Consumerline - News

Carrickfergus car dealer fined for falsely claiming car had a “full service history” - 03/04/2012

A Carrickfergus car dealer was today fined a total of £500 plus £22 costs at Belfast’s Laganside Magistrates’ Court.

In a case brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, Charles Smiley, who trades as Eden Car Sales, Red Brae Road, Carrickfergus, pleaded guilty to one charge under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

It was discovered that Eden Car Sales sold a consumer a 2007 Kia Sportage which had been described as having a “Full Service History” whereas this was untrue. The matter initially came to light shortly after purchase when the car heater did not function adequately due to a blocked filter. On checking, the new owner then found the manufacturer’s service book to be totally devoid of any service entries whatsoever and there was no other paperwork to show that the car had any service history.

Peter Rankin, Trading Standards Officer said: "This case demonstrates the lengths some unscrupulous motor traders will go to in order to mislead consumers. Consumers are entitled to expect that a motor trader will tell the truth about the cars they are selling.

"The penalty in this case should serve as a warning to traders that they should ensure that cars they sell are correctly described in advertisements and during negotiations with potential buyers. Failure to do so can result in a fine, with the maximum fine for each offence being £5,000."

The Trading Standards Service investigate possible offences relating to descriptions of cars for sale by dealers under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Anyone who believes that they have purchased goods or services that have been misdescribed should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or log on to the website.

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