Diesel owners get rip-off alert

Owners of older diesel vehicles must be wary of being ripped off when they upgrade to comply with new emission regulations, Consumers' Institute boss David Russell says.

New Government rules aimed at reducing sulphur emissions from diesel engines have led to repair bills of more than $1000 for older or high-mileage diesel vehicles.

Mr Russell warned people to be vigilant on two fronts.

"The problem particularly affects Japanese imports from 1990 up to about 2000, but people also need to be sure they aren't being ripped off," he said.

"Some diesel mechanics are making hay while the sun shines and charging several thousand dollars for the job. It's an unfortunate fact of life that some people get caught when the law changes."

Thousands of dollars have been wiped off the value of older diesel vehicles since the controls were introduced last year. In some cases vehicles have been left worthless.

Hawera car dealer Phil Colton said there had been at least a $2000 drop in the value of early 90s diesel models.

In some cases trade-ins were unable to be sold even if repairs had been made to their fuel injection systems.

"The industry gets sick of the Government wiping off value with the stroke of a pen," he said.

Sales consultant Francis Weston from the Giant Car Clearance Centre said some models were experiencing major problems.

"It's not just the 4x4s - 92 and 95-model Toyota Camrys and Isuzu commercial vehicles are causing major headaches," he said.

"We don't have any of the affected vehicles left in our yards as we've moved them on, but if we traded one, you'd only get about $500.

"We'll get them fixed and offer a six-month warranty, but people are aware of the problems and steer clear of them."

A similar situation occurred in 1996 when unleaded fuel was introduced. Overnight, values fell on vehicles which required lead in their fuel.

Diesel vehicles manufactured before 1996 are the most at risk of springing leaks and for one business it has led to them being run off their feet.

Diesel fuel injection engineer Troy Yardley said business had increased 70 per cent in the last six months and it was a struggle to get all the work done.

"We're snowed under. It takes about eight hours to remove and repair an injector pump at a cost of between $1100 and $1300.

"Sometimes the engine will spring another leak in a different part of the fuel system which isn't in accessible. Some of those can't be repaired at all," he said.

- NZPA