A CAR dealer has been fined thousands of pounds after duping a customer into buying a dangerous BMW.

Hillingdon Motor Company, of New Broadway, Uxbridge Road in Hillingdon, was handed a £4,000 fine after admitting to supplying an un-roadworthy car and falsely describing it as being in good condition.

The company was also ordered to pay legal costs of £2,215 and £963 compensation at Uxbridge Magistrates Court last Tuesday (12).

The court heard how Hillingdon Council Trading Standards arranged for an independent mechanic to examine the BMW 325i Sport after the new owner made a complaint.

A mechanic found serious corrosion, which had been deliberately hidden, meaning the car was unfit for use.

A valid MOT for the car, worth £4,600, was also issued by the garage owner, Mohammed Jhangir.

Cabinet member for finance, property and business services at Hillingdon Council, Cllr Jonathan Bianco, said: "This was a deliberate duping of someone into buying a dangerous car.

"Selling vehicles that are not fit for purpose will not be tolerated and the council’s Trading Standards team will always take action against those compromising the safety of our residents."

What do you think? Have you fallen prey to a dodgy car dealer? Email editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk