Dealer group allegedly charged $3,350 above advertised prices

The complaint alleges widespread price increases

The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint on October 8 alleging that Greenway Auto Group advertised vehicles for thousands of dollars less than most consumers ultimately paid. According to the complaint, consumers were charged more than $3,350 above the advertised price, on average, in over 92% of transactions.

The FTC says the added amounts included mandatory administrative, dealer, delivery, and processing fees, as well as packages and penalties. It also alleges that some advertised prices included conditional rebates or discounts unavailable to many shoppers. These are allegations, not final court findings.

The proposed order would make the total price prominent

Under the proposed stipulated order, Greenway would have to disclose the maximum total price a consumer must pay, including every mandatory dealer fee or charge. Only charges that a federal, state, or local government requires the consumer to pay could be excluded.

When an advertisement states any amount a shopper may pay to buy, finance, or lease a vehicle, that total price would have to be clear, conspicuous, and the most prominent visual amount. The order would also bar misrepresentations about vehicle costs, required fees, optional products, taxes, and whether a particular type or source of financing is required.

Prize-mailer claims are also part of the case

The complaint separately alleges that Greenway sent mailers telling recipients they had won cash prizes that could be collected at a dealership when the prizes were not real. The proposed order would prohibit misrepresentations about prizes, sweepstakes, giveaways, and other incentives.

The FTC filed both the complaint and proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The agency notes that a stipulated order has the force of law only after a district judge approves and signs it.

How shoppers can protect the quoted price

• Save the dated advertisement, vehicle identification number, and written price messages before visiting a dealership.
• Request an itemized out-the-door price showing the vehicle price, government-required charges, and every optional product separately.
• Compare the ad with the buyer's order and financing documents before signing or paying a deposit.
• Question a rebate, fee, or financing condition that was not clearly disclosed and report suspected deception through an official government channel.