Surfers Paradise car seller caught winding back the clock
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 10 2009
2009 >>

A Surfers Paradise-based man has been found guilty of winding back the odometer of a motor vehicle.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said Walid Daoud Eldemachki, 56, was fined $4000 for breaching the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act at the Southport Magistrates Court on 20 November.

“Mr Eldemachki was convicted after being caught winding back the odometer of a Mercedes-Benz by more than 90,000 kilometres,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Mr Eldemachki had purchased the vehicle with an odometer reading of 176,000 kms before he traded it in with a reading of 85,000 kms.

“The discrepancy was only discovered when a consumer, who purchased the vehicle, discovered old log books in the car that revealed its true mileage.

“This kind of blatant dishonest behaviour has no place in Queensland’s marketplace and this outcome should serve as a warning to others contemplating this type of activity that they will be caught and prosecuted.

"Consumers who are unaware of a vehicle's background put themselves at risk of expensive repair costs in the future or much worse.”

There are a few ways a consumer interested in purchasing a second hand vehicle can conduct checks:

• A Register of encumbered vehicles (REVS) check will show if there is a debt owing on a vehicle or boat. If you purchase from a motor dealers they will do the checks for you and provide a REVS certificate However, if you buy privately you need to do your own REVS check. Call 13 13 04 to conduct a check yourself.

• A Queensland Transport Vehicle Check (Vcheck) can be purchased for a car, truck, caravan, trailer, bus or motorcycle which has been manufactured on or after 1 January 1989. It provides the latest information recorded on Queensland Transport systems. Vcheck reports will show any odometer discrepancy recorded and will also give the consumer information about the vehicle's history including if it has been in a substantial accident.

"There is a small cost for these types of checks but it is money well spent," Mr Lawlor said.

"Importantly, these checks arm consumers with knowledge which will allow them to make an informed choice before they buy a second hand vehicle."

Consumers and business can check to see they are dealing with a licensed motor dealing by conducting a free search online at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Last changed: Dec 10 2009 at 10:31 AM