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Road to Success
You can still find a place in the auto industry–you just have to know where to look.
By Laura Tiffany | Entrepreneur Magazine –
Auto-Inspired Businesses

When customers walk into Dale Fox’s car rental business in Venice, California, they aren’t greeted by a choice of compact, sedan or SUV; they’re greeted by art–both on the walls and on four wheels. Spin Automotive Group, Fox’s company, offers rentals of classic, one-of-a-kind automobiles in museum-quality condition.

“[In Los Angeles,] there are lots of places where you can go out and rent a new Ferrari for a day. They’ve become ordinary,” says Fox, 41. “But if I pull up behind a [Lamborghini] in a 1961 Alfa Romeo, I guarantee you that I’ll come out after five minutes and there will be 12 people standing around the car. [Classics] are very inclusive, not exclusive. They strike up conversations, and I find that it’s a way of engaging the world in a really authentic, genuine fashion rather than trying to say, ‘I’m cooler than you.’”

Fox has found a unique niche in a marketplace full of multinational household names and is set to bring in $5 million in his first full year of business. “The [automotive] industry–especially dealerships–is populated with many second-, third- and even fourth-generation family businesses,” says Les McKeown, a serial entrepreneur, author and consultant who has advised many automotive aftermarket, dealership and rental businesses. “These are tough incumbents to unseat. They have longevity, customer loyalty and detailed insider’s knowledge of the industry on their side.”

As entrenched as the auto industry is, footholds do exist for new entrepreneurs who are niche-oriented, innovative and passionate about cars.

For Sale by Owner
Leslie Vander Baan had her entrepreneurial epiphany while navigating the difficult task of selling a car on her own. She recalls sitting on the curb outside “a bowling alley in Timbuktu” while waiting for a family to return with her car that they had taken for a mechanical inspection. “When it came time to facilitate the transaction, they were spooked about my title because I had just moved and it was out of state,” says Vander Baan, 30. “I was concerned that the money I was taking wasn’t going to be legit–that it wouldn’t deposit and clear. I just thought there has to be a better way to do this.”

“One-third of used car market [sales are] owner-to-owner, and they’re navigating this really frustrating, inconvenient process because of the savings involved,” says Vander Baan, adding that opting for dealer trade-ins usually results in $1,500 to $2,500 less for the car owner. “So we developed a solution for that hassle.” That solution is Automotive Consignment, a unique kind of used-car dealership that Vander Baan started with her husband, Mike, in 2003. The company’s nearly a dozen employees help people sell their cars on consignment by conducting test drives, handling paperwork, offering financing and providing a one-stop location for any other car-selling needs.

Licensed to Sell

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dig a little deeper and uncover their secrets to success.

If you want to sell cars, navigating the licensing maze can be a challenging process. “Licensing laws have typically been fairly strict on who can sell a motor vehicle because of the possibility of fraud,” explains Jim Moors, director of franchising and state law with the National Automobile Dealers Association. “You have significant issues with vehicle condition [and] odometer accuracy.” All states have different laws, but typically there’s a limit to the number of vehicles you can sell each year before you’re required to obtain a dealer’s license. There are often several types of licenses–auction dealers, new-car dealers, used-car dealers and salesperson licenses–but for any type of car dealer’s license, you typically need a physical location and signage for your business, a surety bond and insurance.

Most dealer licensing falls under the jurisdiction of your state’s motor vehicle department, and you can usually find more information on its website, including paperwork downloads, application fees and requirements.

The Road Less Costly

Dealerships are the Big Kahunas of the automotive industry. Because of the prime real estate involved, the inventory and the red tape, startup costs can be phenomenal, as entrepreneur Leslie Vander Baan can attest. But there are less pricy opportunities out there for car-loving entrepreneurs. “If you’re a bootstrapper, I’d look for a higher margin niche business–’primo’ detailing, high-end rental, luxury parts–where the margins and demand are somewhat less vulnerable to the current economic pressures,” advises consultant Les McKeown.

Franchising is another option you may want to consider. Entrepreneur’s Franchise Zone (entrepreneur.com/franchise) lists nearly 20 automotive franchises, including windshield repair and auto appearance reconditioning, that can be started for less than $20,000.
As with many car entrepreneurs, the auto business is in Vander Baan’s blood. She’s a third-generation dealership owner, and her father was her original silent investor, helping her secure $500,000 in startup capital and a $1.5 million property on auto row in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both of her parents now work with Vander Baan in her business, which she expects will bring in $4.9 million this year.

Trey Cobb also has cars in his blood. His father owned a tire shop in Rockwell, Texas, but it was imports (Subarus, specifically) that caught Cobb’s eye. Back in 1999, Cobb was unable to find the performance parts he wanted for his Subaru Impreza 2.5RS, so he claimed a corner of his father’s shop and began manufacturing parts on his own. His first products, an intake system and a camshaft, have now blossomed into 40 to 50 aftermarket products for Infinitis, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, Nissans and, of course, Subarus.

Cobb’s computer science background led him to specialize in tuning solutions for car computer systems, including his signature AccessPORT product. Cobb Tuning–now 35 employees strong and headquartered in Salt Lake City, which allows for weather-friendly product testing–brings in more than $6 million annually.

Cobb has carved out a specific market in the auto industry: His customers are tech-savvy enthusiasts with strong brand allegiances. His marketing strategy hasn’t changed much since he began in 1999. “We’ve always maintained a high level of grass-roots effort, going to various enthusiast meets and race events,” says Cobb, 33, who started up with just $10,000. “We also do quite a bit with discussion forums; we have our own blog. You really have to be involved on the grass-roots level so you can immediately respond to your customers’ changing demands.”

Vander Baan finds most of her business through referrals, repeat business, drive-by traffic, online ads and her website. Fox, on the other hand, decided to use a unique tactic for marketing his business: art. “We used [our] art gallery as leverage,” says Fox, whose business is located in the heart of Venice’s art gallery district. “Once a month, there would be an opening gala [for a local artist we would feature]. The people who [attended] are influencers. They’re high-wealth individuals and in the know about Los Angeles. So our strategy was: ‘Let them tell the story.’”

Fox rents out classic cars including a ’61 Alfa Romeo Giulietta and a ’58 Jaguar MkVIII to vacationers, locals celebrating special occasions, film and TV producers, and other clients. And he’s hired former employees of noted car collector Jay Leno and Galpin Auto Sports, the shop that pimps rides on MTV, to keep his rentals in tiptop shape.

The Red Tape
Finding a niche and a market to go along with it is just the first step. The most difficult startup hurdle may be the red tape inherent with auto-related businesses. “The hardest part was licensing and permitting,” says Fox, who has a dealer’s license and plans to start a classic car investment fund this year. “We changed a lot of things about the building. Doing that and getting the property permitted to legally be able to buy and sell cars was one of the biggest challenges. It took almost a year to get all that [approved].”

Finding a way to finance car sales was one of Vander Baan’s biggest challenges. “The financing aspect of the business is a very, very tricky one,” says Vander Baan, who eventually plans to take her consignment services online. “The banks in general don’t seem to like giving financing to independent car dealers. It’s a high-risk business for them.” She says it can take as long as five years to build deals with major lenders, but she was able to make it happen after just two-and-a-half years. Prior to that, she had to send buyers to their banks with bills of sale.

In the aftermarket parts industry, you may be able to forego the dealer’s license hassle, but the safety, emissions and other regulations are still a concern. “Often, as an enthusiast who decides to make a business out of it, you may not be exposed to all the laws and regulations,” says Cobb. “That’s where joining one of the organizations such as SEMA [Specialty Equipment Market Association] is important, so you can start to get that information.”

The Right Stuff
Being passionate is a huge plus in the aftermarket parts industry. “We see a lot of companies come in with a lot of capital–really good business-minded people–but they’re not enthusiasts or enthusiastic about the product they’re selling,” says Cobb. “And especially in these smaller niche markets, the customers can easily tell. They’ll immediately pick up on if that person is there just to try to turn a profit or if they’re there as a fellow enthusiast.”

But as with all businesses in which passion is a driving factor, jumping in too quickly is a common error. “Sometimes the attraction [to cars] borders on obsession, and that can make an individual blind to the often real problems and challenges with getting traction in the marketplace,” says McKeown.

McKeown says another common mistake he sees is startups over-investing too early: “Inexperienced entrepreneurs, especially first-timers, often think starting a business is like a pro baseball game. If they come out swinging for the fences, they [think they] can get a big early win.”

McKeown suggests being frugal when starting up, as Fox was in starting his high-end rental company in a prime real estate location for less than $100,000. “Save your money,” says McKeown. “You’re going to need all you have–and more–to last for a very long time. Start small, prove the market, get some early success and reinvest.”

Vander Baan echoes this sentiment based on her experience: “There’s a big reason you hear people say it will cost two times as much and take twice as long [as you expect].” She ticks off her startup expenses: “You need significant amounts of insurance, there are dealer licensing provisions, and you’ve got to get your bonds secured, refit the building and invest in inventory.” She also advises budgeting adequately for payroll, because “there is no one else doing it but you,” she says. “It’s like bringing home a baby. It never lets you sleep. You need a good support network in place to help you through when you just have to go to sleep.” Vander Baan credits her parents with the survival of her business; right when she was burning out, they stepped in to help.

Above all, McKeown stresses that business know-how is the key to success in the auto market. “Recognize that no matter how deep your passion for cars, that passion is no substitute for business acumen. Too many genuinely enthusiastic hobbyists launch what they hope will be a successful, thriving business only to find out too late that they haven’t got the skills to launch and grow a viable business,” says McKeown.

Vander Baan grew up working in the industry and had guidance from her father; Fox is a serial entrepreneur, having had many business successes. For those without that kind of experience, McKeown suggests turning to other entrepreneurs for advice. “Almost every successful entrepreneur I’ve met has a laser-like radar when it comes to judging whether or not someone else has ‘got it,’” he says. “Go see three or four entrepreneurs, share your vision and goals, answer their questions and ask for their candid advice. At this stage, the advice you get from them will be worth more than any business school program.”

Laura Tiffany is a web editor and freelance writer from Orange County, California.

www.carfax.com

Accident / Damage Indicator —

CARFAX receives information about accidents in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Different information in a vehicle’s history can indicate an accident or damage, such as: salvage auction, fire damage, police-reported accident, crash test vehicle, damage disclosure, collision repair facility and automotive recycler records. Not every accident or damage event is reported and not all reported are provided to CARFAX. Details about the accident or damage event when reported to CARFAX (e.g. severity, impact location, airbag deployment) are included on the Vehicle History Report. CARFAX recommends you obtain a vehicle inspection from your dealer or an independent mechanic.

Airbag Deployment —

Occurs when the driver, passenger or side airbag has been used or deployed during a crash or other incident. If an airbag has been deployed, it must be replaced by a qualified technician. Have this car inspected by a mechanic prior to purchase. Use CARFAX Airbag Tips to make sure this vehicle’s airbag system is functional.

Auction Disclosures or Announcements —

Dealers and institutions (i.e. fleet companies, rental car companies, and manufacturers) sell millions of cars at auction each year. Sellers often provide disclosures about a vehicle’s damage, mileage, or repair history. These disclosures are made available to potential buyers in pre-sale lists and in auction announcements.

Auto Auction —

Auto auctions provide CARFAX with odometer readings for vehicles bought and sold at auction. Approximately 31% of used cars sold at dealerships are purchased at auto auctions.

Automotive Recycler —

Vehicles sold at an automotive recycler are often totaled by insurance companies. The majority of these vehicles are 1) rebuilt and sold as a complete vehicle, 2) dismantled and sold for parts, or 3) scrapped and sold as metal. On occasion, they also handle vehicles with no specific damage history.

Bonded Title —

A title is bonded when the owner has no proof of ownership during the titling process. The bond remains in effect for three years or until the vehicle is no longer registered in the state.

Built to Non U.S. Standards —

Vehicle previously registered or titled outside of the U.S. and may not comply with U.S. safety and emissions standards.

Canadian Damage Report —

CARFAX receives damage reports for many accidents occurring in the following Canadian Provinces: Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Yukon territories, Northwest territories, and Nunavut. These reports may be completed following an accident or other incident. Some include a damage claim amount. This amount represents physical damage to the vehicle and depending on the accident, damage to other vehicles and/or property. It does not include expenses like towing, a rental car or any medical related items.

Canadian Total Loss Vehicle —

An insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss if the estimated repair cost, plus the salvage value of the damaged vehicle, exceeds the cash value of the vehicle before it was damaged. A Canadian vehicle declared a total loss may require a technical inspection before it can return to the road.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle —

Many manufacturers have certified pre-owned programs that promote used vehicles that meet high standards defined by the manufacturer. Each program has a different certification process.

Collision Repair Facility —

A collision repair facility specializes in repairing vehicle damage caused by accidents and other incidents. A vehicle inspection completed by your dealer or a professional inspector is recommended.

Commercial —

Vehicle was registered for business purposes.

Crash Test —

Vehicles used in crash tests are supposed to be sold as junk vehicles. Institutions that test these vehicles disclose this information to CARFAX to help ensure they do not end up back on the road.

Curbstoning —

A curbstoner is a person who purchases vehicles at volumes that require a dealer license and then poses as a private seller to sell to unsuspecting buyers for a large profit. Curbstoning is illegal in most States. CARFAX analyzes a vehicle’s history for specific events to determine if a vehicle is potentially at risk for curbstoning. For instance, a vehicle that has been sold at auction but not issued a new title during a given period of time. Please see the CARFAX Curbstoning Tips for other ways to identify a potential curbstoner.

Damage Disclosure —

When the owner discloses to a DMV or other CARFAX source that the vehicle sustained damage. The extent of damage can range from minor to severe. CARFAX recommends you have this vehicle inspected.

Date Reported —

Refers to the date when the transaction occurred.

Dealer Service Company —

Dealer Service Companies assist auto dealers in managing their inventories. These companies offer data services in the areas of mass marketing, maintenance notification, unit labeling and advertising. Not all dealer service companies report information to CARFAX.

Dismantled Title —

The vehicle sustained major damage to one or more major component parts and the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value. When a Dismantled title is issued, the vehicle may be used only for parts or scrap metal. It cannot be re-titled or returned to the road.

Exceeds Mechanical Limits —

A vehicle with a 5-digit odometer cannot accurately track mileage after 99,999 miles because the odometer rolls over. This title is the result of a seller certifying under the Federal Odometer Act, that the odometer reading EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS of the odometer.

Exempt Vehicle —

In most states, odometer law requires that vehicles less than 10 years old report odometer readings. Vehicles over 10 years old are often exempt from this requirement and do not need to provide odometer readings.

Failed Emissions Inspection —

The emissions check performed during a vehicle inspection indicated the vehicle was emitting more than allowable emissions standards and/or had missing or modified parts. Repeated failed emissions records can indicate engine problems and CARFAX recommends you have the vehicle inspected.

Federal Odometer Act —

The Federal Odometer Act requires a seller to disclose the vehicle’s mileage on the title when ownership is transferred. Congress enacted this Act to prohibit odometer tampering and to protect consumers from mileage fraud. Under this act, sellers must disclose any issues with the vehicle’s odometer. These disclosures translate into the Exceed Mechanical Limits and Not
Actual Mileage titles.

Fire Damage —

CARFAX receives information on vehicle fires from most U.S. jurisdictions. These events are taken from the actual fire department reports compiled at the scene.

Fire Damage Title —

The vehicle sustained major damage due to fire. In most states, fire damage titles are issued when the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value.

First Owner —

When the first owner(s) obtains a title from a Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of ownership.

Fleet Management Company —

Fleet Management Companies manage the financing, insurance, maintenance and repair of corporate or government fleet vehicles. Fleet companies are typically self-insured. Several fleet companies provide CARFAX with the repair and damage history of their vehicles.

Fleet Vehicle —

Vehicle was registered or sold to a company that manages vehicle fleets.

Flood Damage Title —

States issue flood titles when a vehicle has been in a flood or has received extensive water damage.

Ford or Lincoln Mercury Recall —

The Ford Motor Company provides Carfax with recall information regarding safety, compliance and emissions programs announced since 2000 for a specific vehicle. For complete information regarding programs or concerns about this vehicle, please contact a local Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealer.

General Comments —

CARFAX reports display important information in the General Comments column of the Detailed Vehicle History. Comments will vary, depending on the information provided by the source.

Grey Market Vehicle —

Vehicle previously registered or titled outside of the U.S. and may not comply with U.S. safety and emissions standards.

Gross Polluter —

A Gross Polluter is a vehicle that fails an emissions inspection with below-standard scores. These vehicles can pollute as much as 18 times more than a vehicle that passes an emissions inspection. It is illegal to drive or sell a gross polluting vehicle in California, and it cannot be registered with the DMV. CARFAX recommends checking the latest Vehicle Inspection Report to confirm the proper repairs have been completed before purchasing.

Hail Damage Title —

The vehicle sustained major damage due to hail. In most states, hail damage titles are issued when the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value.

Information Source —

CARFAX receives data from thousands of data sources. The information source refers to the source or provider of the vehicle history information reported in the Vehicle History Report.

Inspections —

Many states or counties require annual or biennial emissions and/or safety inspections. Odometer readings are collected at the time of the inspection.

Junk Title —

A Junk Title is issued on a vehicle damaged to the extent that the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds ~ 75% of its pre-damage value. This damage threshold may vary by state. The majority of states use this title to indicate that a vehicle is not road worthy and cannot be titled again. Some states treat Junk titles the same as Salvage.

Lease —

When someone leases a car from a dealer, the dealer actually sells the vehicle to a leasing company. The leasing company then collects payments for the vehicle from the new owner for 24, 36, 48 or more months. A leasing company can be an independent car dealer or a car manufacturer.

Lemon Law Vehicle —

A vehicle with major problems that has been repurchased by or had its price renegotiated with the manufacturer. The state marks its official records or issues a title brand for lemon law vehicles. Laws vary by state as to the specific requirements for a “lemon”. Most manufacturers issue some buybacks that are not the result of Lemon Laws but rather a courtesy.

Lien —

A lien is a legal right to the vehicle by a third party to ensure the repayment of a debt or other financial obligation. This often occurs due to an auto loan. Other types of liens include mechanic’s liens and child support liens. If you are buying, check with the seller to make sure the lien has been resolved.

Loan —

A loan is when a person borrows money from a financial institution or other type of lender with an agreement to pay back the full amount plus interest over a period of time. Loans are usually guaranteed with assets like a vehicle or home. Until the loan is paid off, the lender will have a lien on these assets and has the right to repossess them if the terms of the loan are not met.

Major Parts Removed —

When a vehicle has three or more major parts removed by an automotive recycler.

Manufacturer Buyback or Lemon —

A DMV or a state agency marks an official document or issues a Manufacturer Buyback/Lemon title when a vehicle has been repurchased by the manufacturer. Not all states issue manufacturer buyback titles and the specific requirements for a lemon law vehicle vary by state.

Manufacturer Recall —

Automobile manufacturers issue recall notices to inform owners of car defects that have come to the manufacturer’s attention. Recalls also suggest improvements that can be made to improve the safety of a particular vehicle. Most manufacturer recalls can be repaired at no cost to you.

Manufacturer Vehicle —

Manufacturer vehicles are vehicles put up for sale by the manufacturer. These vehicles are typically only available to dealers at special auctions. These vehicles have generally been registered as lease or rental vehicles.

Manufacturer-Recommended Maintenance Schedules —

Automobile manufacturers provide recommended maintenance schedules for each of their models. These schedules inform owners of maintenance that should be performed on a vehicle at specific mileage milestones. These schedules are available in the owner’s manual or at Edmunds.com.

Mileage Inconsistency —

If a more recent odometer reading is less than an older reading but CARFAX is uncertain whether the discrepancy is a rollback or a clerical error, then CARFAX calls it a “Mileage Inconsistency”. In this case, you should verify the mileage with your dealer or a qualified mechanic.

Motor Vehicle Dept. —

Motor Vehicle Departments issue both titles and registrations to vehicle owners. Each title or registration record on a CARFAX report does not necessarily indicate a change in ownership. New titles and registrations can be created for name, address and lien holder changes; ownership changes; vehicle status changes; registration activity; title corrections; and lost titles.

NICB —

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to combat insurance fraud and vehicle theft for the benefit of both insurance companies and the public.

New Owner Reported —

When a vehicle is sold to a new owner, the Title must be transferred to the new owner(s) at a Department of Motor Vehicles.

Non-Profit —

Vehicle was registered by a “not for profit” agency or business.

Not Actual Mileage Title —

When the seller certifies, under the Federal Odometer Act, that the odometer reading does not reflect the vehicle’s actual mileage. This may occur because the odometer was tampered with, broken, or replaced.

OCRA —

The Oficina Coordinadora De Riesgos Asegurados S.C. (OCRA) is a Mexican not-for-profit corporation organized to detect, investigate and deter vehicle theft and insurance fraud for the good of its members and the public. It manages and controls databases on stolen vehicles and exported vehicles for the benefit of the insurance industry, law enforcement agencies and the public. OCRA obtains vehicle information entirely from other sources and relies on those sources for the accuracy and reliability of this information. Therefore, OCRA accepts no responsibility or liability for any error or omission in this report. OCRA is proud to assist CARFAX customers in their efforts to better understand a vehicle’s history.

Odometer Rollback —

If a more recent odometer reading is less than an older reading, then the odometer may have been tampered with and “rolled back.” CARFAX analyzes the mileage history and the sources of this information to indicate a potential odometer rollback.

Odometer Rollover —

Older vehicles often have 5-digit odometers that roll over to zero when the mileage exceeds 99,999.

Ownership History —

CARFAX defines an owner as an individual or business that possesses and uses a vehicle. Not all title transactions represent changes in ownership. To provide estimated number of owners, CARFAX proprietary technology analyzes all the events in a vehicle history. Estimated ownership is available for vehicles manufactured after 1994 and titled solely in the US including Puerto Rico. Dealers sometimes opt to take ownership of a vehicle and are required to in the following states: Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. Please consider this as you review a vehicle’s estimated ownership history.

Personal Use —

Vehicle was registered by the owner for private or personal use.

Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title —

A Rebuilt/Reconstructed vehicle is a salvage vehicle that has been repaired and restored to operation. These vehicles are often severely damaged before they are rebuilt and refurbished parts are typically used during reconstruction. In most states, an inspection of the vehicle is required before the vehicle is allowed to return to the road.

Relocation —

When a vehicle is moved from one state to another with no change of ownership.

Rental —

Vehicle was registered by a rental agency.

Repossession —

When a repossession occurs a vehicle owner fails to make loan payments, and the financial institution holding the title takes possession of the vehicle.

Salvage Auction Record —

Most vehicles sold at Salvage auctions were declared totaled by insurance companies. Most of these vehicles have sustained significant damage but there are some exceptions. For instance, recovered stolen vehicles are often declared a total loss regardless of the actual damage. Rebuilders and Recyclers purchase these vehicles at auction with intentions to rebuild them or dismantle them for parts.

Salvage Title —

A Salvage Title is issued on a vehicle damaged to the extent that the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds ~ 75% of its pre-damage value. This damage threshold may vary by state. Some states treat Junk titles the same as Salvage but the majority use this title to indicate that a vehicle is not road worthy and cannot be titled again in that state. The following eleven states also use Salvage titles to identify stolen vehicles – AZ, FL, GA, IL, MD, MN, NJ, NM, NY, OK and OR.

Scrapped —

Vehicles that have been dismantled and/or crushed and should not return to the road.

Service Plan Company —

Service Plan Companies market extended warranty plans to buyers of both new and used cars as mechanical breakdown insurance. Information is collected from service plan companies when they issue contracts and when they pay repair claims. Not all service plan companies report information to CARFAX.

Stolen Vehicle —

A vehicle is reported stolen when it is reported to a state DMV or an insurance company as missing. It is important to verify the status of a stolen vehicle with NICB before purchase to protect yourself. You could be charged with buying a stolen vehicle, especially if it appears that you may have had knowledge that the vehicle was stolen. You may also lose the vehicle without compensation for the purchase price. You can contact NICB to verify a vehicle’s stolen status by calling 800-447-6282 x 2 or by completing the NICB web form.

Structural / Frame Damage —

In most cases, a vehicle is inspected for structural or frame damage, depending on the body design, after an accident or other incident. All levels of accidents from minor to severe can cause structural / frame damage and in most cases it can be repaired. Having a structural inspection before purchase is recommended.

Taxi —

Vehicle was registered as a taxi or “for hire” vehicle.

Title Issued —

A state issues a title to provide a vehicle owner with proof of ownership. Each title has a unique number. Each title or registration record on a CARFAX report does not necessarily indicate a change in ownership. In Canada, a registration and bill of sale are used as proof of ownership.

Title Washing —

Title Washing is the process through which a vehicle’s title is altered to conceal information that would normally be included. This can be accomplished by either physically altering printed documents or reapplying for a title without disclosing its prior history. Since the CARFAX database retains information about branded titles from all 50 states and the Canadian provinces, the CARFAX Report may help uncover potential title washing.

Total Loss Vehicle —

An insurance or fleet company declares a vehicle a total loss when a claim exceeds ~ 75% of its pre-damage value or if the vehicle is stolen and not recovered. This damage threshold varies by company. These companies typically take possession and obtain the title. Not all total loss vehicles result in a DMV-reported branded title. This may occur when an insurance company’s definition of a total loss is different than the state DMV’s definition for a branded title or when the owner of the vehicle is a self-insured company, like a fleet or rental company.

U.S. Privacy Laws —

The U.S. Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) of 1994, among other laws, restricts the use of personal information such as name and address, to specific purposes. It has therefore always been CARFAX’s policy to focus its reporting on vehicles, not people.

Vehicle ID No. (VIN) —

This 17 character number is unique to each vehicle. It identifies characteristics of the vehicle, including manufacturer, year, model, body, engine specifications, and serial number.

Vehicle Reacquired —

A vehicle that has been repurchased by the manufacturer. Manufacturers may choose to buy the vehicle back from a customer after repeated repair attempts or to promote customer satisfaction.

Vehicle Sold With Damage —

Several companies provide data to CARFAX about their fleets. To disclose the true condition of the vehicle, these companies occasionally sell vehicles from their fleets with damage rather than undertake the repairs themselves.

Verified Odometer Rollback —

When an odometer rollback is reported to and verified by a state or province law enforcement agency.

http://www.ancestorhunt.com/california-most-wanted.htm

We invite you to visit this site periodically and review the state’s Most Wanted Fugitives bulletins to help law enforcement apprehend dangerous fugitives by alerting law enforcement when you think you may have seen one of the fugitives on the Most Wanted list. If you have any information on a featured fugitive or other fugitives, we urge you to contact the Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence, Intelligence Operations Center (IOC) immediately.

The Wanted Persons System (WPS) was established in 1971 as the first online system for the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The WPS system provides information on arrest warrants and is used to alert law enforcement agencies of the possibility that a suspect may be a fugitive. This information may help to ensure the safety of officers who are attempting to apprehend fugitives.

In 1996, the Legislature authorized the California Department of Justice to maintain a publicly accessible Internet directory of wanted fugitives. This is not a comprehensive directory of all persons wanted for crimes in California.

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You can now subscribe to the California Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General’s Most Wanted Fugitives email list. Visit our subscription site for this and other informative email notifications from the Office of the Attorney General.

http://caag.state.ca.us/wanted/index.htm

SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE ?

http://www.amfor.net/Search.html

A public service sponsored by Americans For Open Records (AmFOR) in behalf of adoptees, parents and all who search for missing family members… AmFOR supports INTERNATIONAL SOUNDEX REUNION REGISTRY (ISRR), the world’s largest reunion registry for searching family members (adopted or not); Click on ISRR Link for mail-in registry form (a totally FREE service; donation to ISRR suggested). More FREE/self-help Links, below:

INSTANT GRATIFICATION

To quickly locate anyone FREE or inexpensively–in 50 states and 200 countries–especially adoptees or parents whose names are unknown– Browse or download (FREE): THE ULTIMATE SEARCH BOOK-2005 .

The best CALIFORNIA “NO FIND/NO PAY” search sites are AdoptionSearchCalifornia.com and TheRightToKnow.info

SEARCH LINKS -

* Adoption databases – http://www.skylace.net/adoption/
* Adoption Disclosure Laws, by State – (Quick Reference) http://www.bastards.org/activism/access.htm
For state-specific codes,search resources and more, browse or download The Ultimate Search Book
* Adoption Laws, Canada – http://nebula.on.ca/canadopt/
* Adoptees’ War Memorial: Adoptees, Parents Who Have Died in War, & Adoptees & Orphans created by War – http://amfor.net/war.html
* African Diasporic Adoption (Adopted and Fostered Adults of the African Diaspora – AFAAD) – http://afaad.wordpress.com
* Age/Name Database- Search by First/Last Name/Age (free) – http://www.birthdatabase.com
* Australia Adoption Jigsaw – http://www.bensoc.asn.au/parc/
* Baby Broker Directory (by state)- helps searching Black Market Adoptees – http://AmFOR.net/BabyBrokers
* Black Market Adoptees – Helpful Links: Surrogacy Agency Directory, Egg Donation Service Directory, Attorney Directory, and IVF Directory are all at “Everything Surrogacy” – http://everythingsurrogacy.com
* Black Market Adoptee’s Registry (Free) – http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/2313/
* Black Market Adoption Links – (See “Registry, Black Market Adoptees” and “Registry, Black Market Babies and Baby Broker Directory; and Black Market Adoption Web Ring)
* Black Market Adoption Web Ring – Personal web pages and registries – http://q.webring.com/hub?ring=bmaring
* Classmates Search – http://Classmates.com & http://Reunion.com/
* Concerned United Birthparents (CUB) – http://www.cubirthparents.org/
* Credit Reports – Get all 3 Free Annual Equifax/Experian and Trans Union Credit Reports (under FactAct) from one online form – (no credit card needed) – http://annualcreditreport.com
* Credit Reports (fee) – http://www.ameri.com/121.htm
* DMV Searches (fee; first check to see if you can order direct from state’s DMV
available for fee – CO, FL, GA, IL, ME, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, UT, WA, WI, WY) http://www.docusearch.com/dmvf.html
* DMV ID Card Search (for non-drivers; free) – http://searchsystems.net/
* DMV-Messaging (CA fee is about $5) – Contact any branch of CA DMV for form
* Donor-Link Registry (United Kingdom) – http://www.ukdonorlink.org.uk/default.asp
* East Indian Adoptees- Connected Indian Roots website: http://people.freenet.de/connectedindianroots/
* “Everything Surrogacy” – directories, all on one website – Surrogacy Agency Directory, Egg Donation Service Directory, Attorney Directory, IVF Directory – at “Everything Surrogacy” – http://everythingsurrogacy.com
* German adoptee/parent search – Leonie Boehmer – email: Boehmer@aol.com
* German-born Adoptees “Geborenor Deutscher” Newsletter – http://hometown.aol.com/wmlgage/gd/gd.htm
* Holocaust-Shoah Victims – http://www.yadvashem.org/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_9m
* How To Search – http://UltimateSearchBook.com
* Hurricane Katrina – Free Resources to Find the Missing in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi: http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml
* Italian Adoptees – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ITALIADOPTION/
* Korean Adoptees – GOAL (advertises search in Korea newspaper) – http://www.goal.or.kr/
o (San Francisco): http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/3947/
o (New York): http://www.akaworld.org/
o http://www.findparent.or.kr/index_e.htm
o http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Shrine/8654/search.html
* Military Fathers (Past Wars)
o WAR BABES: Founded by Shirley McGlade, 15 Plough Avenue, South Woodgate, Birmingham B32 3TQ She is the daughter of a World War II GI, that she traced in 1986.
o THE ASSOCIATION OF LIBERATION CHILDREN, founded in 1984, renders assistance to the Dutch descendants of soldiers from the Second World War in the search for their biological father and/or relatives. It also has links with Canada. http://www.liberationchildren.org
o PROJECT ROOTS is an organization set up in 1980 to help find the Canadian fathers of British and European War Children – http://www.project-roots.com/
o REGISTRY OF JEWISH HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS – http://www.ushmm.org/remembrance/registry/intro
o RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS: Tracing Ancestors – http://www.judymeschel.com/coshtrace.htm
* Prisoner Locator (US) – http://www.ancestorhunt.com/prison_search.htm
* See also Adopted Prisoner Penpals – http://amfor.net/AdoptedPrisoners.html
* Public Records, Nationwide – 34,000 Free Databases – http://www.searchsystems.net/index.php
* Registry, Bi-Racial/African-American – http://lilbastard.faithweb.com/biafreg.html
* Registry, Birth Quest (second largest) – http://ReunionRegistry.com/
* Registry, Black Market “Babies” – (a CENTRAL REGISTRY for ALL Black Market babies delivered by Bessie Bernard, Katherine Cole, Crittenton Homes, Easter House, Hicks Clinic, Ideal, Gladney Homes, Seymour Kurtz,Tennessee Home Society, The Veil, etc.) -

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/2313/Links.htm

* Registry, Butterbox Babies Survivors (Nova Scotia) – http://www3.us.sympatico.ca/bhartlan/PAGE1.htm
* Registry, Canada – http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/adoptionregistry.html
* Registry, D’s Search Posts (huge, archived) – http://www.birthfamily.com/bmom2amy/coverpage.html
or http://www.birthfamily.com/bmom2amy/SearchPosts.html
* Registry, Donor Offspring/Parent – http://amfor.net/DonorOffspring/
* Registry, Date of Birth – http://adoptionregistry.com
* Registry, First Names (unique names) – http://www.genealogytoday.com/names/first/unique.html
* Registry, First Name & Birth Date – http://www.skylace.net/adoption/g-firstnames.php3
* Registry, International Soundex Reunion (oldest/largest) – http://www.isrr.org/
* Registry, National Next of Kin – http://www.nokr.org/nok/restricted/home.htm
* Registry, Orphan Trains – http://www.adoptiontriad.org/library/weekly/aa030398.htm
* Registry, Twins Reunion, National – http://home.www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/9942/twinregform.com/
* (see also Twin Adoption Web Ring of individual websites)
* Search Angels – (by state; free/expenses only; careful–some fee-based searcher ads too) – http://www.the-seeker.com/angels.htm
* Scotland Adoptees – email: think@charity.vfree.com/
* Social Security Locator Services (Free Messaging) – Write to:
Social Security Administration Location Services,
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
* State-Specific Search Help – http://members.aol.com/deitrahs/
* Terminal Illness Emergency Search (TIES) – if available; check search engine for any new volunteers’ listings- http://www.ties-search.org/
* ULTIMATE SEARCH BOOK – http://UltimateSearchBook.com/
* Unlisted Phone Search (fee) – http://www.phonesearches.com/
* Unlisted Phone Search (US & Canada; fee) – http://www.infoplaza.com/
* Vietnam Reunion Planning (Holt Agency; fees) – email: reunion@holtintl.org
* Vital Statistics Online (Links for state-held public records) – http://vitalrec.com/
* Volunteer Search Network – http://www.vsn.org/
* Voter Registration online – (check search engines by State)
* Who Me? – http://who-me.com/
* Worldwide Phone Directories – http://www.contractjobs.com/tel/
* Yearbook Attic; Yearbook Lady – http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2236/attic2.html

BIRTH INDEXES
(including those searchable by birth date & either birth or adoptive names, cross-referenced)

* Family Birth Records Search (by State) – http://www.familybirthrecords.com
* CA – Colleen Buckner (fee) – therighttoknow@hotmail.com
AdoptionSearchCalifornia.com and TheRightToKnow.info
* CA – 1905-1995 – http://searches.rootsweb.com &

http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cabirthm.htm

* CA – Adoptee Amended Names 1904 thru 1991 – Paul Winston Services,
827 Pacific Ave., #178,
San Francisco, CA 94133;
(415) 956-9817
* CA – Pat Bowers – patkb@ix.net/
* CT – Lucille Shea (fee only if found) – LucilleShea@prodigy.net/
* FL – http://www.geocities.com/preston081/publicrecords.html
* IN – Birth Indexes available from LDS Family History Library
* KY – (also some CA & OH; fee) – Caroline Prowser – HUMNGBRD@aol.com
* MO – State Dept of Health sells “all born in state” for about $30 per date searched
* NY – 5 boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island) indexes available to public; for legwork contact Joe Soll cera@idt.net
* NY – rest of state – contact Joe Soll/Adoption Crossroads – cera@idt.net
* SD – Pre-1900 (need year & name) – http://searches.rootsweb.com/
* TX – http://ABORN.org – if not online at http://www.tdh.texas.gov/bvs/registra/birthdx/birthdx.htm
* TX – 1926-1949 & 1950-1995 (need name & year) – http://searches.rootsweb.com/

DEATH INDEXES

* http://www.ancestry.com/search/
* Death Index, Supplemental – Ameridex database for Deaths not on Social Security Death Index; small fee – http://kadima.com/prices.html
* Find A Grave (International – by state, province, country) – http://www.findagrave.com/tocs/geographic.html
* Ranch Hands Index – http://searches.rootsweb.com/
* http://ssdi.rootsweb.com

RESEARCH LINKS -
alphabetical adoption reference resources, for:
o activists,
o litigants
o writers,
o chat

* A-Team (Father’s Rights, legal referral) – http://www.a-team.org/
* Abolish Adoption, A Petition – http://amfor.net/
* ABOLISH ADOPTION-CANADA – http://abolishadoptioncanada.com
* Addiction & Adoptees – http://www.amfor.net/chosenchildren.html
* Adopt-A-Quote – http://www.amfor.net/adoptaquote.html
* Adoptees & Birthparents for Open Records Now/ABORN- http://ABORN.org/
* Adopting Back Our Children – http://www.geocities.com/families_healed/index.html
* Adoption Connection – http://www.geocities.com/geoadopt/
* Adoption Deaths/Jean Paton – http://www.geocities.com/orphanvoyage1953/jean.html
* Adoption Forums – http://forums.about.com/ab-adoption
* Adoption Horror Clips and Adoption Newswire- http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6743/oct2.html
* ADOPTION (Horror) NEWS, by Country – http://adoptionnews.org/news.asp
* Adoption and Disclosure Laws by State – http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/state-adoption-laws.html
* Adoption: Legalized Lies (ALL) – http://www.geocities.com/antiadoption/
* Adoption Medical Victims – http://members.aol.com/deitrahs/
* Adoption Newsletters Directory – http://www.familyhelper.net/ad/adnlu.html
* ADOPTION NEWSWIRE – http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6743/oct.html
* Adoption Research and Stats – http://adoption.about.com/cs/researchreports
* Adoption Scams – http://www.a-team.org/f_custody_b.html
* Adoption System (expose) – http://www.amfor.net/chosenchildren.html
* American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – http://www.aclu.org/
* AMERICAN FAMILY RIGHTS ASSN. (AFRA) – http://www.familyrightsassociation.com/members/membership.html http://familyrightsassociation.com/horror_stories/index.html http://parentnews.net/~parent_stories/
* Anti-Adoption: What Does it Mean? http://members.tripod.com/reuniting/anti_adoption.html
* Australia’s Origins Inc – http://www.angelfire.com/or/originsnsw/
* Baby Theft (Joanne Swanson) – http://www.babytheft.org/index.htm
* Bastard Nation (adoptee activists) – http://www.bastards.org
* Biblical View (Open Adoption) – http://www.pactadopt.org/press/articles/biblical.html
* Birthmothers for Open Records Now/BORN – http://born123.homestead.com/
* Blue Ribbon Online Free Speech – http://www.eff.org/blueribbon.html
* Child Custody Law Firms Search site – http://ChildCustodyLawFirms.com
* Child Guardianship Law – http://consumer.findlaw.com/topics/child/nolo/nature.html
* CPS Watch (Child Protection Services abuses) – http://www.cpswatch.com/
* Concerned United “Birth”parents (CUB) – http://www.cubirthparents.org/
* Directory of Pro Bono Attorneys, by State http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/directory.html
* FindLaw: http://www.findlaw.com/
* German Adoptees Newsletter – http://hometown.aol.com/wmlgage/gd/gd.htm
* Ghost Dancer – http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/9950/
* Global Internet Liberty Campaign – http://www.gilc.org/
* Green Ribbon Cam/Open Records- http://www.50megs.com/levgen/grcampaign.html
* Incarcerated Adoptees – http://www.amfor.net/chosenchildren.html
* Libraries on the Web – http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Libweb
* Mothers Exploited By Adoption – http://www.firstmoms.org
* Mothers In Exile – http://www.exiledmothers.com
* Mouvement Retrouvailles (French/Eng) – http://www.mouvement-retrouvailles.qc.ca/
* Musser, Sandy – http://www.angelfire.com/fl2/musser/
* Natl. Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC) – http://www.childwelfare.gov/
* Natural Families – (support for staying together!) – http://www.naturalfamilies.org
* Newspaper Archives (all states) – http://www.newslibrary.com/
* Non-Attorney Representation – http://www.amfor.net/nonattorney.html
* Origins USA-(Legislative Inquiry) – http://originsusa.org
* Orphan Voyage Memorials – http://www.geocities.com/orphanvoyage1953/jean.html
* Pro Se Legal Help – http://www.legalfreedom.com/prc/
* Statistics of Adoption – http://www.amfor.net/statistics.html
* Sunflower “Birth”moms (700+ members) – http://www.bmom.net/ (Click subscribe)
* Support for Pregnant Women & Exiled Mothers – http://www.keepyourbaby.com
* Ultimate Search Book- http://www.amfor.net/ultimatesearch.html
* U.S. National Archives – http//www.nara.gov/
* Voices of Adoption Chat – http://www.ibar.com/chat-o-rama/

http://www.amfor.net/Search.html

20/20: Beware the Car Dealer’s Secret
20/20’s Arnold Diaz Has Important Info for Car Buyers

On today’s 20/20, Arnold Diaz warns car buyers about the hidden charges car dealers may tack on during the purchase of a car.

According to consumer attorney Gary Klein, “It’s a dirty little secret that the auto lending industry has not owned up to.”

It works like this. Car dealers do not do the actual money lending, but send your application to a number of lenders, who then tell them what interest rate you qualify for. They call that number the “buy rate.” But legally, car dealers are not required to tell you that rate or how much they are marking up the loan. Dealers get a small fee for arranging loans at the buy rate, but can make a lot more money if they can get you to pay a higher rate. And lenders encourage that because they usually split the extra income.

David Robertson, head of the Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals — a trade group representing finance managers — defends the practice, saying it’s akin to a retail markup on loans. “The dealership provides a valuable service on behalf of the customer in negotiating these loans,” he says. “Because of that, the dealership should be compensated for that work.”

And there’s troubling evidence that black customers may be twice as likely as whites to have their rate marked up — and by more. That evidence — included in thousands of pages of confidential documents that 20/20 and The New York Times went into a Tennessee court to obtain — shows that Nissan and GM dealers in that state routinely marked up rates for blacks, forcing them to pay between $300 and $400 more than whites.

“The bottom line is that everyone who pays markup is affected by markup and is the victim of a secret policy, but blacks are victimized worse,” says Klein, a lawyer with the National Consumer Law Center (www.nclc.org) who is working on a discrimination lawsuit against GM Acceptance Corporation and Nissan Motors Acceptance Corporation.

The legal team in the discrimination suit filed against the two companies had an expert analyze thousands of confidential customer files from Tennessee Nissan and GM dealers and say they reveal a pattern of discrimination. In Nissan’s case, white customers loans were marked up an average of $507 — but black customers faced a $969 markup. At the GM dealers, blacks paid $315 more in markup than whites. In statements, both companies say this analysis is “seriously flawed” and point out that their loan application does not ask the buyer’s race. Both the companies and the dealers insist they do no tolerate any racial discrimination.

Prep Before You Shop So how do you ensure you’re not paying more than you should? Before you approach a dealer, get online and compare rates. You can find some Web links on the right. BanxQuote (www.banx.com) and Bankrate.com (www.bankrate.com) provide various lenders’ rates for new and used car loans. You can apply online for a loan through LendingTree.com (www.lendingtree.com). Plug in your salary and preferred payment structure, and LendingTree will return three to four different rates, giving you more information to bargain with dealers, or sidestep them completely.

And for a $3.95/monthly fee, Consumer Reports Online (www.ConsumerReports.org) can be a valuable tool for car buyers. The site contains information on more than 200 car models, including test results, ratings and survey results about vehicle reliability and driver satisfaction. Edmunds.com (www.edmunds.com) is another choice for car facts and pricing on new and used models. Finally, the Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) will tell you how much your current car is worth, a valuable tool when considering a trade-in.

Sexy Mannequins Too Hot for Arizona? Used Car Dealer Could Get Busted

Posted by Ryan Smith
(The Arizona Republic)
AutoMart owner Tracy Tingue has been using provocative mannequins to sell cars.

PHOENIX (CBS/AP) They are dumb, chesty, and ready to sell cars.

car dealer advertising gone wild

But are they legal?

That is the question as two well-endowed mannequins are getting a Phoenix-area used car dealer in trouble with the law.

Arizona AutoMart owner Tracy Tingue attracts attention with a pair of sign-holding dummies. He dresses them in revealing outfits from a nearby thrift store and even puts flowing skirts on them when it’s windy.

But not everyone is amused and some residents have complained to a Chandler, Ariz. city code enforcer, who gave Tingue notice this week that the mannequin matter has been forwarded to the city prosecutor for possible criminal misdemeanor charges.

No, it’s not a public nudity concern.

The mannequins are considered “temporary signs” that don’t have a permit and don’t fit the categories approved under Chandler municipal law, which allows banners and placards that promote grand openings, real estate sales and special events.

Tingue says he has retained an attorney and has no intention of taking down his “girls.”

“Sex sells cars,” Tingue said to the The Arizona Republic.

“People notice the girls. I’ve watched people drive buy and whistle or say, ‘Hey,baby’… I spent $700 on the girls and they don’t talk back,” Tingue said to the paper.

If he’s prosecuted, Tingue could face a maximum $2,500 fine or six months in jail. The city also could confiscate the mannequins.

Analyst Predicts 20% Jump in US Auto Sales for 2010

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a.67ZM0YKP3s

Bloomberg.com – December 15, 2009

Respected auto research group predicts auto sales up 20% in 2010

Center for Automotive Research (CAR) estimates 12.4M units
That’s up from 10.3M units sold in 2008
Sales averaged 16.7M units from 2000 through 2007
Other analysts see production jumping 24%

Significant Points
CAR cites pent up demand for expected sales jump
Other analysts predict between 11.3M and 11.8M units for 2010
GM, Chrysler will likely see profits at those levels
GM says it could break even at 10.5M units
Average age of cars on road today is record 10.5 years
Sales rate at 42 vehicles per 1K adults; was 66 during 1999 recession

“No recession has ever been this long in terms of cumulative job loss. Will we ever see the 17 million-sales levels we saw a few years ago? No, that was truly an automotive sales bubble.” — Sean McAlinden, chief economist, Center for Automotive

“You’ll see lousy sales numbers through the spring and then it will break, but not through the roof.” — McAlinden

“It’s unbelievable how people have stopping buying cars. There’s enormous pent-up demand.” — McAlinden

Web Source

http://www.cargroup.org

http://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=64435

Car sales:

Tricks of the trade

Dateline NBC hidden camera investigation

reveals deception at some dealerships

Dec. 5 – Americans spend more than $650 billion a year on new cars — and they probably spend way too much. Chances are you’ve been there, sitting across from a smiling car salesman, sweating out the negotiations, determined to get a bargain, but convinced you won’t. You’re probably right. Dateline NBC went undercover to reveal some tricks of the trade, how, with a little sleight of hand and deception, dealerships are sweetening your deal in their favor — taking you for thousands of dollars. NBC’s Lea Thompson shares her observations on the story, as well as some important tips.

As NBC’s Chief Consumer Correspondent I have done a lot of car stories in my life. But this one is astounding and amazing. After working on this story for over a year, I am still stunned by what we continued to discover right up until airtime. And what is most disturbing is that these aren’t just tricks on consumers by a few dealers. Although not every dealer is disreputable, it appears there is a widespread fraud going on, particularly on the “back end” of car deals.

Most consumers really don’t understand the finance part when they buy a car. That naiveté allows unscrupulous dealers to add in lots of extra charges that you never see if you don’t read the fine print or sift through the paperwork.

If you finance through a dealer, we found you may never see the details of those add-ons because they are “stuffed” or hidden under a pile of papers you sign and then they are incorporated and buried in the financing documents you may never see. It appears, sometimes, that even the banks who lend the money are being defrauded. We also found that many car dealers and lenders are in cahoots. They make backroom deals over your interest rate. We were told they charge you more than they have to and then they split the profit. It is hard to believe that a dealer would actually forge your signature, but we found that, too. And it all adds up to your paying thousands — literally thousands — more than you should have to for a new, used or leased car. This story took a long time to put together, a whole lot of digging, and it took a lot of money. We actually bought a car with the help of Tori Cocain, a wonderful young woman who agreed to help us out on this story. Our expert Remar Sutton has been an advocate for the car buyer for a long time. He wrote the book on car buying, “Don’t Get Taken Every Time,” and he was with us every step of the way. You know those names that you always see on those slates at the top of our Dateline stories? Well there are real, hardworking folks behind those names.

The producer of this story is Marsha Bartel, who has done many award winning stories for Dateline, and who literally spent the last year of her life talking to car salesman, car dealers, consumers, and whistleblowers. Chief among those whistleblowers is Duane Overholt, who, after a “life of crime in the car business,” has gone straight. Duane spent the year patiently teaching us the car business and bringing the details and the proof of what you see in our Dateline story. He has been threatened, he has been sued, but he is determined to make a difference.

Tressa Verna (we call her Terrie) did the magnificent editing on this story and Karen Heywood McKinley and Maria Afsharian did a whole lot of terrific research.

Read the tips and use the resources for how to buy a car. Be tough, do your homework, and don’t ever buy a car the same day you walk into the dealership — you may just be asking to be taken.

In response to Dateline’s story, the consumer watchdog group, Public Citizen, held a news conference calling for a crackdown on car dealers nationwide. Public Citizen is writing each state’s Attorney General asking for an investigation into some dealer tactics. It also wants states to pass tougher legislation that would mandate greater disclosure of finance terms and sales practices to consumers. Click here to visit their site.

Secretary Land: Beware online auto deal scams

Contact: (Media Contact) Kelly Chesney 517-373-2520
Agency: Secretary of State

DECEMBER 21, 2009

Online thieves setting up Web sites in name of legitimate dealers

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today warned consumers about a new online scam in which thieves create a Web site in the name of an unsuspecting legitimate auto dealer to trick people into thinking they’re buying a repossessed vehicle.

In at least two cases, scammers have created sites made to seem like they offer vehicles from licensed Michigan auto dealerships. The sites offer deals at far below normal market price, such as a 2009 Ford Mustang with less than 2,000 miles that costs $7,196. They claim the vehicles were repossessed, and the new owners, such as banks, want to sell the vehicles as fast as possible to recoup whatever money they can.

Victims wire money to the operators of the sites believing the vehicles will be delivered within a week, although they never are.

“A good rule to have is that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Land said. “Shopping online can be a convenient way to find good deals, but make sure you know who you’re doing business with, especially with big-ticket items like autos. If you are unfamiliar with a Web site or online company, do some extra research to find out if the business is legitimate.”

Land warned people not to buy vehicles from the Web sites www.star7auto.com and www.summit-autosales.com, or Web sites that operate in a similar way. The two sites are not affiliated with either of the Michigan dealerships with those names. Similar scams already have been detected in other states.

The cases that have been investigated by Secretary of State staff are being referred to the Attorney General’s Office for possible prosecution.

If people believe they have been the victim of consumer fraud, they can file a complaint by contacting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (877) 765-8388 or www.Michigan.gov/ag.

For problems related to auto dealers, repair facilities and mechanics, visit the Secretary of State’s Office at www.Michigan.gov/sos or by calling (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424).

http://www.michigan.gov/minewswire/0,1607,7-136-3452-228392–,00.html

FTC Extends Enforcement Deadline for Identity Theft Red Flags Rule

At the request of Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until June 1, 2010, for financial institutions and creditors subject to enforcement by the FTC.

CAR DEALERS WILL HAVE UNTIL JUNE 1, 2010

TO MEET RED FLAG RULES COMPLIANCE
The Rule was promulgated under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in which Congress directed the Commission and other agencies to develop regulations requiring “creditors” and “financial institutions” to address the risk of identity theft. The resulting Red Flags Rule requires all such entities that have “covered accounts” to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” – that could indicate identity theft.<br>

The Commission previously delayed the enforcement of the Rule for entities under its jurisdiction until November 1, 2009. The Commission staff has continued to provide guidance to entities within its jurisdiction, both through materials posted on the dedicated Red Flags Rule Web site (www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule), and in speeches and participation in seminars, conferences and other training events to numerous groups. The Commission also published a compliance guide for business, and created a template that enables low risk entities to create an identity theft program with an easy-to-use online form. FTC staff has published numerous general and industry-specific articles, released a video explaining the Rule, and continues to respond to inquiries from the public. To assist further with compliance, FTC staff has worked with a number of trade associations that have chosen to develop model policies or specialized guidance for their members.
On October 30, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the FTC may not apply the Red Flags Rule to attorneys. Today’s announcement that the Commission will delay enforcement of the Rule until June 1, 2010, does not affect the separate timeline of that proceeding and any possible appeals. Nor does it affect other federal agencies’ ongoing enforcement for financial institutions and creditors subject to their oversight.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,700 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/redflags.shtm
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ABA wins key ‘red flags’ ruling

Posted: 4:21 pm Thu, October 29, 2009
By admin