Used car dealers have a bad reputation and Carvana continues to make it even worse. Countless consumers have complained about the company in multiple states and this has resulted in suspensions and the surrender of their dealer license in Michigan.
The company’s troubles are once again in the spotlight as Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a settlement agreement with Carvana. Officials began investigating the company last February after customers alleged it was “issuing out-of-state temporary registration permits” and “failing to transfer titles in a timely manner as required by the state’s vehicle code.” This ultimately lead Illinois to suspend Carvana’s license in May of 2022.
As part of the settlement, Carvana admitted to breaking the law and agreed to new restrictions aimed at protecting consumers. The company also surrendered a $250,000 (£202,733 / €229,667) bond, promised to follow the law in the future, and allow for “pre- and post-licensing Secretary of State Police inspections to ensure it remains in compliance.” The company also agreed to allow the Secretary of State to “summarily suspend and revoke” their dealership license if they fail to comply with either the agreement or the law.
Also: Carvana Surrenders Michigan Dealer License, Will Still Sell Cars In The State
Giannoulias remarked “The admission by Carvana demonstrates what we knew all along: that Carvana was violating the law in a manner that was harmful to Illinois consumers.” He went on to say, he’ll “do everything to ensure that proper safeguards are in place that protect Illinois consumers regardless of how they purchase a vehicle.”
The agreement allows Carvana to continue operating in the state, but the company didn’t apologize for their actions or promise to do better in the future. Instead, their press release was a weird marketing attempt that stated “For the past eight years, we have been an economic engine in the state by providing Illinoisans with an unmatched e-commerce experience that includes great selection, home delivery and a 7-day money back guarantee, and today’s agreement with the Secretary of State allows us to move forward in our journey to becoming the largest automotive retailer.”
That’s odd considering the company admitted to breaking the law, but Carvana’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Alan Hoffman, added “We look forward to working with Secretary Giannoulias to ensure customers continue having access to the best car buying and selling experience possible.”
