By Adam Hollingworth
The Motor Trade Association says unscrupulous dealers and rogue traders are ripping off tourists who buy used camper-vans.
The tourists soon realise their van is little more than scrap on wheels, but because they're only here for a short time taking the dealer to court is not an option.
Sim Choon Boon and her partner have had a horror trip from Malaysia. A thief stole $1000, and when she bought a campervan at the Ellerslie Car Fair, it was a lemon.
She was told there could be a problem with the radiator but it broke down within 3km. A mechanic said it was the head gasket and wasn't worth repairing, but the seller wasn't sympathetic.
"We bought it for 1700 and we spent 150 to fix the car and now he's only willing to pay back $1200," says Ms Sim.
It's called a "failure of substantial character" under the Consumer Guarantees Act, and the MTA says it's happening too often to tourists.
"Some of the sellers seem to be just waiting out on the prices, so rather than letting it go to a disputes tribunal the tourists themselves know they don't have enough time to stay around in New Zealand," says Ian Stronach.
"Your holiday's already ruined or partly ruined so they have to cut their losses and leave, allowing these disreputable sellers to go back and do what they were doing previously."
The seller, Iqbal Hudda, wasn't at his Penrose yard when 3 News turned up but the van's up for sale again on TradeMe for nearly $3000, with the same overheating problem.
The MTA is concerned, and they have brought it to our attention that there are a number of people that are ripping off tourists.
"I have not ripped off them," says Mr Hudda.
"I have already told them that this is the position and this is the way I can help you out, but if you want me to give the money back and you are not happy with how I am doing it, I am ready to give that money back."
"I spent two months here and in one week, I'm totally broke now," says Ms Sim.
"It's really the worst experience ever."
And the MTA's backing Ms Sim. It will take Mr Hudda to court if he doesn't pay her back in full.
3 News