PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL, August 29, 2022—Consumers who bought out their leases at lease end are being compensated for illegal fees the car dealers charged. Attorney Darren Newhart has recovered more than $130,000 for consumers across Florida and is filing additional cases based on the response to local media reports in south Florida. 

“The response has been tremendous because so many car buyers have been affected,” said attorney Darren Newhart. “Some dealerships are trying to capitalize on high prices in the used car market by charging fees and adding stipulations that weren’t in the original lease agreement. We are successfully recovering fees and statutory damages for car buyers affected by these illegal practices. Unfortunately, most consumers don’t even know they can fight the dealers and get their money back at no cost to them.”

Numerous car dealerships throughout Florida are charging illegal fees to consumers trying to purchase their vehicle at the end of a lease. Used car prices escalated over the past two years and many leased vehicles hold more of their residual value. Car dealers recognize these market forces and have been causing consumers needless financial harm by charging illegal fees. Some dealers have illegally charged fees and added terms to capitalize on the higher-than-expected car values and the inventory shortage. But that’s illegal. Car dealers are legally obligated to honor the original terms of the lease. Illegal changes to buyout terms can include:

• Charging a higher price to buy out the vehicle than the buyout provision in the original lease.
• Adding fees that weren’t disclosed in the original lease agreement.
• Forcing consumers to certify their leased vehicle as roadworthy or as a certified pre-owned vehicle.
• Forcing consumers to purchase extended service contracts.