People buying new cars are warned to check the condition of their vehicles, after one seller was fined for selling a car with dangerous levels of corrosion.
Zaviz International Ltd, a seller of high-performance cars, pleaded guilty to the sale of an unroadworthy car at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 22.
The case was brought by Wrexham Council’s Public Protection Service, after the purchaser of the car – a high performance Mitsubishi Evo 9 – complained of a number of faults.
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Investigations by Trading Standards officers found the vehicle was suffering badly from corrosion, which could have proven dangerous for the vehicle.
£2900 in costs and fines were imposed on the traders, who were also ordered to refund the car’s purchase price of £13,000 to the buyer.
“Damage could have been catastrophic or fatal”
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “It’s very disturbing to find that a car in the condition described was sold as roadworthy. Due to corrosion, the vehicle was not in a good condition and this could have had implications for the safety of the owner and the public with potentially catastrophic or fatal results.
“Businesses have a duty to ensure that the vehicles they sell are roadworthy, and that they employ technicians to carry out thorough checks to make sure this is the case.
“Buyers should also take care, and consider whether it would be worthwhile having vehicles reviewed by independent inspectors to make sure they are safe and free from hidden defects.”
If you have a problem with a vehicle you have bought you can get advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506, or Welsh language service 03454 040505 or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
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