President of the T&T Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA), Visham Babwah, says eight-year-old foreign-used cars are unsuitable for the local market and could create serious long-term problems for consumers.
Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday at his P & V Automotive headquarters on Mulchan Sieuchand Road, Chaguanas, Babwah said Government should revert to the previously announced policy of allowing six-year-old vehicles, as outlined in the 2025–2026 national budget.
Babwah warned that the shift to eight-year-old imports could place additional strain on both buyers and financial institutions. He noted that banks may be reluctant to finance vehicles of that age, while insurance companies may refuse to offer fully comprehensive coverage.
He added that the policy change increases the risk of Trinidad and Tobago becoming a “dumping ground” for defective or deteriorated vehicles.
“We had discussions with MP Neil Gosine before the budget and we agreed—it was a sincere discussion with Minister Gosine—that we were not going to go for eight years. We were going to stick with six years for gasoline, diesel and CNG vehicles, and that was what was announced in the budget,” Babwah said.
“We are quite surprised by this change from six years to eight years. A vehicle that is eight years old could have a lot of problems, and people could end up buying cars that are not suitable for our roads.”
He called on the Minister of Trade to reconsider the decision on the allowable age of used vehicle imports.
Babwah also noted that although Government increased the import quota for licensed dealers, the gesture holds little practical value because access to foreign exchange remains one of the industry’s most significant challenges.
