Victorians are being warned about buying a car from unlicensed trader YSF Motor Group (YSF) following a surge in complaints alleging the business sold defective vehicles.

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has issued a public warning while continuing to investigate YSF and its sole director Sandro Yousuf.

Since 22 May 2025, CAV has received over 80 consumer complaints that allege YSF:

• sold vehicles that developed significant mechanical or operational faults shortly after purchase and refused to repair the vehicles or reimburse repair costs
• sold or supplied vehicles without roadworthy certificates, registration or an appropriate written agreement
• failed to appropriately respond to consumers seeking assistance
• sold vehicles while not holding a motor car trader’s licence.

Consumers also reported significant out-of-pocket expenses, with some vehicles requiring ongoing repairs for engine failures and other mechanical defects.

Consumers reported that they typically bought vehicles when sent to trading premises at 78-80 Gadd Street, Northcote, after first contacting the company via one of several different named persons advertising on online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or Auto Trader.

CAV Director Nicole Rich said buying from unlicensed traders can come at a significant cost and urged consumers to do their research.

“Consumers who buy from unlicensed traders do not have the same protections. Vehicles will not come with a warranty, a cooling-off period and other protections a buyer gets when dealing with a licensed motor car trader,” she said.

“We will continue to take action where we find unlicensed car trading, and have a number of enforcement options available, including taking court action,” Ms Rich said.
CAV’s investigation into YSF Motor Group is ongoing.

Learn more about buying a used car and our latest education campaign Don’t Buy A Regret.

Read our full public warning:

• Public warning - YSF Motor Group (PDF, 180KB)