Irvine : Ford Dealer to Pay Fine Over Business Practices

Jim Click Ford of Irvine has agreed to pay $217,000 in civil penalties for advertising cars for sale that were unavailable to the public, Deputy Dist. Atty. Wendy Brough said Friday.

The Ford dealership was sued by the district attorney’s office after the Department of Motor Vehicles investigated complaints about questionable business practices that had occurred during 1986.

The investigation revealed many advertising violations by Jim Click Ford, including advertising vehicles at a certain amount over factory invoice, then selling them at a higher price than advertised, Brough said.

The dealership also advertised specific vehicles that were not available at the time the ads ran.

According to a permanent injunction, Jim Click Ford has agreed to sell all vehicles at their advertised price and to advertise only vehicles that are available for sale.

The dealership agreed to pay $93,000 in penalties, plus $34,000 in restitution to customers. In addition, the dealership is also obligated to pay $89,000 to the DMV to settle a case brought by that agency.

As part of the settlement, Jim Click Ford did not admit any wrongdoing.