September 14, 2005
Thousands of New Jersey motorists will be eligible for a payback under terms of a class action settlement.
The settlement would cover consumers who bought or leased a new or used vehicle from one of more than 397 dealerships in the last eight years. They would eligible for a $100 discount on the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle. Some class members could receive higher refunds and a discount on parts and service.
Consumers covered by the settlement should be receiving letters this week.
The suit was filed in Superior Court in Hackensack by 113 consumers who bought or leased cars after April 17, 1997. They claim that they were charged excessive registration and title fees, were overcharged for document service fees and were not told that the services are not required by law. The action also alleges that the dealers violated state consumer fraud laws.
To get their discounts, consumers must fill out and mail in a certificate being mailed to their home address. They can also fill in and mail a "cash reimbursement certificate" that will be used to determine whether they were overcharged for registration and title fees.
If the refund is more than $35.01, the applicant will receive the parts and service discount, according to the settlement, set out in an order signed by Judge Jonathon N. Harris on July 1 and amended on Aug. 19.
