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matthew.stone
By matthew.stone | AA Member | 1 Post | 20 November 2013 at 3:33pm

Can a car dealer legally increase the price of a vehicle advertised on the internet once you make an inquiry?

ABayliss
By ABayliss | AA Expert | 2169 Posts | 20 November 2013 at 4:09pm

We'd really need to know a little more about the exact situation, however, potentially this could be seen as a breach of the Fair Trading Act as "misleading and deceptive conduct and false representation" or "bait advertising".
However, are you sure the price was increased from the advertised price, or was it a case of the window price had been reduced in the internet ad? Also, if upon making the enquiry, the dealer agreed to meet the advertised internet price, then perhaps there's no wrong-doing.
If you think the dealer has made a misrepresentation, you have two choices really;
1) Report the dealer to Consumer Affairs.
2) Vote with your feet and walk away and buy a car elsewhere.