A PROGRAMME engineer filed a claim against a used car dealer after he discovered the reported mileage of a subcompact Japanese hybrid sedan he bought did not tally with official records.
Lai Chi Meng, 25, said he would not have proceeded with the purchase had he known that the mileage was significantly higher than touted.
The plaintiff said he visited the used car dealership showroom in Taman Saujana Plentong, Johor Baru on July 19, 2025.
“A salesman showed me the 2017 car with a Kuala Lumpur registration number,” Lai said when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar in Johor Baru.
The salesperson allegedly informed the claimant that the car, which showed an 80,000km odometer reading, was free from any major accidents.
“I was interested in buying the car and went for a test drive that day before placing a RM500 booking deposit,” he said, adding that the car was priced at RM44,000.
Lai said he signed the loan documents on July 28, 2025, and also transferred RM23,500 to the dealer’s bank account.
Lai received the car from the dealership on Aug 9, 2025, after the transfer of ownership was finalised.
The claimant said he took the car to a service centre in the Tebrau industrial area for maintenance on May 29 this year.
“The customer service staff informed me that the car was last serviced in 2025, with a recorded mileage of 370,000km in their computer system,” he said.
Lai also checked a local vehicle history and inspection platform.
The platform allows consumers to look up a used car’s past insurance claim history, accident records, flood damage and total-loss status using the vehicle’s chassis number.
“The platform showed the last insurance claim was in August 2023, with a mileage of 337,149km.”
Lai, who is keeping the vehicle, added that the higher mileage could result in significant loss of market value, increased risk of mechanical hybrid component failures and reduced service life.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to pay RM5,000 to the claimant within two weeks.
Those requiring assistance regarding Tribunal matters can call 07-2271755/1766 or visit the Tribunal office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru, from 8am to 5pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 8am to 4pm on Fridays, except on Federal and Johor public holidays.
