Ministry issues list of authorised used car dealers

The Trade and Industry Ministry has issued an updated list of authorised used car dealers. There are 377 authorised dealers on the December 2017 list, which can be found on the ministry’s website and on the Facebook page of the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD)

If you’re considering buying a used vehicle, the ministry is advising that you refer to the updated list of dealers who are registered with its Trade Licence Unit (TLU) “before entering any financial arrangement.”

Explaining how the list came to be, the ministry said, “As the CAD continues to provide information to protect and educate consumers, a revised listing which was generated by TLU, is now available to members of the public...The list categorises dealers/businessmen who have met established criteria as mandated by law and registered by the TLU.”

Consumers were also advised that when purchasing used cars, they should ensure: the dealer is registered with the TLU; the vehicle’s tyres are approved by the Bureau of Standards; the stipulated age requirement for the vehicle year is adhered to – gas/hybrid vehicle should be at most four years old and a diesel vehicle at most three years old; the vehicle is inspected carefully to ensure functionality before purchase; and a warranty is received upon purchase. Getting the above done is important because “when a vehicle is purchased from an authorised used car dealer, the CAD/TLU is empowered to intervene and lend support in the event of a complaint,” the ministry said.