Subscribe to RSSMTA: Beware Roadside Car Sellers
The Motor Trade Association thinks councils may be turning a blind eye to the increasing number of organised roadside car sales, which can provide a venue for illegal sellers and cars riddled with problems,
In Palmerston North, there’s been a prosecution instigated by the local Motor Trade Association branch on unlicensed cars sellers operating outside Memorial Park.
The local council says it’s looking at introducing a more stringent permit system.
The MTA’s Ana Zandi says while a permit system is good in theory, it won’t stop ‘wheeler dealers’ selling off problem vehicles, and most areas seem to have at least one location that’s well known to local people.
“We’re not denying people who are legitimately selling their own vehicles privately outside their homes, however, we are concerned that some traders are masquerading as private sellers to avoid their financial and legal liabilities and, thereby, also reducing the buyer’s legal rights.”
She added that roadside selling doesn’t support the local business community who are meeting their obligations in paying taxes and rates, and complying with relevant local bylaws.
MTA’s Mediation Centre receives a high number of calls from people who have been caught out after buying a vehicle from these roadside sales venues.
“In most cases, the buyer has little scope for redress and is left with a problem vehicle. While some buyers may think they are getting a bargain, the vehicle could actually have significant faults, be a previously wrecked vehicle, have a ‘wound back’ odometer, or may even be a stolen vehicle.”“Consumers need to be wary about buying vehicles in this way, its high risk, and there’s no ‘come back’ if something goes wrong.”
Ms Zandi says another reason some people are resorting to buying cars on the side of the road is the recent collapse of the financial markets.
“Some people are now finding it difficult to obtain credit, and as a result they are being tempted to buy from wheeler dealer types on the side of the road, where they are more likely to be ripped off. “Registered traders offer buyers security and reduce the risk if anything goes wrong, roadside sellers don’t.”
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