PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a settlement with DT Automotive Center, Inc. dba Desert Toyota of Tucson (“Desert Toyota”), Tucson-based automotive dealership, for deceptive advertising practices.
“Dealerships cannot lure consumers in with a low online price, then fail to honor that price once consumers arrive at the dealership,” said Attorney General Mayes. “All mandatory ‘add-on’ accessories must be included in any advertised vehicle price.”
The Complaint alleges that, prior to 2020, Desert Toyota engaged in false advertising by advertising vehicles with a low price online and refused to sell the vehicle for that price. For new vehicles, Desert Toyota did not include dealer-installed “add-on” accessories, such as exterior protective coating, door edge guards, door cups, and window tint, in the online vehicle price. Then, when consumers attempted to purchase the new vehicles, Desert Toyota refused to sell the vehicles unless consumers purchased the add-ons, raising the vehicle price above the advertised price.
For used vehicles, Desert Toyota, at times, charged a reconditioning fee higher than what was advertised. The Consent Decree requires Desert Toyota to pay $40,000 in civil penalties, $10,000 in consumer restitution, and $10,000 in costs and fees.
Who is eligible for restitution?
Any consumers who believe they have been harmed by Desert Toyota’s conduct should file a complaint by July 31, 2024 to be eligible to receive restitution.
If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website. If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Dylan Jones.
A copy of the complaint is available here.
A copy of the consent decree is available here.
