A car dealer is facing a possible legal battle after being flooded with complaints by dissatisfied customers.

The Royal Gazette understands that at least 12 motorists who bought MG or Rover vehicles from Star Motors have experienced problems with their purchases.

And now customers are considering filing a lawsuit against car dealer John Bento.

Complaints include continual car leakages, failing electricals, and mechanical problems. Several disgruntled customers, two of whom did not wish to be identified, spoke to The Royal Gazette.

One of them bought her brand new Rover 416 in 2000. She said that the exterior was dirty, the upholstery in the back seat was splitting and the leather panelling on one if the doors was coming part.

And when one of her tyres blew she said not only was it discovered that the inside of the rim was rusty, but each tyre was made by a different manufacturer.

She said Star Motors did eventually pay a $4,000 rebate after admitting that the vehicle was in fact older than first thought - but that she is continuing to have problems. Vicky said she would accept having her vehicle replaced only if she received the newest model on the market.

"It's obvious Mr. Bento has no regard for the MG Rover franchise," she said.

School teacher Aaron Lugo brought The Royal Gazette pictures of his flooded car. According to him, although the car has been examined many times by Bermuda Motors, the problem has not been rectified. He said he no longer wanted his five-month-old MGZR.

"Last Tuesday, I tried to talk to Mr. Bento and he walked across the street, ignoring me," he said. "So I gave a salesman the keys and told him to keep the car. I want my money back. I will not drive around in a MG car and represent his business."

Another dissatisfied customer said he had spent almost $12,000 since he bought his Rover station wagon in 1999, half of it on legal fees for an impending lawsuit.

"I really feel like I've been taken to the cleaners," he said.

"My plan is that I have a group of us and I hope the number to grow. Even if I have to do it alone, the lawsuit will go on."

While Mr. Lugo filed a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs, the two customers who did not wish to be named have contacted MG Rover headquarters directly. However, they have been told they have to take their concerns to Mr. Bento because they purchased their cars from him.

Mr. Bento was due to address the allegations but failed to turn up for the interview. Subsequently, a staff member called on his behalf and said he would contact The Royal Gazette after consulting with his legal counsel.