MOTOR DEALER FINED $4,000 FOR ODOMETER OFFENCES

Falsely representing odometer readings cost a Sunshine Coast motor dealer a $4,000 fine in Maroochydore Magistrates Court last week.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said Darren John Begbie, 41, pleaded guilty to offences under the Fair Trading Act 1989.

"Mr Begbie owned Mid City Cars in Mooloolaba when he purchased four cars from wholesalers," Mr Shine said.

"In June 2007, the Office of Fair Trading received information that a white Holden Commodore sold to Mid City Cars with an odometer reading of 169,943 kilometres, was being advertised as having travelled only 48,171 kilometres.

"Office of Fair Trading inspectors found the same car was later sold with a safety certificate stating the false odometer reading."

Mr Shine said inspectors found three more vehicles for sale advertising false odometer readings.

"On average the odometer readings on the four cars were nearly 90,000 kilometres less than the actual distance they had travelled," he said.

Mr Begbie told the court that the misrepresentations were due to negligent paperwork after dashboards were replaced, rather than deliberate winding-back or tampering.

Mr Shine warned motor dealers to make sure they disclosed the correct mileage of vehicles.

"False odometer readings not only mislead consumers about a vehicle's condition and value, but are potentially dangerous," he said.

"Negligence and failing to provide correct log-book information is not an excuse."

Mr Shine said the laws applied to private sellers, as well as licensed motor dealers.

"Recently a man from Mt Warren Park was fined $3,000 for wilfully providing false odometer readings when selling his car back to a motor dealer," he said.

"If you are in the market for a used car, check logbooks and other documentation carefully.

"Also get an independent and thorough mechanical inspection before buying to make sure you are not getting a lemon."

For more information on buying a car, download a free copy of The Glovebox Guide from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.

Media Contact: Tim Goodwin / Jamie Byron (Office of the Attorney-General) 3239 3478