Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Foss has called for an investigation into claims people have unknowingly bought imported second hand cars that have been damaged.
Fifty-thousand damaged Japanese cars have been found to have been imported into the country since 2006.
A legal loophole has allowed them to pass through the border without that damage being declared in the car's paperwork.
The safety of the cars is not at issue, but it could mean they are overpriced.
Mr Foss says he has asked officials to investigate whether the consumer information notice on cars for sale gives a misleading impression the car is undamaged.
He is urging consumers to get an independent inspection before buying a used imported car.
