Eastchester Certified Motors is a used car dealership in the Bronx
Eastchester Certified Motors operates as an independent used vehicle dealership located in the Bronx, New York. Like other used car retailers, it buys, reconditions, and sells pre-owned vehicles to local buyers. The dealership is not a manufacturer, a financing company, or a government agency — it is a private business that handles its own inventory and sales process.
Understanding how a used car dealership operates, what protections exist when you buy from one, and what to look for before handing over money will help you make a more informed decision, whether you choose this dealership or another.
Key Takeaways
- Used car dealerships in New York must comply with state consumer protection laws, including disclosure of known defects and the right to a pre-purchase inspection.
- New York law gives you a limited window to return or reject a vehicle if a serious defect appears shortly after purchase, though the exact terms depend on the dealership's written agreement.
- Before buying any used car, have an independent mechanic inspect it — never rely solely on the dealership's assessment or any "certified" label.
- Get all promises about the vehicle's condition, warranty, and financing terms in writing before you sign the purchase agreement.
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and the Better Business Bureau both track complaints about dealerships and can help if a dispute arises.
What New York law requires used car dealerships to disclose
New York State requires used car dealers to provide buyers with a written notice of the vehicle's condition before sale. This notice must state whether the car is being sold "as is" or with some form of warranty. If the dealership claims the vehicle has been inspected or certified, it must document what that inspection covered and what defects, if any, were found.
The dealership must also disclose any known defects — mechanical problems, accident history, title issues, or odometer concerns. If the dealer knows the transmission is slipping or the check engine light is on, that information must be given to you in writing. Failing to disclose known defects can give you grounds to reject the sale or pursue a refund, though you will need to act quickly and have documentation.
You have the right to have any used car inspected by a mechanic of your choice before you buy it. The dealership cannot prevent you from doing this, and you should never waive this right. An independent inspection often uncovers problems the dealership's own check missed or glossed over.
The difference between "as is" sales and warranty coverage
Most used car dealerships sell vehicles "as is," meaning you accept the car in its current condition and the dealership makes no promises about its future performance. However, "as is" does not mean the dealership can hide known defects or lie about the car's history. It means that once you drive off the lot, you bear the cost of repairs — unless a defect was concealed or misrepresented.
Some dealerships offer a limited warranty on used vehicles, typically covering the engine, transmission, or drivetrain for a set period or mileage. Read the warranty document carefully: note what parts are covered, how long the coverage lasts, whether it is transferable if you sell the car, and what you must do to make a claim. A warranty is only as good as the dealership's willingness to honor it, so check online reviews and the Better Business Bureau for patterns of warranty disputes.
If a dealership advertises a vehicle as "certified," ask what that certification means. It should mean the car passed a multi-point inspection and meets certain age and mileage standards. Get the inspection report in writing. A "certified" label without documentation is marketing language, not a legal may provide.
Financing and payment terms to review before signing
If you are financing the purchase through the dealership, the dealership acts as an intermediary between you and a lender — usually a bank or finance company. The dealership will present you with a loan agreement that spells out the interest rate, monthly payment, loan term, and any fees. Read this document line by line before signing.
Watch for add-ons: extended warranties, gap insurance, paint protection, or service packages that the dealership bundles into the loan. These are optional, and you can refuse them. If you do accept them, they increase your total loan amount and the interest you pay over time. Ask the dealership to itemize every charge and explain what each one covers.
Some dealerships engage in "yo-yo" sales, where you drive home with the car but the dealership later claims the financing fell through and demands you return the vehicle or renegotiate terms. New York law limits this practice, but it still happens. If you are told financing is pending, get that in writing and ask when final approval is expected. Do not take the car home until the lender has actually approved the loan and the dealership has confirmed it in writing.
Steps to take before and after you buy
Before you visit the dealership, research the specific vehicle's market value using resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides. Know what a fair price is for that year, make, model, and condition in your area. This prevents you from overpaying in the moment.
When you arrive, ask to see the vehicle's title and history report (Carfax or AutoCheck). The title should be clean — no liens, no salvage or flood damage designation. The history report should match what the dealership told you about the car's past. If there are gaps in the service history or signs of multiple owners in a short time, ask why.
Have your own mechanic inspect the car before you buy it. This costs between $100 and $200 but can save you thousands. The mechanic will check the engine, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems and give you a written report. If major problems appear, you can walk away or use the report to negotiate a lower price.
After you buy the car, keep all paperwork: the bill of sale, warranty documents, inspection reports, and loan agreement. Register the vehicle with the New York DMV within ten days. If a problem arises within the first few weeks, contact the dealership in writing and keep a copy of your letter. Document everything — photos, repair estimates, dates of conversations.
What to do if a dispute arises
If you believe the dealership misrepresented the vehicle or failed to disclose a known defect, send a written letter to the dealership's owner or manager. Describe the problem, when you discovered it, what the dealership told you before the sale, and what you want (repair, refund, or replacement). Keep a copy and send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
If the dealership does not respond or refuses to help, you can file a complaint with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles or the Better Business Bureau. These agencies do not resolve disputes directly, but they track complaints and can pressure a dealership with a pattern of problems. You can also consult a consumer protection attorney if the amount in dispute justifies the cost.
Small claims court is an option if the dispute is under $5,000 (or $10,000 if both parties agree). You do not need a lawyer, and the filing fee is modest. Bring your documentation — the bill of sale, warranty, inspection report, photos of defects, and copies of your written communications with the dealership.
How to check a dealership's reputation and complaint history
Before you buy from any dealership, search for it on the Better Business Bureau website. Look at the number and nature of complaints, how the dealership responded, and whether complaints were resolved. A few complaints is normal; a pattern of unresolved disputes is a red flag.
Check Google Reviews, Yelp, and Trustpilot for customer feedback. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a sense of the dealership's strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to complaints about financing, warranty disputes, and misrepresented vehicle condition — these are common issues across the industry.
Search the New York DMV's website for any enforcement actions against the dealership. The DMV can suspend or revoke a dealer's license for serious violations. If a dealership has been sanctioned, that is a strong signal to shop elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a used car to the dealership if something breaks a week after I buy it?
New York law does not give you an automatic right to return a used car. However, if the dealership sold you the car with a warranty or promised it was in good condition, and a major defect appears within a short time, you may have grounds to reject the sale or demand a refund. You must act quickly — contact the dealership in writing within days of discovering the problem. If the defect was present at the time of sale and the dealership knew about it or should have known, you have a stronger case.
What does "certified pre-owned" actually mean?
There is no single legal definition of "certified pre-owned." Each dealership sets its own standards. A legitimate certification means the car passed a detailed inspection, meets age and mileage limits, and comes with a warranty. Always ask for the inspection report and warranty document in writing. If the dealership cannot provide these, the "certified" label is just marketing.
Am I stuck with the financing terms the dealership offers?
No. You can shop for financing elsewhere — banks, credit unions, and online lenders often offer better rates than dealership financing. Get pre-approved for a loan before you visit the dealership, then use that offer to negotiate. You can also walk away from the dealership's financing and pay cash or bring your own lender's check to close the deal.
What if the title has a lien on it?
A lien means the previous owner still owes money on the car to a bank or lender. The dealership must pay off that lien before transferring the title to you. Do not buy the car until the lien is cleared and the title is clean. Verify this at the DMV or with the lender before you hand over money.
Can I negotiate the price at a used car dealership?
Yes. Used car prices are not fixed. Research the fair market value for the vehicle, point out any defects or needed repairs, and make an offer below the asking price. The dealership may counter-offer. Negotiation is normal and expected. Walk away if the price does not feel right — there are other cars and other dealerships.