Hello Mabs
My husband and I saved up to buy our first family car, a pre-owned Jeep Renegade with a good mileage. That was almost two years ago, and our joy turned into a nightmare. Two weeks after taking delivery of the car, it refused to start. We towed it back to the dealership and learned that the gearbox was faulty.
They promised to attend to it. However, they came back a month later and told us the repair costs would be in the region of R38 000 and they wanted us to pay half. We refused and asked for our money back since we paid cash, and they refused. Since then they have been sending us from pillar to post and we don’t enjoy the convenience of our own vehicle. I’ve tried just about everyone, including Carte Blanche and the Consumer Protection Commission without any luck. This has caused a huge strain in our marriage. Please help.
Mabs Answers
Receiving letters like yours is truly heartbreaking. I understand how hard people work to afford their own transport, and being left without a car for nearly two years is simply unfair. You should have been protected under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which requires that goods be of good quality, durable, and fit for their intended purpose. A car that breaks down within two weeks of purchase likely does not meet these standards.
Under the CPA, consumers are entitled to a six-month implied warranty on any goods purchased. If the product is faulty, you should be able to return it for a replacement or a refund. Based on what you’ve shared, it seems you may not have received fair treatment.
If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend filing a formal complaint with the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA). If the dealership remains uncooperative, you can also escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). I sincerely hope this helps you find a resolution.
For assistance, contact MIOSA at www.miosa.co.za or via email at info@miosa.co.za. You can also reach the NCC at www.thencc.gov.za.
