THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ in your newspaper some time ago that regulations for the used-car industry were being contemplated. I do not know the status of the implementation of these regulations, however, they are probably in the hands of some committee set up to review the recommendations of another committee and in the meantime, we the consumers go unprotected.
I would like to share my experience of purchasing a used vehicle with the public. Perhaps this will serve to enlighten some prospective car buyers and help them avoid what has happened to me.
June 21, 2001 - I purchased a vehicle from Worldtron. As part of the 'deal' I was to get a new set of rims and tyres. The type of rims I selected were not in stock so I was to return for them at a later date. I made Worldtron put this in writing.
July 2001 - The rims were now in stock so I went to Worldtron's tyre subsidiary to have them put on the new rims and tyres.
November 2001 - All four tyres have developed bulges in the sidewalls ('babyheads'). I take the vehicle in to Worldtron to show them the problem. They send me down to their tyre subsidiary. The response I got from this company prompted me to refer the matter to the Fair Trading Commission and the Bureau of Standards. The Bureau of Standards advised me to bring in two of the tyres for them to test. I purchase four new tyres and take two of the Worldtron tyres to the Bureau of Standards.
December 2002 - I hear from the Bureau of Standards. The tyres are defective.
February 2002 - I get a call from a Ms. Osbourne at Worldtron asking if the tyre matter had been resolved. As I did not contact Worldtron I assumed they were contacted by the FTC or another party. As the matter had not been resolved Ms. Osbourne advised she would look into it.
March 2002 - I have not heard back from Ms. Osbourne so I called her. She is still looking.
May - June 2002 - I call Ms. Osbourne weekly for an update. I will not bore you with the myriad of excuses I received.
July 2002 - I learn they cannot find my file. I proceeded to fax them paperwork from my file. I tell them I am coming into Kingston on July 17 and would love to collect a cheque from them to cover the cost of the tyres I purchased. I fax them my invoice for these tyres. I am told to bring the Worldtron tyres into their tyre subsidiary for inspection. The tyre company will be the one issuing my cheque. I tell Ms. Osbourne that I will not be leaving tyres without collecting a cheque as Worldtron seems to be challeng ed with keeping track of things.
July 17, 2002 - I am told by their tyre company that I am to leave the tyres there for them to inspect and they will be calling me. No cheque. I leave, with the tyres. The saga continues...
I am, etc.,
KAREN DADD
P.O. Box 798
Ocho Rios
