Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has revealed that it is currently responding to an increased number of complaints regarding the safety of used cars being sold.
The Trading Standards team has reported that there is a rising concern about the number of vehicles being sold by used car dealerships which have been found to be unroadworthy. A mystery shopper exercise, carried out as part of an investigation into the issue, found that problems with the used cars being sold by dealers were: severe oil and brake fluid leaks, excessive corrosion to brake discs and tyres that were flat and deformed.
Needless to say, it is extremely important that anyone selling cars on a full-time or part-time basis ensure the safety of their stock. A road risks insurance policy, which provides insurance cover for motor trade professional to drive a range of cars as part of their day-to-day business, will give dealers the chance to take vehicles for a test drive and make sure everything is working as it should be.
Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service conducted undercover visits to garage forecourts in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire and Rugby and revealed problems with 10 vehicles priced from £999 to £7,245. One car, a Land Rover Freelander, was bought for £1,500 from a Bedworth dealer and then checked over by an expert vehicle examiner - 13 separate faults were found, including brake problems and was deemed unsafe to drive and was later crushed.
Warwickshire County Councillor Philip Johnson, chair of the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: "Those traders found to be breaking the law are under investigation."
He added: "Our aim is to safeguard the interests of all vehicle owners; from budget buyers through to those who pay for costly car servicing."
