Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Man Wins Rs 9 Lakh After Dealer Sold Test-Drive Car as New
A man named Sadhu Singh bought a car from a dealer in 2011, thinking it was brand new.
But soon after, he found out it was actually a used test-drive car.
He complained, and after many years of legal fights, the court decided the dealer had to give him back all his money plus extra compensation.
The car company, Tata Motors, was not found responsible because the dealer acted on its own.
This shows that dealers must be honest with customers and can't trick them into buying used cars as new ones.
A man bought a Tata Manza Elan from Hind Motors in 2011, believing it was brand new.
The car had defects, and the dealer failed to fix them, leading to a legal complaint.
The court ruled that the dealer sold a used test-drive car as new, which is unfair.
The dealer must refund the full purchase price (over Rs 7 lakh) and pay Rs 2 lakh in compensation.
Tata Motors was cleared of all liability, as the dealer acted independently.
- Who
- Sadhu Singh (buyer), Hind Motors India Ltd (dealer), Tata Motors (manufacturer)
- What
- Dealer sold a used test-drive car as brand new, leading to a legal battle and compensation
- When
- Purchase in 2011, final verdict in 2023
- Where
- Patiala district, Punjab, India
- Why
- Dealer engaged in unfair trade practice by misrepresenting the car's condition
- Buyer
- Sadhu Singh
- Car Model
- Tata Manza Elan
- Purchase Date
- October 25, 2011
- Purchase Price
- Over Rs 7 lakh
- Dealer
- Hind Motors India Ltd
- Manufacturer
- Tata Motors
- Refund Amount
- Rs 7 lakh (original price) + Rs 2 lakh (compensation) + Rs 20,000 (costs)
- Total Compensation
- Rs 9 lakh