The BBC’s Watchdog programme has investigated United Motors UK Ltd after it was accused of selling vehicles with known faults.

The report revealed that United was also pushing the price tags up to well over the vehicles’ actual value.

In response to the Watchdog episode (51 minutes into the programme), Nicola Johnson, HPI business development manager, said: “Too many used car buyers take the seller’s word at face value.

“This leaves them at risk of being told a pack of lies and spending good money on a car that turns out to be a nightmare on wheels. To top it all, the unscrupulous sellers featured were also convincing people that once they bought the car any faults were the new owner’s responsibility and that they had signed away their legal rights.

“This is not the case and shows just how important it is for consumers to know their legal position.”

The United Motors UK Ltd business is a world away from the vast majority of automotive retailers in the UK and consumers that buy from those businesses have consumer rights comparable to any other retail outlet.

Johnson said: “We continue to support the OFT and its ‘Know Your Consumer Rights’ campaign, which encourages consumers to understand their rights when buying a used car from dealers and private sellers.

“By taking some simple precautions before they seal the deal, such as completing a full vehicle history check, they will be happily driving their car a long time after the keys have been exchanged.”