My experience with the JAC T8 & Autohaus Gobel Group Dealership

How and where do I begin with this review/feedback? Its long but PLEASE read to the end!!! Having recently had a baby, I began looking for a bigger vehicle to accommodate everything that comes along with a baby. I started looking at the various double cab bakkies and was quite surprised at what they cost. Far too much for me to afford. I stumbled upon the JAC T8 and the GWM P-Series. They looked like more affordable options although still R400 000+. At that price, you are still paying a premium for a vehicle and I thought to myself what could go wrong? Man was I wrong! I read all the reviews, watched various videos, spoke to several dealerships and test drove the bakkies. I eventually settled on the JAC T8 with everything sounding positive and all the dealerships raving about the reliability and durability of the JAC T8. I finally picked the Autohaus Gobel Group dealership on Beyers Naude Drive to purchase the vehicle from. There was a bit of back and forth regarding the quotes as they would discount some items but then add in additional costs on other items, probably hoping I would not notice. This should have been my first red flag! I purchased the vehicle at the end of May 2021 excited and raring to go, however, this did not last. By the end of the first weekend, I had to return the vehicle due to the first set of issues: • Air vent flap was broken. • A continuous rattle in the dash at mid to high range revs

The dealership wanted to book the vehicle in as if it were a ‘service’ and would get to it when they had the time. A brand-new vehicle with issues! Excellent service delivery! After some arguments they took the vehicle to repair and while the vent was fixed the rattle persisted after getting the vehicle back. The dealership made the decision to replace the vehicle with another vehicle due to them not being able to fix the issue. This was a bit of a process as they had to transfer extras and get other extras done. I received the second vehicle in the middle of June 2021 before I was due to go on holiday. Once again excited by our holiday trip in our new bakkie, although a bit nervous due to the first experience, as I was travelling from JHB to CT. Unfortunately, it was a frustrating holiday as this new vehicle ended up having more issues than the first:

• The center console was not properly fitted and was coming loose. • The plastic cover underneath the bonnet fell off (fortunately at a Stop and not while on the highway) and another piece was hanging loose. • The passenger window, the cover for the window controls was not properly fitted. • The steering wheel would make noises while steering. • The brakes would shudder at various speeds and felt like the ABS kept kicking in. • Dent on the bonnet. • The seat belts were not threaded through on the back seat and the salesman end up pulling the cover apart to get them through. This was left as such. • The rubberizing was damaged while fitting the canopy. • Bubbles all over the smash and grab. Was told it would go away with the sun, but that never happened. Upon returning from my holiday at the end of June 2021 I returned the vehicle for repair. I was given a loan vehicle as it would take some time, but true to the dealerships service delivery and professionalism, the vehicle had an expired license, and I could not use it. The repairs took place and while some issues were fixed, others were half done, and the rest just left as is. At this point I requested for a refund as I no longer wanted the vehicle after experiencing these issues and the dealerships poor service. (I had every right in terms of the CPA) The dealership refused and would not entertain the idea. Instead, they could only buy the vehicle back at a much reduced price. I purchased the vehicle with all the extras for R413 000.00 and they would only give me R360 000.00 despite all the issues with the vehicle and poor service delivery. I ended up having to take the deal to get out of this vehicle and purchase something else, despite losing R53000.00. By the time dealership took the vehicle back there will still multiple outstanding issues. Do they care? No, they will just sell it and make it someone else’s problem. The service I experience form Autohaus Gobel Group was shocking and I constantly had to follow up and nag for feedback and response. Needless to say, this has been a very stressful and frustrating experience for me. While I have accepted the loss, grudgingly, as it is a few years of hard-earned savings, the purpose of this writing is to highlight a couple of things before anyone thinks of buying a double cab bakkie: • If you are looking to purchase the JAC T8, please think very carefully. It is poor quality, rattles everywhere and an all-round terribly built bakkie. There is a reason other bakkies are more expensive! I’ve learnt my lesson about buying ******* and I will rather stick to established/reliable brands. • Autohaus Gobel Group dealership is unprofessional and definitely not customer service orientated. They do not care about the client, acknowledge their faults, and their customer service is nonexistent. My advice, avoid at all costs! To JAC Motors, I would not trade in South Africa if you are going to offer an inferior product. I speak for many of my friends and family. No one appreciates inferior products and spending hard earned money, only to be taken for a ride! Excuse the pun! To all my family, friends and colleagues, in and out of the MEDIA, that asked me about the JAC T8, please think again and consider paying the extra for a better product. Learn from my experience! There are a number of product offerings that are far more superior and still value for money! DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!