The Nissan Pathfinder was described as a ‘good solid vehicle’
A car dealer from Essex has pleaded guilty to selling a car described by magistrates as a ‘death trap’.
Adam Hussain was appearing at Weymouth Magistrates Court after selling a Nissan Pathfinder to a customer in Dorset. The car was advertised on Gumtree and described as being a ‘good solid vehicle’, with Mr Hussain saying it would come with a new MOT and three-month warranty.
Days after taking delivery of the Nissan, the customer took it to a local garage where it was deemed to be unroadworthy. The mechanic found that the car had severe corrosion, a faulty handbrake and a leak from the exhaust system. All three faults should have resulted in the car failing its MOT.
An independent vehicle inspection was arranged by Dorset Council’s Trading Standards service, with the inspector noting that the Nissan was unroadworthy and dangerous to drive. He also noted that the car had previously failed an MOT test with the same faults.
Mr Hussain was unwilling to give a refund, telling the customer the car was ‘sold as seen’ and a ‘trade sale’.
He was then charged with selling an unroadworthy vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and for attempting to restrict the customer’s consumer rights by using the terms ‘sold as seen’ and ‘trade sale’.
He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay compensation to the customer of £3,740.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “Our Trading Standards team work with the motor trade in Dorset to ensure they trade fairly and comply with all consumer legislation.
“When traders are found to be breaking the law and attempting to restrict consumer rights robust action will be taken against them.”
Source: Dorset Council
Auto Torque has partnered with Garage Wire to bring you all the latest aftermarket news.
