Car dealers who sell clocked cars are breaking the law and deceiving consumers
Today, 18 June 2008 at Ballinasloe District Court, Mr Kevin McGann trading as Kilgarve Cars, was convicted of selling a clocked car.
Mr McGann pleaded guilty to selling a UK imported 2002 Volkswagen Passat with an altered odometer reading at Dolans Service Station, Kilgarve, Ballinasloe, Co Galway on 31 August 2006.
Judge Kilraine fined Mr McGann €2,000.
The decision to prosecute Mr McGann was made following the investigation of a consumer complaint. The information obtained from the complainant indicated that, when he purchased the car in August 2006 the odometer reading was approximately 81,000 miles.
Following advice from a mechanic, the purchaser carried out an online check on the car history. This showed that the mileage of the car was 116,000 miles approximately when it was sold at a UK auction on 20 July 2006.
Commenting on the outcome of the case, the Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency, Ann Fitzgerald said, "I am pleased that the Judge convicted Mr McGann. This is a misleading practice, which could cause serious financial loss to the purchaser.
"Car dealers are obliged to act with due diligence in their dealings with consumers. They must take the necessary steps to ensure that the odometer readings are accurate. It is important for them to do this, to protect consumers and to avoid the risk of enforcement actions by the NCA."
Ms Fitzgerald added, "Buying a car is a major investment for most consumers. They should not be cheated by unscrupulous or careless dealers who sell them clocked cars. This practice could drastically reduce the value of their investment and could give rise to safety issues."
The CEO advised that the Agency had published a consumer booklet last year - "A Guide to Buying a Car". The Consumer booklet may be obtained by contacting the NCA Helpline, locall number, 1890 432 432 or by logging onto www.consumerconnect.ie.
"I would urge all consumers to read this guide before buying or changing their cars. It could save them money and hassle."
Learn more
Download the NCA's Guide to Buying a Car (PDF, 444KB)