Wythall car trader prosecuted for "clocked" and unroadworthy vehicles

http://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/8897826.Wythall_car_trader_prosecuted_for__clocked__and_unroadworthy_vehicles/

SUCCESSFUL prosecutions have recently been brought against a Wythall car trader by Worcestershire Regulatory Services for offences relating to vehicles which were unroadworthy or “clocked”.

In January 2010 Christopher Davis, trading as Portway Motor Centre, sold a Porsche 944. Prior to its sale the purchaser was told that it was in excellent condition, however, a subsequent examination revealed the bodywork to be so badly corroded that it was too dangerous to drive.

In October 2009, Portway Motor Centre advertised a Toyota Celica for sale on the Ebay website. The advertisement stated that the vehicle had covered 86,000 miles and on this basis it was sold to a Worcestershire resident. When the new owner decided to sell the car he discovered that the mileage had been reduced by 34,000 prior to its purchase.

In March 2010, a BMW 323i was similarly advertised and sold with an indicated mileage of 109,000 miles. Following problems encountered with the car by the new owner, investigations revealed that three years previously the car had lost 70,000 miles.

On both occasions Portway Motors had failed to carry out the necessary checks to discover the discrepancies.

Invoices for the sale of all three vehicles indicated that it was the purchasers responsibility for correcting any faults and the business relied on this clause in order to avoid carrying out their legal obligations in relation to vehicle defects.

On February 28 at Worcester Crown Court, Davis was fined £1,500 with costs and compensation amounting to £2,850 for three offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

Davis had previously been ordered to pay a fine and costs amounting to £1,921 on November 30, 2010, by Worcester Magistrates, for an offence under the Road Traffic Act with regard to the sale of the Porsche.

Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Steve Jorden, said: "The penalties imposed by both courts serve as a warning to all car traders. They have a duty to trade fairly and ensure that customers are not misled or put at risk.”

Anyone who wishes to make a complaint about a vehicle they have recently purchased should telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.