James Rodriguez-Lay was running Redline Vehicle Solutions Ltd in Barry, South Wales when he sold a Ford Focus to Toomey Motors in Essex in February, 2014.
The 38-year-old salesman pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud, claiming he always intended to supply the vehicle but that the deal had “gone sour” at his end with a third party seller being to blame.
He was found guilty at Cardiff Crown Court last month.
Redline Vehicle Solutions, which was run by Rodriguez-Lay, with silent business partner Derek Knox, is no longer trading.
Hartley Davies said: “There is something seriously wrong with the way you have treated Toomey Motors and the way you have treated other people.”
During his trial, prosecutor Ieuan Morris told the court that at the time of the offence Rodriguez-Lay was living in a £1,350 a month rented house in Sully.
The court heard that he was overdrawn and “living beyond his means.”
Hartley-Davies said that it was only consideration for Rodriguez-Lay’s wife and two children that had prevented him being given an immediate custodial sentence.
Rodriguez-Lay was given a 15-month prison sentence suspended for two years and was also ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work, to pay £6,000 compensation, £1,000 costs and a £100 charge.
