Deccan Chronicle

Forum fines Dr Car for selling stolen vehicle Caution needed for buying used cars

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The Hyderabad consumer forum – 3 has directed the Dr Car Pvt Ltd to refund `2,23,708 along with `30,000 compensati­on to one S. Laxmi Narayana.

The complainan­t purchased a car from the second hand dealer on March 26 2014 paying `2,13,000. He had earlier paid `10,000 in advance on March 23 when he finalised the deal for the car. The dealers handed over Form 29 & 30 for transferri­ng the Registrati­on Certificat­e (RC) to the complainan­t’s name after handing over the car. The forms were duly signed by the original seller, so the complainan­t did not bother to consult the real owner because he had faith in the dealer.

After a few days, the car developed some problems with the tyres. He spent `86,000 to replace the tyres and get the insurance done. Later, however, the Kamatipura police arrived on February 2 2015 and seized the car saying that it was a stolen one and was reported in their police station by one Md. Rais Siddiqui.

The complainan­t rushed to the dealer for an enquiry but was not given a proper response. So he issued a legal notice. Still there was no action taken by the dealer to address the complainan­t’s grievance. Tired of all these, the complainan­t lodged a case with the Consumer Forum. In a reply to the Consumer Forum, the dealer said that every procedure from their end was carried out properly.

The forum announced that there was a malafide intention from the sellers’ end as they purposely sold the car to the complainan­t. The forum also noticed that there was also another customer who had booked the same car by paying `20,000 in advance and did not turn up. So it was the responsibi­lity of the dealer to make sure that they deal with authentici­ty. The forum noted that if no complaint was lodged rotors

“The tyres should be checked carefully. They should not be worn out. Also check the surface for feathering which is also known as bad alignment. Checking under the hood for signs of damage dents or rust is necessary because they are the signs of a poorly maintained car or a damaged one,” noted the expert.

“After purchasing the car, the first and foremost step to be taken is to transfer Registrati­on Certificat­e (RC) to your name by submitting the Forms 29 & 30 in the RTA office,” said Mr. Arvind Kumar a second hand car dealer.

“Simultaneo­usly a buyer should transfer the insurance policy on his/her name and fill the Form 32 & 35 to ensure there are no loans on the car, if there are any or if the car is financed, then obtain an original invoice of the car and an NOC from the car finance company. Also bio-fuel certificat­ion is mandatory if the car is fitted with LPG/CNG and a valid PUC. Moreover changing the fluids of the car (such as engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid and coolant) after purchase is also important,” noted Arvind. need replacemen­t. with the police, why would they seize the car? After all these observatio­ns, the forum ordered Dr. Car to refund `2,23,708 along with 9 per cent interest and compensati­on of `30,000.

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