Car salesman convicted of providing false vehicle mileage

Following an investigation and subsequent prosecution by the National Consumer Agency, Mr Timmy Keane, a car salesman operating at VK Motors, 258 Harold’s Cross Road, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W has been convicted at Dublin District Court for a breach of the Consumer Protection Act 2007.

Keane was convicted of providing false information in relation to a vehicle’s mileage and fined €500. VK Motors Ltd was also convicted and fined €500. Following conviction, the National Consumer Agency applied for and was granted a compensation order of €7,000, against Keane, on behalf of the affected consumer.

Commenting on the outcome of the case, Karen O’Leary, Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency, said:  “The National Consumer Agency expects traders to deal fairly and in good faith with consumers. Providing false or misleading information in relation to a vehicle’s mileage is unfair and in breach of consumer protection legislation. This practice will be challenged and we will seek to take enforcement action against anyone who attempts to mislead consumers in this way. If consumers have information that a car has been clocked, they can contact the Agency’s helpline on 1890 432 432 and we can investigate the issue further.”

Ms O’Leary added: “Consumers rely on accurate mileage information from sellers when buying a second-hand car. Clocked cars can turn out to be both dangerous and expensive for the buyer. If you don’t know what the real mileage is, you can’t judge the real condition of the car and parts that you think should be in good working order might be at the point where they are just about to fail. You also won’t know if the price you paid for the car was fair or reasonable. We have extensive information available on our website, www.consumerhelp.ie, to help consumers avoid potential pitfalls when buying a second-hand car.”