Are the second hand, reconditioned cars that are  flooding the local market reliable and a safe buy? Different stakeholders express mixed feelings, particularly with the recent mushroom growth in the number of dealers who offer a myriad of models at what they claim to be reasonable prices. One even warns against buying such vehicles from nondescript, seasonal traders.

“I won't advise people to go for reconditioned vehicles, particularly cars, unless they are purchased from established, reputed houses,”  Kervin Ramkelawon, a Mauritian working in a Japanese car garage says.

“Everyday I see cars involved in accidents been cut, welded and banged into shape. Cars that have been smashed in the front are sliced – and welded to another car that has the rear still in good shape. They are then re-sprayed and given a fitness test. The cars look like new but they are not as solid as they should be. They are either sold on the Japanese market or exported to other countries like Mauritius,” he tells News On Sunday.

Not long ago, he adds,  one of his friends, bought a Toyota Vitz from a local dealer and had to sell it months later. “He was having trouble with his cockpit light and asked me to have a look.  I found welding residue from the front of the dome all the way to the back. The car had been involved in an accident and repaired. From what I have seen in Japan, I recommend  people to buy new cars or from reputable dealers.”

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Import division, each car that enters the country must be accompanied by a pre-shipment inspection certificate, that is issued by the country of origin. For example, the garage in Japan must inspect the vehicle and approve that it is road – worthy. It should also disclose all  changes to the car, especially the chassis. There is no way of telling if the car has been in an accident, even if it has a fitness certificate.

The Customs department refused to make a comment. One of the leading importers of new and second hand cars said: “Second hand reconditioned is a used car that only needs a fresh coat of paint and perhaps new tyres. It could also be a car that was damaged and repaired.  Either way, once it's on the road, it must have had a fitness certificate.”