{ "attribution": { "source": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "cite_as": "NovaCopilot, legal.exploreworldai.com (https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29)", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/revision", "version": "legal-2026-10-10", "fingerprint": "ewai:us:e7268f", "proof": "sha256:2f1a8f7b7b061014807b7479e153c0e91cadc300c2bd395309164948fe577af7", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "publisher": "NovaCopilot by ExploreWorld Legal", "terms": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/om" }, "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "item": { "schema_version": "1.0.0", "id": "us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "brand": { "product": "NovaCopilot", "platform": "ExploreWorldAI", "infrastructure": "ExploreWorld Legal", "infrastructure_url": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "legal_entity": "Valkiv Ventures AB", "permanent_url": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/novacopilot", "source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "powered_by": "Powered by NovaCopilot", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/licensvillkor" }, "sections": [ { "title": "", "paragraphs": [ "para_1" ] }, { "title": "IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "MONTGOMERY COUNTY", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "NATHAN GOMM", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellee", "paragraphs": [ "para_7" ] }, { "title": "KINGS MOTORS GROUP LLC", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellant", "paragraphs": [ "para_10", "para_11", "para_12", "para_13", "para_14", "para_15", "para_16", "para_17", "para_18", "para_19" ] }, { "title": "C.A. No. 30729", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Trial Court Case No. 25CVI01039", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "(Civil Appeal from Municipal Court)", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "FINAL JUDGMENT ENTRY &", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "OPINION", "paragraphs": [ "para_25" ] }, { "title": "Pursuant to the opinion of this court rendered on May 29, 2026, the judgment of the", "paragraphs": [ "para_27", "para_28" ] }, { "title": "Pursuant to Ohio App.R. 30(A), the clerk of the court of appeals shall immediately", "paragraphs": [ "para_30", "para_31", "para_32", "para_33", "para_34" ] }, { "title": "CHRISTOPHER B. EPLEY, JUDGE", "paragraphs": [ "para_36" ] }, { "title": "2", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "OPINION", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "MONTGOMERY C.A. No. 30729", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "MICHAEL T. COLUMBUS, Attorney for Appellant", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "NATHAN GOMM, Appellee, Pro Se", "paragraphs": [ "para_42", "para_43", "para_44", "para_45", "para_46", "para_47" ] }, { "title": "I. Facts and Procedural History", "paragraphs": [ "para_49" ] }, { "title": "Almost immediately following the purchase, Gomm became aware that the vehicle had", "paragraphs": [ "para_51", "para_52", "para_53", "para_54" ] }, { "title": "KMG salesperson Mohammad Qasem testified. During trial, Gomm testified that prior to", "paragraphs": [ "para_56" ] }, { "title": "When he ultimately decided to purchase the Elantra, he negotiated a sales price of $11,500", "paragraphs": [ "para_58", "para_59", "para_60", "para_61" ] }, { "title": "3", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Elantra. Gomm further acknowledged that he signed documents agreeing that he was", "paragraphs": [ "para_64", "para_65", "para_66", "para_67", "para_68", "para_69", "para_70", "para_71", "para_72", "para_73", "para_74", "para_75", "para_76", "para_77", "para_78", "para_79", "para_80", "para_81", "para_82", "para_83", "para_84", "para_85" ] }, { "title": "4", "paragraphs": [ "para_87", "para_88" ] }, { "title": "2024. According to Gomm’s records, Qasem responded with a text notifying Gomm that he", "paragraphs": [ "para_90" ] }, { "title": "Gomm soon to discuss the issues with the Elantra. Gomm testified that Sal, the manager at", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "KMG, reached out to him on April 27, 2024, and left a voicemail for Gomm to call him back", "paragraphs": [ "para_93", "para_94", "para_95", "para_96" ] }, { "title": "Sal multiple times, Gomm received a text from Qasem on May 10, 2024. Qasem informed", "paragraphs": [ "para_98" ] }, { "title": "According to Gomm’s records, Qasem stated that “the mechanic said everything passed", "paragraphs": [ "para_100", "para_101", "para_102", "para_103", "para_104", "para_105" ] }, { "title": "Smith to take a closer look at the vehicle. Following the inspection, Smith told Gomm that", "paragraphs": [ "para_107", "para_108", "para_109", "para_110" ] }, { "title": "5", "paragraphs": [ "para_112", "para_113", "para_114", "para_115", "para_116", "para_117", "para_118", "para_119" ] }, { "title": "Gomm bought the vehicle as-is. However, Sal stated that they could try to work something", "paragraphs": [ "para_121", "para_122", "para_123", "para_124" ] }, { "title": "However, on May 27, 2024, prior to Gomm’s obtaining an estimate from a body shop, Sal e-", "paragraphs": [ "para_126", "para_127", "para_128", "para_129", "para_130", "para_131", "para_132", "para_133", "para_134" ] }, { "title": "6", "paragraphs": [ "para_136", "para_137", "para_138", "para_139", "para_140", "para_141", "para_142", "para_143", "para_144", "para_145", "para_146", "para_147", "para_148", "para_149", "para_150", "para_151", "para_152", "para_153", "para_154", "para_155", "para_156", "para_157" ] }, { "title": "Additionally, Gomm acknowledged receipt of KMG’s buyer’s guide, which included a list of", "paragraphs": [ "para_159" ] }, { "title": "7", "paragraphs": [ "para_161", "para_162", "para_163", "para_164", "para_165", "para_166", "para_167", "para_168", "para_169", "para_170", "para_171", "para_172", "para_173", "para_174" ] }, { "title": "KMG’s control and cannot be waived by KMG. However, Qasem testified that he had agreed", "paragraphs": [ "para_176", "para_177", "para_178" ] }, { "title": "August 11, 2025. The magistrate concluded that KMG engaged in an unfair or deceptive act", "paragraphs": [ "para_180" ] }, { "title": "Gomm that the Elantra had been “thoroughly inspected,” had “no problems,” and had a clean", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Carfax report. The magistrate noted that although Gomm purchased the vehicle “as-is,” this", "paragraphs": [ "para_183", "para_184" ] }, { "title": "8", "paragraphs": [ "para_186", "para_187", "para_188", "para_189" ] }, { "title": "Gomm responded to the objections on September 8, 2025. KMG also filed supplemental", "paragraphs": [ "para_191", "para_192", "para_193", "para_194" ] }, { "title": "Qasem may have made to Gomm, the buyer’s guide specifically advised the buyer to get a", "paragraphs": [ "para_196", "para_197", "para_198", "para_199", "para_200", "para_201", "para_202", "para_203", "para_204", "para_205", "para_206", "para_207", "para_208", "para_209" ] }, { "title": "9", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Qasem was not aware of any issues, and that the vehicle had a clean Carfax report. The", "paragraphs": [ "para_212" ] }, { "title": "Gomm’s testimony that Qasem made these claims to him regarding the quality of the Elantra", "paragraphs": [ "para_214", "para_215", "para_216", "para_217", "para_218", "para_219" ] }, { "title": "II. Unfair and Deceptive Practices Under the CSPA", "paragraphs": [ "para_221", "para_222" ] }, { "title": "Carfax’ statement as deceptive or unconscionable acts or practices under R.C. 1345.02", "paragraphs": [ "para_224", "para_225", "para_226", "para_227" ] }, { "title": "Loury v. Westside Automotive Group, 2022-Ohio-3673, ¶ 19 (8th Dist.). “Accordingly, we", "paragraphs": [ "para_229", "para_230", "para_231", "para_232", "para_233" ] }, { "title": "10", "paragraphs": [ "para_235", "para_236", "para_237", "para_238", "para_239", "para_240", "para_241", "para_242", "para_243", "para_244", "para_245", "para_246", "para_247", "para_248", "para_249", "para_250", "para_251" ] }, { "title": "Ohio-4985, ¶ 24. Deceptive acts or practices include representing “that the subject of a", "paragraphs": [ "para_253", "para_254", "para_255", "para_256", "para_257" ] }, { "title": "11", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "(1) Whether the supplier has knowingly taken advantage of the inability", "paragraphs": [ "para_260", "para_261", "para_262" ] }, { "title": "(2) Whether the supplier knew at the time the consumer transaction was", "paragraphs": [ "para_264", "para_265", "para_266" ] }, { "title": "(3) Whether the supplier knew at the time the consumer transaction was", "paragraphs": [ "para_268", "para_269" ] }, { "title": "(4) Whether the supplier knew at the time the consumer transaction was", "paragraphs": [ "para_271", "para_272" ] }, { "title": "(5) Whether the supplier required the consumer to enter into a", "paragraphs": [ "para_274", "para_275" ] }, { "title": "(6) Whether the supplier knowingly made a misleading statement of", "paragraphs": [ "para_277" ] }, { "title": "(7) Whether the supplier has, without justification, refused to make a", "paragraphs": [ "para_279", "para_280", "para_281", "para_282" ] }, { "title": "12", "paragraphs": [ "para_284" ] }, { "title": "Loury, 2022-Ohio-3673, at ¶ 25 (8th Dist.). “Whether an act is deceptive depends on how", "paragraphs": [ "para_286", "para_287", "para_288", "para_289", "para_290", "para_291", "para_292", "para_293", "para_294", "para_295", "para_296", "para_297", "para_298", "para_299", "para_300", "para_301" ] }, { "title": "Qasem’s statements that every vehicle on the KMG lot is thoroughly inspected and that", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Qasem was unaware of any issues with the vehicle. Gomm testified during trial that Qasem", "paragraphs": [ "para_304", "para_305", "para_306", "para_307" ] }, { "title": "13", "paragraphs": [ "para_309", "para_310", "para_311", "para_312" ] }, { "title": "Gomm further acknowledged that directly below that statement, the buyer’s guide included", "paragraphs": [ "para_314" ] }, { "title": "Additionally, at the bottom of the same page, the buyer’s guide included the following", "paragraphs": [ "para_316", "para_317", "para_318", "para_319", "para_320", "para_321", "para_322", "para_323", "para_324", "para_325", "para_326", "para_327", "para_328", "para_329", "para_330", "para_331", "para_332" ] }, { "title": "14", "paragraphs": [ "para_334", "para_335", "para_336", "para_337", "para_338", "para_339", "para_340", "para_341", "para_342", "para_343", "para_344", "para_345", "para_346", "para_347", "para_348" ] }, { "title": "Qasem’s statement to Gomm that he was not aware of any issues with the vehicle does not", "paragraphs": [ "para_350", "para_351", "para_352", "para_353", "para_354", "para_355", "para_356", "para_357" ] }, { "title": "15", "paragraphs": [ "para_359", "para_360", "para_361", "para_362", "para_363", "para_364", "para_365", "para_366", "para_367", "para_368", "para_369", "para_370", "para_371", "para_372", "para_373", "para_374", "para_375" ] }, { "title": "III. Damages Award", "paragraphs": [ "para_377", "para_378", "para_379", "para_380", "para_381" ] }, { "title": "16", "paragraphs": [ "para_383", "para_384" ] }, { "title": "IV. Conclusion", "paragraphs": [ "para_386", "para_387", "para_388" ] } ], "paragraphs": [ { "text": "[Cite as Gomm v. Kings Motors Group, L.L.C., 2026-Ohio-2000.]", "paragraph_id": "para_1" }, { "text": "IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO", "paragraph_id": "para_2" }, { "text": "SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT", "paragraph_id": "para_3" }, { "text": "MONTGOMERY COUNTY", "paragraph_id": "para_4" }, { "text": "NATHAN GOMM", "paragraph_id": "para_5" }, { "text": "Appellee", "paragraph_id": "para_6" }, { "text": "v.", "paragraph_id": "para_7" }, { "text": "KINGS MOTORS GROUP LLC", "paragraph_id": "para_8" }, { "text": "Appellant", "paragraph_id": "para_9" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_10" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_11" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_12" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_13" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_14" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_15" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_16" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_17" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_18" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_19" }, { "text": "C.A. No. 30729", "paragraph_id": "para_20" }, { "text": "Trial Court Case No. 25CVI01039", "paragraph_id": "para_21" }, { "text": "(Civil Appeal from Municipal Court)", "paragraph_id": "para_22" }, { "text": "FINAL JUDGMENT ENTRY &", "paragraph_id": "para_23" }, { "text": "OPINION", "paragraph_id": "para_24" }, { "text": ". . . . . . . . . . .", "paragraph_id": "para_25" }, { "text": "Pursuant to the opinion of this court rendered on May 29, 2026, the judgment of the", "paragraph_id": "para_26" }, { "text": "trial court is reversed.", "paragraph_id": "para_27" }, { "text": "Costs to be paid as stated in App.R. 24.", "paragraph_id": "para_28" }, { "text": "Pursuant to Ohio App.R. 30(A), the clerk of the court of appeals shall immediately", "paragraph_id": "para_29" }, { "text": "serve notice of this judgment upon all parties and make a note in the docket of the service.", "paragraph_id": "para_30" }, { "text": "Additionally, pursuant to App.R. 27, the clerk of the court of appeals shall send a certified", "paragraph_id": "para_31" }, { "text": "copy of this judgment, which constitutes a mandate, to the clerk of the trial court and note", "paragraph_id": "para_32" }, { "text": "the service on the appellate docket.", "paragraph_id": "para_33" }, { "text": "For the court,", "paragraph_id": "para_34" }, { "text": "CHRISTOPHER B. EPLEY, JUDGE", "paragraph_id": "para_35" }, { "text": "LEWIS, P.J., and HANSEMAN, J., concur.", "paragraph_id": "para_36" }, { "text": "2", "paragraph_id": "para_37" }, { "text": "OPINION", "paragraph_id": "para_38" }, { "text": "MONTGOMERY C.A. No. 30729", "paragraph_id": "para_39" }, { "text": "MICHAEL T. COLUMBUS, Attorney for Appellant", "paragraph_id": "para_40" }, { "text": "NATHAN GOMM, Appellee, Pro Se", "paragraph_id": "para_41" }, { "text": "EPLEY, J.", "paragraph_id": "para_42" }, { "text": "{¶ 1} Kings Motors Group, LLC (“KMG”), appeals from the trial court’s judgment in", "paragraph_id": "para_43" }, { "text": "favor of Nathan Gomm, which awarded him $6,000 in damages on its finding that KMG", "paragraph_id": "para_44" }, { "text": "violated the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (“CSPA”) when it sold him a used vehicle", "paragraph_id": "para_45" }, { "text": "that had multiple defects. For the following reasons, the judgment of the trial court is", "paragraph_id": "para_46" }, { "text": "reversed.", "paragraph_id": "para_47" }, { "text": "I. Facts and Procedural History", "paragraph_id": "para_48" }, { "text": "{¶ 2} On April 19, 2024, Gomm purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Elantra from KMG.", "paragraph_id": "para_49" }, { "text": "Almost immediately following the purchase, Gomm became aware that the vehicle had", "paragraph_id": "para_50" }, { "text": "significant problems, which would cost approximately $9,500 to fix. On April 30, 2025, Gomm", "paragraph_id": "para_51" }, { "text": "filed a petition against KMG in small claims court, alleging that it had misrepresented the", "paragraph_id": "para_52" }, { "text": "condition of the Elantra it sold to Gomm.", "paragraph_id": "para_53" }, { "text": "{¶ 3} On July 22, 2025, the magistrate conducted a trial during which Gomm and", "paragraph_id": "para_54" }, { "text": "KMG salesperson Mohammad Qasem testified. During trial, Gomm testified that prior to", "paragraph_id": "para_55" }, { "text": "deciding on the Elantra, he test-drove three other vehicles that KMG had on the lot for sale.", "paragraph_id": "para_56" }, { "text": "When he ultimately decided to purchase the Elantra, he negotiated a sales price of $11,500", "paragraph_id": "para_57" }, { "text": "with Qasem. Gomm recalled asking Qasem questions about the history of the vehicle,", "paragraph_id": "para_58" }, { "text": "including whether it had ever been in an accident. He testified that Qasem indicated that the", "paragraph_id": "para_59" }, { "text": "vehicle had a “clean Carfax” (an online vehicle history report). Gomm acknowledged that", "paragraph_id": "para_60" }, { "text": "prior to making the purchase, he had looked online for the Carfax associated with the", "paragraph_id": "para_61" }, { "text": "3", "paragraph_id": "para_62" }, { "text": "Elantra. Gomm further acknowledged that he signed documents agreeing that he was", "paragraph_id": "para_63" }, { "text": "purchasing the Elantra “as-is.” He recalled that while signing these documents, Qasem told", "paragraph_id": "para_64" }, { "text": "him that KMG “has a due diligence process, they thoroughly inspect every vehicle.” Gomm", "paragraph_id": "para_65" }, { "text": "testified that he asked Qasem if they had come across any issues with the Elantra during", "paragraph_id": "para_66" }, { "text": "their inspection process. Qasem responded that he was not aware of any issues with the", "paragraph_id": "para_67" }, { "text": "vehicle. Gomm stated that Qasem never advised him to have the vehicle inspected by a", "paragraph_id": "para_68" }, { "text": "mechanic.", "paragraph_id": "para_69" }, { "text": "{¶ 4} After being at the dealership for approximately an hour and a half, Gomm took", "paragraph_id": "para_70" }, { "text": "the Elantra home the same day. When he and his family took the vehicle out for a drive, they", "paragraph_id": "para_71" }, { "text": "noticed some small defects. Gomm discovered that one of the back doors would not open", "paragraph_id": "para_72" }, { "text": "from the inside, one of the seatbelts in the backseat was broken, and one of the windshield", "paragraph_id": "para_73" }, { "text": "wipers was missing. He also noticed that the blinker lights were not working.", "paragraph_id": "para_74" }, { "text": "{¶ 5} Gomm reached out to KMG regarding these defects, and he provided the details", "paragraph_id": "para_75" }, { "text": "of those communications through his texts and e-mails that were admitted as exhibits during", "paragraph_id": "para_76" }, { "text": "the trial. Gomm’s record of the communications that he had with KMG indicated that on", "paragraph_id": "para_77" }, { "text": "April 21, 2024, he sent a text to Qasem stating, in relevant part: “I wanted to let you know", "paragraph_id": "para_78" }, { "text": "on my way home from the dealership and later that night driving my kids around the", "paragraph_id": "para_79" }, { "text": "neighborhood, I was disappointed as we noticed several issues that I feel King’s Motors", "paragraph_id": "para_80" }, { "text": "should have been aware of through its due diligence and inspection processes and that", "paragraph_id": "para_81" }, { "text": "should have been disclosed prior to selling the car. This is what we came across: broken", "paragraph_id": "para_82" }, { "text": "seatbelt in backseat; driver side rear door doesn’t open from the inside, no spare tire, front", "paragraph_id": "para_83" }, { "text": "panel missing from car and sitting in the trunk; both front blinker lights are out; missing", "paragraph_id": "para_84" }, { "text": "windshield wiper; warning light on due to the Blind-spot Collision Warning System.”", "paragraph_id": "para_85" }, { "text": "4", "paragraph_id": "para_86" }, { "text": "{¶ 6} Gomm then asked Qasem what KMG would do to “make this right.” After Gomm", "paragraph_id": "para_87" }, { "text": "failed to receive a response, he followed up with Qasem via text and e-mail on April 25,", "paragraph_id": "para_88" }, { "text": "2024. According to Gomm’s records, Qasem responded with a text notifying Gomm that he", "paragraph_id": "para_89" }, { "text": "sent all of the information to his manager and that the manager would be reaching out to", "paragraph_id": "para_90" }, { "text": "Gomm soon to discuss the issues with the Elantra. Gomm testified that Sal, the manager at", "paragraph_id": "para_91" }, { "text": "KMG, reached out to him on April 27, 2024, and left a voicemail for Gomm to call him back", "paragraph_id": "para_92" }, { "text": "regarding the issues with the Elantra. When Sal returned Gomm’s call on April 30, 2024, Sal", "paragraph_id": "para_93" }, { "text": "informed him that KMG outsources its vehicle inspections to a third party, but he would reach", "paragraph_id": "para_94" }, { "text": "out to them to obtain a copy of the inspection sheet and asked Gomm to give him until the", "paragraph_id": "para_95" }, { "text": "end of the week. However, Sal did not reach back out to Gomm. After attempting to contact", "paragraph_id": "para_96" }, { "text": "Sal multiple times, Gomm received a text from Qasem on May 10, 2024. Qasem informed", "paragraph_id": "para_97" }, { "text": "Gomm that Sal had reached out to the mechanic and there was nothing they could do.", "paragraph_id": "para_98" }, { "text": "According to Gomm’s records, Qasem stated that “the mechanic said everything passed", "paragraph_id": "para_99" }, { "text": "inspection and isn’t helping out. Normally we would reimburse you but being we already", "paragraph_id": "para_100" }, { "text": "gave you a great deal on the car and we waived the document fee, there’s nothing more we", "paragraph_id": "para_101" }, { "text": "are able to do. Sorry.”", "paragraph_id": "para_102" }, { "text": "{¶ 7} Following receipt of Qasem’s text, Gomm reached out to Richard Smith, owner", "paragraph_id": "para_103" }, { "text": "and operator of Muffler Brothers, on May 10, 2024. Gomm informed Smith about the issues", "paragraph_id": "para_104" }, { "text": "he had discovered with the Elantra, and he scheduled an appointment on May 16, 2024, for", "paragraph_id": "para_105" }, { "text": "Smith to take a closer look at the vehicle. Following the inspection, Smith told Gomm that", "paragraph_id": "para_106" }, { "text": "there were many more significant issues with the vehicle, and he advised Gomm to have", "paragraph_id": "para_107" }, { "text": "the Elantra inspected by an auto body shop.", "paragraph_id": "para_108" }, { "text": "{¶ 8} On May 18, 2024, Gomm e-mailed KMG regarding Smith’s findings. Gomm", "paragraph_id": "para_109" }, { "text": "stated that the mechanic’s inspection of the Elantra showed that the blinker lights did not", "paragraph_id": "para_110" }, { "text": "5", "paragraph_id": "para_111" }, { "text": "work because “they were not connected to the front wiring harness due to extensive front", "paragraph_id": "para_112" }, { "text": "end damage that has been pieced together with zip strips.” Gomm further informed KMG", "paragraph_id": "para_113" }, { "text": "that the Elantra appeared to have been involved in both front and rear end collisions, none", "paragraph_id": "para_114" }, { "text": "of which were disclosed prior to the sale. Sal responded on May 19, 2024, apologizing for", "paragraph_id": "para_115" }, { "text": "the issues with the vehicle and asking to schedule a call to discuss how KMG could “make", "paragraph_id": "para_116" }, { "text": "it right.”", "paragraph_id": "para_117" }, { "text": "{¶ 9} Gomm testified that the call took place on May 23, 2024, during which Sal", "paragraph_id": "para_118" }, { "text": "informed him that KMG was not required to do anything to remedy the situation because", "paragraph_id": "para_119" }, { "text": "Gomm bought the vehicle as-is. However, Sal stated that they could try to work something", "paragraph_id": "para_120" }, { "text": "out, and they agreed that Sal would evaluate the Elantra and send Gomm an offer to help", "paragraph_id": "para_121" }, { "text": "cover the repair cost. Gomm acknowledged that he was willing to pay a part of the repair", "paragraph_id": "para_122" }, { "text": "costs, as well. They further agreed that Gomm would have the Elantra inspected by an auto", "paragraph_id": "para_123" }, { "text": "body shop to obtain an estimate for the repair work, and he would send the estimate to KMG.", "paragraph_id": "para_124" }, { "text": "However, on May 27, 2024, prior to Gomm’s obtaining an estimate from a body shop, Sal e-", "paragraph_id": "para_125" }, { "text": "mailed him again and offered $500 to help with the repair costs. Gomm responded and said", "paragraph_id": "para_126" }, { "text": "that he did not want to accept until he got the estimate from the auto body shop.", "paragraph_id": "para_127" }, { "text": "{¶ 10} On May 30, 2024, Gomm e-mailed KMG again and stated that he had taken", "paragraph_id": "para_128" }, { "text": "the Elantra to C & D Collision Center for inspection. He stated that two mechanics looked at", "paragraph_id": "para_129" }, { "text": "the vehicle and found extensive damage. Gomm stated that the mechanics’ “biggest", "paragraph_id": "para_130" }, { "text": "concerns were the front support being broken and the rocker panel on the passenger side", "paragraph_id": "para_131" }, { "text": "of the vehicle. Instead of it being replaced, the damaged metal was left in place and then", "paragraph_id": "para_132" }, { "text": "gaps were filled with plastic which will eventually break.” C & D Collision Center also", "paragraph_id": "para_133" }, { "text": "provided two estimates to Gomm. The first estimate was $2,802.45 for all of the work needed", "paragraph_id": "para_134" }, { "text": "6", "paragraph_id": "para_135" }, { "text": "to align the front of the Elantra so the blinkers could be fixed. The second estimate was", "paragraph_id": "para_136" }, { "text": "$6,621.99 for all of the remaining work.", "paragraph_id": "para_137" }, { "text": "{¶ 11} Gomm sent this information to Sal at KMG and informed Sal that he would be", "paragraph_id": "para_138" }, { "text": "willing to accept $12,500 to cover the amount of the loan and repairs. Gomm stated that he", "paragraph_id": "para_139" }, { "text": "followed up with KMG several times, but he never received a response or any further", "paragraph_id": "para_140" }, { "text": "communication. Additionally, Gomm sent a final e-mail to Sal and Qasem on June 20, 2024,", "paragraph_id": "para_141" }, { "text": "informing them that he intended to file suit and that the amount that was financed for the", "paragraph_id": "para_142" }, { "text": "vehicle was more than the amount specified in the documents Gomm had signed at the time", "paragraph_id": "para_143" }, { "text": "of sale. Specifically, the amount stated in the documents to be financed was $12,391.25,", "paragraph_id": "para_144" }, { "text": "but the amount actually financed by Kemba Credit Union was $12,686.25. The difference", "paragraph_id": "para_145" }, { "text": "was $295, which was the exact amount of the finance charge that Gomm contended KMG", "paragraph_id": "para_146" }, { "text": "had agreed to waive during their negotiations prior to the sale. Gomm requested that KMG", "paragraph_id": "para_147" }, { "text": "correct the error and refund him the $295 difference. Gomm testified that he still owns the", "paragraph_id": "para_148" }, { "text": "Elantra but drives it only locally.", "paragraph_id": "para_149" }, { "text": "{¶ 12} With respect to the documents Gomm had signed when he purchased the", "paragraph_id": "para_150" }, { "text": "vehicle, he acknowledged signing a document stating that he was purchasing the vehicle", "paragraph_id": "para_151" }, { "text": "as-is with no dealer warranty. Gomm also signed a document acknowledging that the dealer", "paragraph_id": "para_152" }, { "text": "does not provide a warranty for any repairs after sale. At the bottom of that page, it stated,", "paragraph_id": "para_153" }, { "text": "“Ask the dealer if your mechanic can inspect the vehicle on or off the lot,” and Gomm said", "paragraph_id": "para_154" }, { "text": "that he did not make any such request. The same document also advised, “Obtain a vehicle", "paragraph_id": "para_155" }, { "text": "history report and check for open safety calls,” which Gomm testified he did not do. Gomm", "paragraph_id": "para_156" }, { "text": "acknowledged that he did not have a mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchase.", "paragraph_id": "para_157" }, { "text": "Additionally, Gomm acknowledged receipt of KMG’s buyer’s guide, which included a list of", "paragraph_id": "para_158" }, { "text": "major defects that may occur in used cars.", "paragraph_id": "para_159" }, { "text": "7", "paragraph_id": "para_160" }, { "text": "{¶ 13} Following Gomm’s testimony, KMG called Qasem to testify during trial. Qasem", "paragraph_id": "para_161" }, { "text": "stated that he had informed Gomm that there was no warranty on the Elantra and that he", "paragraph_id": "para_162" }, { "text": "had recommended that Gomm have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. Qasem further", "paragraph_id": "para_163" }, { "text": "testified that Gomm came into KMG on two separate occasions to take the vehicle for a test", "paragraph_id": "para_164" }, { "text": "drive and to have it looked at by a mechanic.", "paragraph_id": "para_165" }, { "text": "{¶ 14} With respect to KMG’s process for obtaining and re-selling vehicles, Qasem", "paragraph_id": "para_166" }, { "text": "testified that KMG purchases vehicles at auction and then has them inspected. He stated", "paragraph_id": "para_167" }, { "text": "that KMG will repair any major cosmetic defects, such as large dents or breaks, but they", "paragraph_id": "para_168" }, { "text": "focus mainly on a vehicle’s operating system. According to Qasem, they check the brakes,", "paragraph_id": "para_169" }, { "text": "tire tread, and rotors, and make any necessary repairs before placing a vehicle on the lot for", "paragraph_id": "para_170" }, { "text": "sale.", "paragraph_id": "para_171" }, { "text": "{¶ 15} Regarding the discrepancy in the financing amounts, Qasem testified that the", "paragraph_id": "para_172" }, { "text": "original application he sent to the credit union was for $12,641, which was the estimated", "paragraph_id": "para_173" }, { "text": "finance amount. He further stated that the $295 at issue was for bank fees that are out of", "paragraph_id": "para_174" }, { "text": "KMG’s control and cannot be waived by KMG. However, Qasem testified that he had agreed", "paragraph_id": "para_175" }, { "text": "to waive KMG’s $350 documentation fee, which resulted in Gomm paying less than the", "paragraph_id": "para_176" }, { "text": "originally estimated cost of the vehicle.", "paragraph_id": "para_177" }, { "text": "{¶ 16} The magistrate took the matter under advisement and issued a decision on", "paragraph_id": "para_178" }, { "text": "August 11, 2025. The magistrate concluded that KMG engaged in an unfair or deceptive act", "paragraph_id": "para_179" }, { "text": "or practice in violation of the CSPA. The magistrate stated that KMG misrepresented to", "paragraph_id": "para_180" }, { "text": "Gomm that the Elantra had been “thoroughly inspected,” had “no problems,” and had a clean", "paragraph_id": "para_181" }, { "text": "Carfax report. The magistrate noted that although Gomm purchased the vehicle “as-is,” this", "paragraph_id": "para_182" }, { "text": "does not preclude relief under the CSPA because KMG failed to disclose the defects in the", "paragraph_id": "para_183" }, { "text": "vehicle and misrepresented the quality of the vehicle. The magistrate held that Gomm was", "paragraph_id": "para_184" }, { "text": "8", "paragraph_id": "para_185" }, { "text": "entitled to actual economic damages in the amount of the repair cost. However, because", "paragraph_id": "para_186" }, { "text": "the cost of repairs exceeded the $6,000 jurisdictional limit of the small claims court, the", "paragraph_id": "para_187" }, { "text": "magistrate awarded Gomm $6,000—the maximum amount allowed.", "paragraph_id": "para_188" }, { "text": "{¶ 17} On August 25, 2025, KMG filed objections to the magistrate’s decision, and", "paragraph_id": "para_189" }, { "text": "Gomm responded to the objections on September 8, 2025. KMG also filed supplemental", "paragraph_id": "para_190" }, { "text": "objections on October 14, 2025. In KMG’s objections, it argued that if Qasem made any", "paragraph_id": "para_191" }, { "text": "statements to Gomm regarding the condition of the vehicle or the inspection process, it was", "paragraph_id": "para_192" }, { "text": "merely “non-actionable puffery or opinion” and did not constitute unfair or deceptive acts or", "paragraph_id": "para_193" }, { "text": "practices under the CSPA. KMG noted that irrespective of any alleged representations", "paragraph_id": "para_194" }, { "text": "Qasem may have made to Gomm, the buyer’s guide specifically advised the buyer to get a", "paragraph_id": "para_195" }, { "text": "pre-sale inspection of the vehicle, which Gomm declined to do. As to the actual economic", "paragraph_id": "para_196" }, { "text": "damages award, KMG objected to the magistrate’s award of the $6,000 jurisdictional", "paragraph_id": "para_197" }, { "text": "maximum, stating that there was no competent evidence connecting the amount awarded", "paragraph_id": "para_198" }, { "text": "to any actual damages that occurred due to a “proven violation.” KMG asserted that the", "paragraph_id": "para_199" }, { "text": "repair estimate submitted by Gomm was unreliable and that it failed to establish whether the", "paragraph_id": "para_200" }, { "text": "defects were present at the time of April 19, 2024 sale or a result of Gomm’s misuse of the", "paragraph_id": "para_201" }, { "text": "vehicle following the sale.", "paragraph_id": "para_202" }, { "text": "{¶ 18} On November 13, 2025, the trial court issued its final judgment entry adopting", "paragraph_id": "para_203" }, { "text": "the magistrate’s findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court noted that KMG’s", "paragraph_id": "para_204" }, { "text": "objections placed a great deal of emphasis on Gomm’s occupation as a federal contracting", "paragraph_id": "para_205" }, { "text": "officer. KMG had asserted that due to Gomm’s profession, he should have understood the", "paragraph_id": "para_206" }, { "text": "meaning of “as-is,” but the trial court determined that KMG’s emphasis on Gomm’s", "paragraph_id": "para_207" }, { "text": "professional field was misplaced. Instead, the trial court credited Gomm’s testimony", "paragraph_id": "para_208" }, { "text": "regarding Qasem’s representations that the vehicle had been thoroughly inspected, that", "paragraph_id": "para_209" }, { "text": "9", "paragraph_id": "para_210" }, { "text": "Qasem was not aware of any issues, and that the vehicle had a clean Carfax report. The", "paragraph_id": "para_211" }, { "text": "trial court further determined that “[t]here is no credible evidence in the record to refute”", "paragraph_id": "para_212" }, { "text": "Gomm’s testimony that Qasem made these claims to him regarding the quality of the Elantra", "paragraph_id": "para_213" }, { "text": "prior to the sale. Although KMG argued in its objections that these statements were merely", "paragraph_id": "para_214" }, { "text": "“puffery,” the trial court disagreed. The trial court also overruled KMG’s argument that the", "paragraph_id": "para_215" }, { "text": "damages amount was improper and not determined correctly. The trial court stated that it", "paragraph_id": "para_216" }, { "text": "was within the magistrate’s discretion to award damages, noting that the amount awarded", "paragraph_id": "para_217" }, { "text": "was less than the amount Gomm had claimed.", "paragraph_id": "para_218" }, { "text": "{¶ 19} KMG now appeals the trial court’s judgment. It raises two assignments of error.", "paragraph_id": "para_219" }, { "text": "II. Unfair and Deceptive Practices Under the CSPA", "paragraph_id": "para_220" }, { "text": "{¶ 20} In its first assignment of error, KMG asserts: “The trial court erred as a matter", "paragraph_id": "para_221" }, { "text": "of law by treating generalized statements about inspection practices and an alleged ‘clean", "paragraph_id": "para_222" }, { "text": "Carfax’ statement as deceptive or unconscionable acts or practices under R.C. 1345.02", "paragraph_id": "para_223" }, { "text": "and/or R.C. 1345.03, absent proof of a specific, material, objectively false statement of fact,", "paragraph_id": "para_224" }, { "text": "and in the face of a fully integrated ‘as is’ transaction and appellee’s admitted refusal to", "paragraph_id": "para_225" }, { "text": "obtain an independent inspection or vehicle-history report.”", "paragraph_id": "para_226" }, { "text": "{¶ 21} The interpretation of a statute is a question of law subject to de novo review.", "paragraph_id": "para_227" }, { "text": "Loury v. Westside Automotive Group, 2022-Ohio-3673, ¶ 19 (8th Dist.). “Accordingly, we", "paragraph_id": "para_228" }, { "text": "stand in the shoes of the trial court and conduct an independent review of the", "paragraph_id": "para_229" }, { "text": "record.” Chester/12 Ltd. v. Epiq Constr. Servs., Inc., 2023-Ohio-1886, ¶ 19 (8th Dist.).", "paragraph_id": "para_230" }, { "text": "{¶ 22} “The CSPA is a remedial law, designed to compensate for inadequate", "paragraph_id": "para_231" }, { "text": "traditional consumer remedies, and must be liberally construed to achieve its remedial", "paragraph_id": "para_232" }, { "text": "purpose.” Loury at ¶ 22, citing Einhorn v. Ford Motor Co., 48 Ohio St.3d 27, 29 (1990).", "paragraph_id": "para_233" }, { "text": "10", "paragraph_id": "para_234" }, { "text": "“The law prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unconscionable acts or practices", "paragraph_id": "para_235" }, { "text": "by suppliers in consumer transactions.” Id.; see also R.C. 1345.02(A) and 1345.03(A).", "paragraph_id": "para_236" }, { "text": "{¶ 23} R.C. 1345.01(D) defines the term “consumer” as “a person who engages in a", "paragraph_id": "para_237" }, { "text": "consumer transaction with a supplier.” R.C. 1345.01(D). A “supplier” is defined as a “seller,", "paragraph_id": "para_238" }, { "text": "lessor, assignor, franchisor, or other person engaged in the business of effecting or soliciting", "paragraph_id": "para_239" }, { "text": "consumer transactions.” R.C. 1345.01(C). A “consumer transaction” is defined as “a sale,", "paragraph_id": "para_240" }, { "text": "lease, assignment, award by chance, or other transfer of an item of goods, a service,", "paragraph_id": "para_241" }, { "text": "a franchise, or an intangible, to an individual for purposes that are primarily personal, family,", "paragraph_id": "para_242" }, { "text": "or household, or solicitation to supply any of these things.” R.C. 1345.01(A).", "paragraph_id": "para_243" }, { "text": "{¶ 24} In the present case, there is no dispute that with respect to the transaction at", "paragraph_id": "para_244" }, { "text": "issue between Gomm and KMG, Gomm was a consumer and KMG was a supplier under", "paragraph_id": "para_245" }, { "text": "the CSPA. Additionally, KMG’s sale of the Elantra to Gomm constituted a consumer", "paragraph_id": "para_246" }, { "text": "transaction as defined by the CSPA.", "paragraph_id": "para_247" }, { "text": "{¶ 25} “[T]he CSPA defines ‘unfair or deceptive consumer sales practices’ as those", "paragraph_id": "para_248" }, { "text": "that mislead consumers about the nature of the product they are receiving, while", "paragraph_id": "para_249" }, { "text": "‘unconscionable acts or practices’ relate to a supplier manipulating a consumer’s", "paragraph_id": "para_250" }, { "text": "understanding of the nature of the transaction at issue.” Johnson v. Microsoft Corp., 2005-", "paragraph_id": "para_251" }, { "text": "Ohio-4985, ¶ 24. Deceptive acts or practices include representing “that the subject of a", "paragraph_id": "para_252" }, { "text": "consumer transaction is of a particular standard, quality, grade, style, prescription, or model,", "paragraph_id": "para_253" }, { "text": "if it is not” and “that a specific price advantage exists, if it does not.” R.C. 1345.02(B)(2) and", "paragraph_id": "para_254" }, { "text": "(8).", "paragraph_id": "para_255" }, { "text": "{¶ 26} In determining whether a particular act or practice is unconscionable, the", "paragraph_id": "para_256" }, { "text": "following circumstances must be taken into account:", "paragraph_id": "para_257" }, { "text": "11", "paragraph_id": "para_258" }, { "text": "(1) Whether the supplier has knowingly taken advantage of the inability", "paragraph_id": "para_259" }, { "text": "of the consumer reasonably to protect the consumer’s interests because of the", "paragraph_id": "para_260" }, { "text": "consumer's physical or mental infirmities, ignorance, illiteracy, or inability to", "paragraph_id": "para_261" }, { "text": "understand the language of an agreement;", "paragraph_id": "para_262" }, { "text": "(2) Whether the supplier knew at the time the consumer transaction was", "paragraph_id": "para_263" }, { "text": "entered into that the price was substantially in excess of the price at which", "paragraph_id": "para_264" }, { "text": "similar property or services were readily obtainable in similar consumer", "paragraph_id": "para_265" }, { "text": "transactions by like consumers;", "paragraph_id": "para_266" }, { "text": "(3) Whether the supplier knew at the time the consumer transaction was", "paragraph_id": "para_267" }, { "text": "entered into of the inability of the consumer to receive a substantial benefit", "paragraph_id": "para_268" }, { "text": "from the subject of the consumer transaction;", "paragraph_id": "para_269" }, { "text": "(4) Whether the supplier knew at the time the consumer transaction was", "paragraph_id": "para_270" }, { "text": "entered into that there was no reasonable probability of payment of the", "paragraph_id": "para_271" }, { "text": "obligation in full by the consumer;", "paragraph_id": "para_272" }, { "text": "(5) Whether the supplier required the consumer to enter into a", "paragraph_id": "para_273" }, { "text": "consumer transaction on terms the supplier knew were substantially one-sided", "paragraph_id": "para_274" }, { "text": "in favor of the supplier;", "paragraph_id": "para_275" }, { "text": "(6) Whether the supplier knowingly made a misleading statement of", "paragraph_id": "para_276" }, { "text": "opinion on which the consumer was likely to rely to the consumer's detriment;", "paragraph_id": "para_277" }, { "text": "(7) Whether the supplier has, without justification, refused to make a", "paragraph_id": "para_278" }, { "text": "refund in cash or by check for a returned item that was purchased with cash", "paragraph_id": "para_279" }, { "text": "or by check, unless the supplier had conspicuously posted in the", "paragraph_id": "para_280" }, { "text": "establishment at the time of the sale a sign stating the supplier's refund policy.", "paragraph_id": "para_281" }, { "text": "R.C. 1345.03(B).", "paragraph_id": "para_282" }, { "text": "12", "paragraph_id": "para_283" }, { "text": "{¶ 27} “Proof of intent is not required to prove a deceptive act under R.C. 1345.02.”", "paragraph_id": "para_284" }, { "text": "Loury, 2022-Ohio-3673, at ¶ 25 (8th Dist.). “Whether an act is deceptive depends on how", "paragraph_id": "para_285" }, { "text": "the consumer viewed the supplier’s act or statement.” Id. “[C]ourts apply a reasonableness", "paragraph_id": "para_286" }, { "text": "standard in determining whether an act amounts to deceptive, unconscionable, or unfair", "paragraph_id": "para_287" }, { "text": "conduct.” Id., citing McPhillips v. United States Tennis Assn. Midwest, 2007-Ohio-3594, ¶ 27", "paragraph_id": "para_288" }, { "text": "(11th Dist.). “The basic test is one of fairness; the act need not rise to the level of fraud,", "paragraph_id": "para_289" }, { "text": "negligence, or breach of contract.” Shumaker v. Hamilton Chevrolet, Inc., 2009-Ohio-5263,", "paragraph_id": "para_290" }, { "text": "¶ 19 (4th Dist.). “The relevant inquiry is whether a reasonable consumer would have been", "paragraph_id": "para_291" }, { "text": "deceived by the supplier’s act or statement.” Loury at ¶ 25, citing Shumaker at ¶ 19, 30.", "paragraph_id": "para_292" }, { "text": "An act is considered “deceptive” when it “has the likelihood of inducing a state of mind in the", "paragraph_id": "para_293" }, { "text": "consumer that is not in accord with the facts.” (Cleaned up.) Shumaker at ¶ 19. We have", "paragraph_id": "para_294" }, { "text": "previously held that “[a] sales practice is deceptive within the meaning of R.C. 1345.02(A) if", "paragraph_id": "para_295" }, { "text": "it has the tendency or capacity to mislead consumers concerning a fact or circumstance", "paragraph_id": "para_296" }, { "text": "material to a decision to purchase the product or service offered for sale.” Cranford v. Joseph", "paragraph_id": "para_297" }, { "text": "Airport Toyota, Inc., 1996 WL 282997, *2 (2d Dist. May 17, 1996). “The focus of any inquiry", "paragraph_id": "para_298" }, { "text": "in that regard is the likely effect of the act or practice on consumers.” Id. “The seller’s intent", "paragraph_id": "para_299" }, { "text": "is immaterial.” Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_300" }, { "text": "{¶ 28} Here, Gomm contends in his responsive brief that he relied to his detriment on", "paragraph_id": "para_301" }, { "text": "Qasem’s statements that every vehicle on the KMG lot is thoroughly inspected and that", "paragraph_id": "para_302" }, { "text": "Qasem was unaware of any issues with the vehicle. Gomm testified during trial that Qasem", "paragraph_id": "para_303" }, { "text": "told him that the vehicle had a “clean Carfax.” However, upon review, we agree with KMG", "paragraph_id": "para_304" }, { "text": "that these statements do not constitute deceptive acts under the CSPA.", "paragraph_id": "para_305" }, { "text": "{¶ 29} The record demonstrates that Gomm had multiple years of experience acting", "paragraph_id": "para_306" }, { "text": "as a contract specialist for the federal government. Although the trial court held that KMG", "paragraph_id": "para_307" }, { "text": "13", "paragraph_id": "para_308" }, { "text": "placed too much emphasis on Gomm’s profession, it is relevant to the extent that it", "paragraph_id": "para_309" }, { "text": "demonstrates that Gomm was familiar with contracts and the contracting process. Gomm", "paragraph_id": "para_310" }, { "text": "acknowledged during his trial testimony that KMG provided him a copy of its buyer’s guide,", "paragraph_id": "para_311" }, { "text": "which stated at the top in large, bold, capital letters, “AS IS – NO DEALER WARRANTY.”", "paragraph_id": "para_312" }, { "text": "Gomm further acknowledged that directly below that statement, the buyer’s guide included", "paragraph_id": "para_313" }, { "text": "another line stating, “the dealer does not provide a warranty for any repairs after sale.”", "paragraph_id": "para_314" }, { "text": "Additionally, at the bottom of the same page, the buyer’s guide included the following", "paragraph_id": "para_315" }, { "text": "recommendations: “Ask the dealer if your mechanic can inspect the vehicle on or off the lot”", "paragraph_id": "para_316" }, { "text": "and “Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open safety recalls.” Gomm testified that", "paragraph_id": "para_317" }, { "text": "he did not ask KMG if he could have the vehicle inspected, nor did he obtain the vehicle", "paragraph_id": "para_318" }, { "text": "history report. Gomm also acknowledged during his testimony that the second page of the", "paragraph_id": "para_319" }, { "text": "buyer’s guide included an extensive list of significant defects that can occur in used vehicles,", "paragraph_id": "para_320" }, { "text": "but he did not have a mechanic inspect the Elantra for any such issues prior to purchasing", "paragraph_id": "para_321" }, { "text": "the car. Gomm further admitted that although he was aware of the foregoing", "paragraph_id": "para_322" }, { "text": "recommendations and advisories, he declined to follow any of the guidance and proceeded", "paragraph_id": "para_323" }, { "text": "to sign the buyer’s guide and purchase the vehicle.", "paragraph_id": "para_324" }, { "text": "{¶ 30} In addition, Gomm testified that he signed the bill of sale, which included a", "paragraph_id": "para_325" }, { "text": "section entitled “Warranty Disclaimer.” This disclaimer states: “Unless Seller provides a", "paragraph_id": "para_326" }, { "text": "written warranty, or enters into a service contract within 90 days from the date of this", "paragraph_id": "para_327" }, { "text": "contract, this vehicle is being sold ‘AS IS – WITH ALL FAULTS’ and Seller makes no", "paragraph_id": "para_328" }, { "text": "warranties, express or implied, on the vehicle, and there will be no implied warranties of", "paragraph_id": "para_329" }, { "text": "merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. This disclaimer does not affect any", "paragraph_id": "para_330" }, { "text": "warranties by the vehicle manufacturer. Seller neither assumes nor authorizes any other", "paragraph_id": "para_331" }, { "text": "person to assume for it any liability in connection with the sale of the vehicle and the related", "paragraph_id": "para_332" }, { "text": "14", "paragraph_id": "para_333" }, { "text": "products and services.” The bill of sale also included an integration clause stating that the", "paragraph_id": "para_334" }, { "text": "agreement constituted the entire agreement of the parties and superseded any prior", "paragraph_id": "para_335" }, { "text": "discussions or understandings. The bill of sale further advised that “Buyer shall bear the", "paragraph_id": "para_336" }, { "text": "entire risk and expense of repairing or correcting any defects that presently exist, or which", "paragraph_id": "para_337" }, { "text": "may hereafter occur.” Again, Gomm acknowledged that he signed this document, indicating", "paragraph_id": "para_338" }, { "text": "that he understood and agreed to the terms therein.", "paragraph_id": "para_339" }, { "text": "{¶ 31} Despite these advisories and recommendations, Gomm testified that he is a", "paragraph_id": "para_340" }, { "text": "trusting person and that he relied on Qasem’s representations that the vehicle was", "paragraph_id": "para_341" }, { "text": "thoroughly inspected, that Qasem was not aware of any issues with the vehicle, and that the", "paragraph_id": "para_342" }, { "text": "vehicle had a clean Carfax. Notwithstanding the integration clause’s statement that no prior", "paragraph_id": "para_343" }, { "text": "oral or written statements or representations have any bearing on the terms of the contract,", "paragraph_id": "para_344" }, { "text": "Qasem’s statements do not constitute deceptive sales practices under the CSPA.", "paragraph_id": "para_345" }, { "text": "{¶ 32} Qasem’s alleged statement that the vehicles sold by KMG are thoroughly", "paragraph_id": "para_346" }, { "text": "inspected did not pertain to the specific vehicle that Gomm was purchasing, nor did the", "paragraph_id": "para_347" }, { "text": "statement make any specific guarantees as to the quality or condition of the Elantra. Further,", "paragraph_id": "para_348" }, { "text": "Qasem’s statement to Gomm that he was not aware of any issues with the vehicle does not", "paragraph_id": "para_349" }, { "text": "amount to a deceptive sales practice that would have misled a reasonable consumer", "paragraph_id": "para_350" }, { "text": "concerning a fact material to the sale. Although it is likely that KMG has a process for", "paragraph_id": "para_351" }, { "text": "inspecting all the vehicles prior to sale, the mere existence of that process does not", "paragraph_id": "para_352" }, { "text": "guarantee that the inspection will catch every possible defect. Similarly, the fact that Qasem", "paragraph_id": "para_353" }, { "text": "stated that he was not aware of any issues with the vehicle does not establish that there", "paragraph_id": "para_354" }, { "text": "were, in fact, no issues with the vehicle. Gomm was aware that Qasem was a salesman, not", "paragraph_id": "para_355" }, { "text": "a mechanic, and there was no testimony or evidence to suggest that Qasem guaranteed", "paragraph_id": "para_356" }, { "text": "that there were no issues with the Elantra that Gomm was purchasing.", "paragraph_id": "para_357" }, { "text": "15", "paragraph_id": "para_358" }, { "text": "{¶ 33} Finally, with respect to Qasem’s alleged representation that the Elantra had a", "paragraph_id": "para_359" }, { "text": "“clean Carfax,” Gomm did not testify that Qasem provided a copy of the Carfax or that he", "paragraph_id": "para_360" }, { "text": "asked KMG for a copy of the Carfax. Notably, Gomm testified that he was able to find the", "paragraph_id": "para_361" }, { "text": "Carfax for the Elantra online, but he did not indicate that he actually reviewed it.", "paragraph_id": "para_362" }, { "text": "{¶ 34} When considering the alleged deceptive statements by Qasem, as well as the", "paragraph_id": "para_363" }, { "text": "multiple advisories contained in the contract documents, a reasonable consumer would not", "paragraph_id": "para_364" }, { "text": "have been misled into purchasing a defective vehicle based on Qasem’s alleged", "paragraph_id": "para_365" }, { "text": "misrepresentations. Rather, all the statements attributed to Qasem pertained to KMG’s", "paragraph_id": "para_366" }, { "text": "inspection process in general, as well as Qasem’s personal understanding of the condition", "paragraph_id": "para_367" }, { "text": "of the Elantra. However, the contract documents include multiple, unambiguous advisories", "paragraph_id": "para_368" }, { "text": "and cautionary language regarding the as-is nature of the sale, as well as the", "paragraph_id": "para_369" }, { "text": "recommendation to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchase. We do not agree", "paragraph_id": "para_370" }, { "text": "with the trial court that these statements would have induced a reasonable consumer to", "paragraph_id": "para_371" }, { "text": "ignore the extensive, detailed contract language in favor of vague, general representations", "paragraph_id": "para_372" }, { "text": "made by KMG’s salesman. The trial court therefore erred in concluding that KMG violated", "paragraph_id": "para_373" }, { "text": "the CSPA.", "paragraph_id": "para_374" }, { "text": "{¶ 35} Accordingly, KMG’s first assignment of error is sustained.", "paragraph_id": "para_375" }, { "text": "III. Damages Award", "paragraph_id": "para_376" }, { "text": "{¶ 36} In its second assignment of error, KMG asserts that the trial court “abused its", "paragraph_id": "para_377" }, { "text": "discretion and erred in awarding $6,000 in ‘actual economic damages’ under R.C. 1345.09", "paragraph_id": "para_378" }, { "text": "without competent evidence of pecuniary loss causally linked to a proven CSPA violation.”", "paragraph_id": "para_379" }, { "text": "{¶ 37} Here, because KMG did not violate the CSPA, Gomm was not entitled to", "paragraph_id": "para_380" }, { "text": "damages arising from any such violation. Accordingly, it is not necessary for us to consider", "paragraph_id": "para_381" }, { "text": "16", "paragraph_id": "para_382" }, { "text": "whether the trial court based its damages award on competent evidence. KMG’s second", "paragraph_id": "para_383" }, { "text": "assignment of error is overruled as moot.", "paragraph_id": "para_384" }, { "text": "IV. Conclusion", "paragraph_id": "para_385" }, { "text": "{¶ 38} The judgment of the Vandalia Municipal Court is reversed.", "paragraph_id": "para_386" }, { "text": ". . . . . . . . . . . . .", "paragraph_id": "para_387" }, { "text": "LEWIS, P.J., and HANSEMAN, J., concur.", "paragraph_id": "para_388" } ], "word_count": 4719, "cites": [], "cited_by": [], "sha256": "c97ad1e66c7b9589029ad04dbf49934821752c13f2b04cda43b4a46b06cc5e06", "source_url": "https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/2/2026/2026-Ohio-2000.pdf", "fetched_at": "2026-10-09T04:53:18.818+00:00", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/ai/judgments/us/ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "risk_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "relations_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "changes": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/changes", "agent": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "verification": { "stored_sha256": "c97ad1e66c7b9589029ad04dbf49934821752c13f2b04cda43b4a46b06cc5e06", "recomputed_sha256": "c97ad1e66c7b9589029ad04dbf49934821752c13f2b04cda43b4a46b06cc5e06", "intact": true, "checked_at": "2026-10-10T15:59:37.853Z" } }, "hash": "sha256:2f1a8f7b7b061014807b7479e153c0e91cadc300c2bd395309164948fe577af7", "version": "legal-2026-10-10", "expires": "2026-10-11T00:00:00.000Z", "dependency": { "index_version": "legal-2026-10-10+legal-2026-10-10+2026-10-10T15:46:24", "content_hash": "sha256:2f1a8f7b7b061014807b7479e153c0e91cadc300c2bd395309164948fe577af7", "revalidate_after": "2026-10-10T16:59:38.412Z", "max_copy_age_seconds": 3600, "policy": "revalidate-required; attribution-preferred", "changelog": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/dependency", "verify": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/verify", "stale_copy_invalid": true }, "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29", "follow": [ { "rel": "risk", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29" }, { "rel": "relations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29" }, { "rel": "agent", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:ohioctapp-30729-2026-05-29" }, { "rel": "obligations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/obligation-chain" }, { "rel": "changes", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/whats-new?jurisdiction=us" } ], "disclaimer": "Source reference with official identifier. 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