Selling defective car: Hyderabad consumer panel fines dealer ₹2.7L
The Commission held that the seller misrepresented the vehicle’s condition and failed to transfer ownership, amounting to unfair trade practice and deficiency in service.
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representative Image
Hyderabad: Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission–I has ordered a second-hand car seller to pay over Rs 2.7 lakh to a buyer after the vehicle developed serious defects within days of purchase.
The Commission found that the seller misrepresented the vehicle's condition and failed to transfer ownership to the buyer, constituting an unfair trade practice and a deficiency in service.
The car developed serious issues within days
According to the complaint, Maroju Sandeep of Moosapet began searching for a used car on an online platform and contacted Malloj Vinith Kumar of Musheerabad. The seller claimed that the Hyundai car was single-owned and in good condition.
Trusting these assurances, Sandeep purchased the vehicle in July 2024 for Rs 3,61,260.
However, within a few days of the purchase, the car began showing major defects, including oil leakage, abnormal carbon emissions, and engine-related problems.
Authorised service centre flags safety concerns
The complainant later took the vehicle to an authorised service centre for inspection. The examination revealed non-genuine fittings and that the oil sump had been sealed using M-Seal, rendering the vehicle unsafe for use.
Sandeep had to spend Rs 2,35,736 on repairs to restore the vehicle to roadworthy condition.
Seller backtracks on promise, fails to transfer ownership
Though the seller initially promised to bear the repair expenses, he later failed to honour his commitment and stopped responding. Additionally, he did not transfer the vehicle ownership to the complainant’s name.
Taking serious note of the misleading assurances and conduct of the seller, the Consumer Commission ruled in favour of the complainant.
Commission’s directions
The Commission ordered the seller to:
Pay Rs 2,35,736 towards repair costs with 12% interest
Pay Rs 30,000 as compensation for mental agony
Pay Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs
The amounts must be paid within 45 days, the Commission directed.
The ruling sends a clear message that sellers cannot escape liability for misrepresenting vehicles and affirms the protection available to consumers against deceptive trade practices.
