Exhibit 16 Arthur Andersen LLP 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105-0032 June 25, 2002 Office of the Chief Accountant Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Dear Sir/Madam: The representations made in this letter are based solely on discussions with and representations from the engagement partner on the audits of the financial statements of this registrant for the two most recent fiscal years. This individual is no longer with Arthur Andersen LLP. We have read the first four paragraphs of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated June 25, 2002 of Hometown Auto Retailers, Inc. to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and have found no basis for disagreement with the statements contained therein. Very truly yours, Arthur Andersen LLP Copy to: Mr. Charles F. Schwartz Chief Financial Officer Hometown Auto Retailers, Inc.