Unlicensed vehicle sales raise concern

The number of people selling multiple vehicles on social media without a dealer's licence in Broome claiming to be "passing through" has prompted a public warning from a State watchdog.

Consumer Protection said there was nothing wrong with people selling their vehicles privately, but a person selling or exchanging more than four vehicles in a 12-month period may be considered a dealer under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

Consumer Protection director of retail and services David Hillyard said the vehicles were being advertised on social media by people claiming to be travelling through the region.

Mr Hillyard said the department was concerned about the standard and quality of the vehicles being sold by the unlicensed sellers.

"Licensed car dealers are required to provide a warranty on most used vehicles if they are less than 12 years old, have not travelled more than 180,000km and the price is more than $4000," he said.

Mr Hillyard said buying cars privately was risky because the vehicles were not covered by warranties and it could be difficult to have faults addressed.

"If buying privately, you should always have the vehicle inspected by a competent licensed mechanic before proceeding with the purchase," he said.

"I urge consumers not to deal with unlicensed dealers and to contact Consumer Protection with any information about illegal motor vehicle dealing in the Kimberley so we can investigate."

People buying privately can check the Personal Properties Securities Register at http://www.ppsr.gov.au to see if the car has been previously written off, stolen, or has money still owing on it.

The vehicle licence and its expiry should also be checked.

Buyers are urged to make sure the vehicle identification number, number plate, engine number, year of manufacture and the owner details match the licence papers.

Consumers can check whether a car dealer is licensed by checking on Consumer Protection's online licence search at [www.commerce.wa.gov.au/CP/licencesearch|www.commerce.wa.gov.au/CP/licencesearch].

Unlicensed car dealers can be reported by emailing consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.