A second-hand car dealer in Warrington has been ordered to pay over £19,000 after pleading guilty to misleading customers. Max Car Sales Ltd, which was based on Gorsey Lane in Padgate, appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court on 8 April 2026 following an investigation by the council’s Trading Standards team.
The company pleaded guilty to eight charges under consumer protection laws relating to the sale of five vehicles. The investigation found that customers were misled about the condition of cars, with one buyer even receiving a diesel vehicle instead of the petrol model they had paid for. The company also failed to handle customer refunds and complaints properly.
The judge presiding over the case stated that the dealer’s conduct fell well below the standard expected of a reasonably competent tradesperson. As a result, the company was ordered to pay a total of £19,215. This amount includes a £10,000 fine, a £2,000 victim surcharge, £4,700 in compensation for affected customers, and £2,515 for prosecution costs.
Councillor John Kerr-Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Licensing at Warrington Borough Council, stated that the case highlights the harm dishonest practices cause to local residents. He added that the council remains committed to taking firm action against any business that attempts to exploit consumers.
According to Companies House, the business was incorporated in April 2024 and is currently listed with an active proposal to be struck off the register.
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