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markseb

HI. About 7 months ago I purchased a car transporter [trailer] off a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer. It was advertised as having WOF and REGO. On the phone, he told me before I picked it up that it had 1 issue, the tails of the axle springs weren't captive in their hangers as they can bounce out when the trailer has no load on it. He suggested I get an engineering shop to weld new hangers futher back to stop this happening.

Upon viewing the trailer, I saw one of the axles bent. He told me that he knew about this, and was going to get an engineering shop to straighten it but hadn't yet. Then I saw a near bald tyre, and he said its alright there was a spare. I then shook a wheel, and the bearing was loose (yes...this is starting to sound bad). I said I would see if it needed nipping up when I got it home (a 6 hour drive).

On the drive home when i stopped on flat ground, I noticed the tyres on the rear axle were not even touching the ground, as the front axle was too bent. I rang the seller the next day, and he said no worries, get if fixed and let him know the costs.

Long story short.... I did this, and he has never paid. And then just recently (appreciate that a car transport trailer doesn't get used often in a private setting), I find that the brakes have never worked since i've owned it, after I nearly got pushed off the road towing a car.

Questions: Is this seller culpable under any legislation?
Is there any way to find out when this trailer last had a warrant?

Thanks

Anon

Hi there,
Any item you purchase off a trader can be subject to the CGA, guarantees and remedies associated.
You may need to take the seller to the disputes tribunal to claim the costs to get the trailer to the acceptable quality it should have been in at the time of purchase.
Information can be found here: https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/cars/solving-issues-car-dealer/