne Dodge. Smaller dealers in the area accused of selling "lemons" were Batavia Chrysler, Wheatfield Village Motors and J and R Auto Repair in Olean.
Spitzer said the information provided under the law allows consumers to make an informed decision.
"If I'm going to purchase a car and I don't know if that car isn't deemed a lemon, then I will not be on notice and will not be in a position to ask the appropriate questions," Spitzer said. "Have you repaired the problem? Have you discounted the price?
"I am not as a consumer being afforded the protection that the state Legislature deemed necessary to protect consumers here in the state."
The dealers accused of violating the lemon law paid a total of $50,000 in fines. The fines for individual dealers average around $1,000. Some were also required to pay $200,000 in restitution to 37 owners of defective cars.