Letter: Bit of advice

Published 12:15 am Saturday, September 7, 2024

I’m offering a bit of advice to potential buyers of autos from auto dealerships: Before you even go to one, take the time to contact them first to find out if they have any unexpected closing costs after you’ve settled on the price of the one to buy and your trade in.

An example of one I ran into was when I was shown the final purchase agreement, there was an added on $499 for a thing called anti-theft warranty. When I objected to this to the dealer, he quickly showed me a sentence that, at first glance, appeared to say this was a requirement of the state of Oregon.

But after reluctantly signing the agreement, I found out this was untrue. This warranty is only good for three years, and only covers a loss of a maximum of $3,000, and if you happen not to have the vehicle locked if a theft occurs, you will receive nothing!

If you will call around, you will find other dealers who will offer almost twice as much coverage for five years, instead of just three, at this same price, and with some it is an option you can ask for or decline. So you, the buyer, if you do want this protection, make the dealer gives you plenty of time to read the entire agreement first!

HENRY HOFFMAN

Warrenton