Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003, ss 89, 90, Schedule 1, clauses 8, 9; Motor Vehicle Sales Regulations 2003, reg 13; Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003, s 901a
The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal (MVDT) is similar to the general Disputes Tribunal but specialises in problems with motor vehicles. There is a $50 fee for taking a claim to the MVDT. The hearings are in private, and usually neither side can be represented by a lawyer. The MVDT can deal with claims up to $100,000 (or more, if both sides agree).
The MVDT can decide on any application or claim against a motor vehicle trader in respect of the sale of any motor vehicle bought under the:
Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (see “Protections when buying privately”)
Fair Trading Act 1986 (see “Protections against misleading or unfair trading”)
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (see “Automatic guarantees when buying from a business”).
Note: You can only use the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal if you bought from a motor vehicle trader, not if you bought a vehicle from a private individual.