The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with DT Automotive Center, Inc. doing business as (dba) Desert Toyota of Tucson, for deceptive advertising practices.
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.
According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, 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.