Seen At 11: Illegal Tricks Of The Rogue Car Dealing Trade
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Everybody knows parking in New York City is next to impossible, and CBS2 first reported on how rogue car dealers have made it even worse by setting up shop on residential streets.
Now, as CBS2's Kristine Johnson reported, the dealers are on the move to new neighborhoods – and talking to CBS2 about the dirty tricks of their trade.
"I've sold hundreds of cars," one dealer explained.
It's called curbstoning. And it is illegal, which is why the dealer did not want CBS2 to show his face.
"It is cheaper," the dealer said, "because you're not paying all the licensing fees and all the extra cost that's entailed to do business legitimately."
CBS2 first uncovered the curbstoning phenomenon in February. Dozens of cars were found being sold on city streets, and local residents said they are stealing precious parking spots.
"It's hard to get parking," one woman said.
"It may take you, like, a half hour to find parking," another said.
"It's already hard to find a spot as it is," a third said.
Many of the cars for sale sit on the streets, without license plates or registration stickers, for days or even weeks at a time. In addition CBS2 has learned their latest target is Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
"One of the busiest areas of the city that I've seen -- very difficult to get parking," said AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair. "And here's very valuable parking being taken up."
They are being taken up by dealers who know their audience, and are appealing to the area's large Chinese population with Chinese-language advertisements.
"This is geared for a specific community," Sinclair said.
CBS2 tracked several of the cars to one dealer on 60th Street in Brooklyn.
"I'm not selling on the street," the dealer said.
But although he denies selling his cars on the street, the phone number on many of the windows clearly matches the phone number on the dealership's sign, Johnson reported.
That had residents frustrated.
"It's very difficult to find a parking spot," one resident said.
"They should be moved, and it's holding up space," another said.
Said the dealer who spoke to CBS2, "I'd be pissed off too."
And the dealer said that is not the only concern with the cars.
"It's more or less buyer beware," he said.
The dealer said the cars are typically purchased at auction, and while they may look good, they don't always run well. He said that is something many curbside dealers go to great lengths to hide -- especially if a potential buyer asks for a test drive.
"(A dealer says), 'Car's low on gas -- I can't let it run for too long,'" the dealer said. "Well, he can't let it run for too long because when the car heats up, it operates different."
CBS2 is told the police will tow the cars, but the very next day they are back. Legislation is pending that will increase the penalties for selling cars on the street.
