What Philip Knaggs, president of Automotive Dealers Association (ADATT), does not know is that this monster was created, fed and nurtured by the new car dealers. Years ago, all the new car dealers had used car departments where they traded in cars from their customers, refurbished them and then resold them to the public. There were always cars readily available. For some reason in the early 1990s, this practice was discontinued ,even though it still exists all over the world today, as this is the way genuine new car dealerships operate.
Prior to that, if you wanted a good used Nissan, you went to Neal and Massy. If you wanted a good used Mazda, you went to Southern Sales Ltd. Written warranties were, however, not given. Try today, as an owner of a new car, getting your car traded in at a new car dealership. You are either offered ridiculously low prices or told that," we do not trade that brand." That is why today, the classified sections are overflowing with used cars for sale. Additionally, Trinidadians are generally wary about dealing with individuals where acquiring a used car is concerned and prefer to deal with a reputable organisation.
In the 1990s, therefore, all these factors set the stage for the entry of foreign used car dealers into the market and they grasped the opportunity gleefully.
Generally speaking, the majority of cars imported are of acceptable quality. Any person who is thinking of buying one can have it checked at an established auto repair facility and can check the price on the Internet. There are many Japanese suppliers who give this information.The new car dealers should not complain. What they should do is immediately resume trading in vehicles, add value to the products and services that they offer, greatly improve their after sales service and start treating customers with the respect that they deserve. The mechanical service departments at most of these new vehicle dealerships are sub-standard and their parts prices are way too high. So, Mr Knaggs, get your act together. Stop complaining and start providing an alternative supply of pre-owned cars to effectively deal with the foreign used. The ball is in your court. By the way, when you do, offer the one-year warranty that you suggested the foreign-used car dealers should offer.
Abdool Singh
Via e-mail