Caution call on car deals

The Motor Trade Association is warning buyers to beware with the debut arrival in Masterton this week of the Del Boy Motors travelling car yard.
The warnings also come in the wake of a Ministry of Consumer Affairs Review of the Operation of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003, tabled in Parliament two weeks ago, that apparently found the law change made "buyers the winners" as announced by Minister of Consumer Affairs Judith Tizard.
The legislation made fundamental changes to the way in which sales of motor vehicles were regulated and also called for the operational review after two years.
The MTA is the largest motor industry trade association in the country.
"This is not competitive rivalry. The association is strongly opposed to the legislative changes that did away with vehicle categories and a dealer association fidelity fund among other things ? it's about consumer protection and keeping rogue traders out of the industry," said Colin Olds, MTA South Wairarapa branch president and owner of Greytown Motors.
While he was not talking specifically about Del Boy Motors, he said consumers "need to know that whoever sold them their car will be in the same yard on Monday morning should there be the need to talk again. Not here today, gone tomorrow".
"We're staunch about this act and the very real troubles it presents to consumers. We can only keep lobbying government and hope they're listening."
Andy Cuming, MTA communications manager, said the association had many criticisms of the report and vehemently opposed the law change itself, although the organisation questioned most strongly the present criteria for dealer registration and the "completely inadequate" standards of industry policing.
"It almost means that providing you have $500 and a dog licence and are not presently in prison ? you can register as a car dealer under the new regime," he said.
"This has led to what is in effect a free-for-all for those that see motor trading as some new get-rich scheme, and consumers are just pawns in the game.
The operational review had considered the need for dealer applicants to define their place of business and give evidence of local authority approval to operate from these premises.
The act removed the requirement to operate from a physical car yard and legitimised internet-based sales, car fairs, and roadside displays.
The review noted this meant a low entry barrier for dealers but also made traders less visible and easily able to shut up shop "if the situation demands it" although no changes to this portion of the act were recommended.
"The ministry has instead been putting quite an emphasis on the idea of voluntary compliance. It seems sheer nonsense to believe anyone of dubious reputation would operate in the present environment with any real sense of integrity," Mr Cuming said.
"It's just a farce that means travelling circuses can rape and pillage and then leave town before the dust settles."
The 'Big Finance Company Sellout' has offered for sale a fleet of about 40 repossessed cars, vans, and recreational vehicles at Solway Showgrounds.
Del Boy Motors Ltd is a registered motor vehicle trader under the name of Phillip Wayne Dalton, of Auckland.
The operation was to have been in Masterton until Wednesday but is now packing up shop tomorrow before travelling to Palmerston North.