A couple years ago, I bought myself an Audi Q5 from a dealership in Joburg, This was one of the toughest car searches I embarked on which also left a huge dent in my pocket. I was specifically looking for a black Q5 with a panoramic sunroof. The only dealership that had the car seemed decent. Did a test drive, made payment was told to come collect the car after a day or two, my problems began.
Aircon was not blowing cold, radio was not working, engaged dealership multiple times and they kept giving me the run around. A week later whilst driving the car the engine ceased, I towed the car to an Audi centre which ran tests and found the car has a major engine issue to the value of R70k at the time. Dealership refused to foot the bill, here is where I made my biggest mistake. I accepted the quote thinking the dealership would be compelled to reimburse me, BIG MISTAKE.
I went through the lengthy process of lodging a complaint with Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa, the ruling was in the favour of the dealership. A similar ruling was made on a case by MIO;
COMPLAINT
The complainant purchased a used commercial truck from the selling dealer. A few days after purchase, the vehicle broke down and the complainant had gearbox- related repairs carried out through a repairer of his own choice, without notifying the selling dealer. The complainant wanted the selling dealer to refund him the repair costs he had incurred.
CONCLUSION
The MIOSA advised that although the concerns noted had arisen within the parameters of the implied six months warranty provision of Section 56 Subsection 2 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), by having the goods, in this case the vehicle, altered contrary to the instructions, or after leaving the control of the selling dealer, the implied warranty was rendered null and void as per Section 56 Subsection 1 of the CPA. The MIOSA therefore could not support the complainant’s expectations as stated in the submission made available.
There you have it , to fix a car you just bought from a dealership from your own pocket without permission from the dealership (ideally written) leaves you not only with a crap car but repair expenses. From experience the moment you have an issue with your car, take it back to the dealership and have them sort out the issues.
