MINI cooper HUGE problems - autoKING cannot rule

Item: Auto King
Rating: 1

November 2015 we purchased a Mini Cooper from Cheapie King, a branch of Autoking in Milnerton. The vehicle was sold as a used car with 127 000km mileage with attention needed to the: - sunroof mechanism - scratches on driver's side door and back bumper - windscreen crack - smudge marks on inner roof pane These defects, we were advised will be attended to prior to us taking ownership. On the day of signing the contract we were told that the parts for the sunroof were not available as yet, and that it may take a while to procure due to parts delivery date. We were advised by the Salesman, Ben Bond, to take ownership and drive the car in the meantime until the part for the sunroof becomes available - we can then also be assured that all other minor faults be attended at the same time. Two weeks after taking ownership, we returned the car to the dealer in order to have the work done to the sunroof. One month since the purchase of the vehicle and the dealer has had the car for 10 days in the garage and several problems related to the sunroof were brought to our attention. We was advised that the 'part' that had to be fitted is not sufficient and that the 'gears' of the sunroof need to be replaced and that the mechanism now had to be fixed by engineers. The car electronics may have been disturbed. Everyday my husband and I have requested updates on the vehicle only to be told that the mechanics have found additional problems. We were no longer happy with our purchase and on 10 December 2015 we approached MFC to cancel the contract of the purchase of the car and refund the full deposit we paid. The dealer was less than forthcoming in the feedback regarding the progress of the car and would not entertain cancelling the contract. By 15 December, the dealer’s ad hoc driver returned the car with no explanation, no follow up advice and no vehicle registration to our home. I drove the car for three days and on 18 December 2015 the vehicle engine overheated and ceased. Once again the vehicle was returned to the dealer who advised that because of the festive season, their service garages were closed and that our car will only be attended to in the New Year. By the end of January 2016 we still had no feedback from the dealer until we lodged a formal complaint lodged with MFC yet again. The dealer executive management, Pierre and Les have been fully aware of the issues pertaining to the car and were more concerned with the how much they were paying towards repairs to the car than showing any courtesy toward the client, myself. Both my husband and I have been spoken to in a derogatory manner, which has left very little faith in dealing with Autoking dealership ever again. February 2016 the car was returned to me at my place of work by Ben, who once again had no service records, paperwork of the work done or follow up advice. It was only at a later stage that we learnt that the gasket head, the thermostat and pipes were replaced, or so they claimed. Still the vehicle registration was not updated on the car and we had to take the initiative to collect it on our accord from the dealer. Two months later, April 2016 the car overheated again with the overheating lamp and oil warning light flashing red on the dashboard. The car labored and I was weary to drive it any further. At the time I was in the vicinity of Auric Auto Mini workshop in Claremont and pulled in to their garage to a have a full vehicle diagnostic done. I was advised that the thermostat and oil pump was worn out. The very items that were serviced by Autoworx, service centre for Autoking. I opted to claim from my insurance to have the car serviced by Auric Auto and was advised that the policy only covers one part of a major breakdown and that I am liable for the balance. I contacted Autoking to advise that the car broke down again and after much debate I was told that they will not honour any further payment on the vehicle, regardless of the fact that the parts that they replaced, were faulty. May 2016, one month since the car broke down, the parts have arrived and a follow up diagnostic was run by Auric Auto before handing over the car to me. The thermostat and oil pump replaced, they discovered that gasket head was leaking oil and also need replacing. All costs now incurred would be for my account. I advised that no further work to be done on the car and submitted a complaint to MFC again, demanding to cancel my contract and return to the car to the dealer with full refund of my deposit of R15000 and reimbur*****t of R7000 for the balance of work done by Auric Auto. Six months since the purchase of the Mini Cooper with 128 750km on the clock and I have driven the car possibly only two months thereof. Unacceptable. Awaiting feedback from MFC to process in motion to return the car to the dealer. Pray this doesn't drag out and that I can purchase a much needed reliable car .

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