The FTC Just Did The UNTHINKABLE | $75M Returned to Customers | Episode 1046

In this episode of CarEdge Live, hosts Ray and Zach break down a landmark FTC enforcement action against Lindsay Automotive Group, which has agreed to return over $75 million in refunds to consumers due to deceptive pricing and unauthorized add-ons. The settlement, stemming from a complaint filed in December 2024 and finalized in April 2026, marks the largest consumer restitution in auto industry history—seven times larger than previous FTC actions. The hosts emphasize the systemic issue of bait-and-switch advertising, where dealers advertise unrealistically low prices only to upsell financing, fees, and mandatory add-ons at the point of sale. Despite Lindsay’s claim of no wrongdoing, the massive financial penalty—$75 million in refunds plus a $3.1 million civil penalty—signals a turning point in regulatory scrutiny. The episode also critiques online car listing platforms like CarGurus and Cars.com for enabling deceptive practices by incentivizing low-price advertising. The hosts express skepticism about the auto industry’s stated commitment to affordability, arguing that manufacturers consistently raise prices while issuing hollow PR statements. In a lighter segment, they mock Riz Lending’s 20-year auto loan program for specialty vehicles, highlighting the absurdity of financing a $355,000 Lamborghini over 20 years with a $2,172 monthly payment, calling it a symptom of financial illiteracy and ego-driven spending. The episode ends on a note of cautious optimism, urging consumers to demand transparency and praising CarEdge’s Dealer Transparency Index as a tool for accountability.