More States Follow California's Lead to Protect Car Buyers

1. CA's new "Car Buyer's Bill of Rights" goes into effect July 1
2. Provides option to return used car for any reason within 2 days
3. Caps dealer service markup fee at 2.5%, more clearly defines term "certified"
4. Similar legislation pending in MA; LA, AK, NY, NC also considering more protection
5. Consumer advocates say new CA law doesn't go far enough
6. Claim dealers will profit from changes like fees for return option, restocking
   

Significant Points

1. Legislation sparked by consumer complaints about unscrupulous auto dealers
   
2. Consumer advocates say minorities targeted by extra dealer markups, add-on charges
   
3. Also cite "certified" preowned vehicles w/ frame damage, other problems
   
4. Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety: "What we ended up with was very watered down"
5. CARS president Rosemary Shahan: "We're not touting this bill as a model"
6. CA dealers disagree, say law represents "most comprehensive reform of the car buying process in the last several years"

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Sourced From: The Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2006