Lee says customer should have had the car serviced within warranty period.
A MAN who sought to claim a refund of RM8,420 after purchasing a 20-year-old sedan was unsuccessful when Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal dismissed his case.
The 30-year-old claimant from Gelang Patah said the used German-made vehicle he bought for RM18,900 on May 31, 2025, was faulty.
The claim was made against a dealership in Taman Bukit Kepayang, Seremban in Negri Sembilan.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli dismissed the case after finding the claimant had failed to provide any supporting documents, photographs or video evidence to justify his claim for RM8,420, which includes the down payment and cost of servicing the vehicle.
“The car is already 20 years old and the claimant used it for two months before filing the case with the Tribunal,” said Hafez.
He added that the claimant also failed to state the car’s mileage at the time of purchase when the case was filed on Aug 12.
Kenny Lee, director of the used car dealership and respondent in the case, said he was shocked to receive the Tribunal notice.
He travelled three hours from Seremban to Johor Baru to attend the hearing.
According to Lee, the customer paid a RM7,000 down payment and took out a two-year loan from the company for the remaining balance.
The company deducted RM5,000 from the down payment to cover insurance, road tax and transfer of ownership costs.
Lee said the car was sold with a one-week guarantee, specifically covering engine and gearbox damage, from the date of delivery.
“We were quite shocked when we received a notice from the Tribunal that the claimant was seeking a RM8,420 refund from us on the basis that the car was not in good condition,” said Lee when met after the hearing.
He said the claimant only sent the car for service to a workshop in Skudai, Johor Baru, on July 4 – well outside the warranty period – and the mechanic there reportedly identified several major issues.
“By right, he should have sent the car for service within the one-week warranty period.
“Why wait for two months and then suddenly claim the car had many defects?” he said.
Lee added that all used vehicles sold by his company were inspected by Puspakom and the Road Transport Department.
Those who need assistance can contact Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at 07-227 1755/1766, or drop in at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru.
