National Dealer Resumes Selling Used Cars With Unfixed Recalls
CARS.COM — In a development that underscores how crucial it is for used-car shoppers to check their prospective purchase for unfixed recalls, one of the country’s largest dealership groups is reportedly reversing an earlier decision not to sell cars in such a condition.
Related: Why Can Dealers Sell Used Cars With Unfixed Recalls?
AutoNation says it has resumed general sales for cars with unfixed recalls as of Nov. 28, according to a report in Automotive News. AutoNation, which operates 371 dealers across the country, had pledged in September 2015 to ban the sale of used cars with unfixed recalls — whether to purchasers, lessees or auction lots. But amid swelling inventories of cars with Takata airbag inflator recalls that were still missing repair parts, the group reportedly decided last spring to send such cars in certain cases to auction lots.
It’s illegal for dealers to sell new cars with unrepaired recalls, but no federal law bans the sale of used cars in such circumstances.
A “lack of parts now and in the future” for recalled Takata airbag inflators was the biggest driver for AutoNation’s policy change, Marc Cannon, AutoNation spokesman, said via email.
AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson decided to reverse the decision when he concluded that lawmakers’ efforts to ban the sale of used cars with unfixed recalls would falter under President-elect Donald Trump, Automotive News reported. Jackson reportedly told Automotive News that his dealers will repair cars with available parts whenever possible.
Jackson said that in the event his dealers sell a car with an unfixed recall — whether to a consumer or auction lot — they’ll disclose its status. In November, the group’s dealers reportedly had some 6,000 used cars on hold because of its erstwhile policy, mostly because of Takata inflator recalls with still-missing parts.
Used-car shoppers should check the vehicle identification number of any car they’re considering for unfixed recalls. If a used car has open recalls, discuss getting them repaired before purchasing the car.
