Hamilton car dealer calls licence loss a ‘false accusation’ after disputed SUV sale

A longtime Hamilton car dealer says he is fighting for his livelihood after a provincial tribunal stripped him of his registration following a used car deal that went wrong.

Milan Maceka, who has been in the used car business for 35 years, claims he is being treated unfairly. The dispute centres on a 2023 transaction involving a 2008 Mazda Tribute that resulted in a consumer losing $4,500.

Maceka maintains the deal had nothing to do with his dealership, but was instead a private sale conducted by a friend on his lot.

“I was always a good relationship with people, you know. I’m honest, I never had a complaint,” Maceka said. “So that’s how I’m here for 35 years.”

However, the Licence Appeal Tribunal, which oversees licensing for motor vehicle dealers, revoked Maceka’s registration. Evidence cited by the tribunal indicated that consumers arrived at the dealership believing they were engaging with a legitimate registered business.

According to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the buyers ended up with no vehicle, no money and no recourse to the compensation fund typically available when buying from a registered dealer.

Maceka expressed surprise at the decision, stating he never met the individuals who purchased the vehicle.

“The car was never mine. It never went through my business,” he said. “There was never any evidence that it had anything to do with me.”

The tribunal found that when a customer arrived at the lot, they were approached by an individual who claimed to be a salesman. This individual allegedly used a receipt book from the dealership office, took the customer’s money, and promised a vehicle that was never delivered.

Maceka argued the man was not an employee, describing him to the tribunal as a “friend and neighbour of the dealership” who was simply allowed to park his car on the property.

“He asked me nicely if it’s possible to park his car sometimes because it’s hard to park over there and I said sure, just don’t block me or anything,” Maceka said.

While Maceka insists the friend was not working for him, the tribunal disagreed, concluding that Maceka allowed the man to act as a salesperson.

“I think it’s a false accusation and there’s no proof I have anything to do with the case,” Maceka said.

Maceka said he did not expect the judgment and is unsure of his next steps.

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