DONT GO TO CARtime - not even One Star is worthy

On the 25th November I visited Car Time N1 City about 8:00am. I enquired about booking my car in for a major service.

A gentleman by the name of Pierre assisted me with the book-in. we circled the car and he verified by of electronic pad for defects, on completion I signed for verification.

Later the afternoon he sent me pics of my brake discs and pads, front and back. He stated that inclusive of major service and replacement of Brake Pads and disc it will cost me R18 000.00. At that moment I nearly had heart failure, I did not expect it would cost me that much.

I explained to him I did not budget for that much and he should rather leave it. He said he will recalculate labour costs and possible see where he can reduce. I insisted that I would not be able to afford the cost of everything. I enquired for a break down of front and back. The back costed much more than the front. I then opted he should proceed with front discs and Ferodo Brake pads. The cost was calculated at R9590.00, which was costly but I needed my vehicle. This amount was confirmed around 13:30.

At 14:30 I received a whatsapp indicating I need to pay a 60% deposit in terms of company policy. I was not informed of this requirement when booking in the car nor was it mentioned during our communication. I then paid the deposit as requested.

At 15:24 I received another message informing me that they waiting on parts delivery, whilst waiting on the bolt driver after booking in car, I heard the secretary phoning for service parts for my car and that was after 8am. They waited 7 hours for my service parts. In the same message Pierre indicated he will keep me updated on the progress. At 17:12 I messaged again to enquire if vehicle was finish, no response received.

The following they called at 11.50 informing me I need to e-mail proof of payment. The receptionist then called informing me my vehicle is ready for collection, if I did not ask for an Bolt/Uber driver as Car Time advertises they offer this convenience. When car was collected Pierre provided me with invoice, I then paid the balance and left.

I then requested the vehicle inspection report from Car Time N1 City at 12.28pm the 26th November and have not received any response from the branch to date, this was requested as I know for certain this was not checked.

On the 28th November I sent an email requesting 1. Copy of Terms and conditions (T&C’s) 2. Provision relating to deposits being paid 3. Labour charges for work conducted

I received a response to my e-mail on the 5th December, their response being email was allegedly sent to an incorrect email address. I called the head office during this time as well and was told the manager would call me. In brief, response received from Elton Jansen: • the Vehicle Inspection Report could not be provided as it is Intellectual Property • T&C’s provided • 60% deposit required for repairs over R5000.00 as per company policy • No clarification provided on labour charges

On the 7th December I responded to Elton’s email: • If the vehicle inspection report cannot be provided, I wanted some other verification for the so called 128 bumper to bumper check that is advertised on website. This verification is for my satisfaction, and not just a marketing statement. Again I can confirm with cer*****y this was not executed. • I indicated there is a contradiction in respect of the T&C’s and Company Policy, as point 3.3 of the T&C’s indicates a deposit may be required, I enquired which is incorrect the Company Policy or T&C’s. • I again enquired as the rates of the labour charge as it is not on the T&C’s

I ended off by stating my intention is to determine what I paid for is indeed justifiable.

It is clear this franchise business aim is to book in your vehicle and then the costs will accumulate, based on some the reviews I have read it is evident. For some reason this branch loves the R18 000.00 figure.

I did not receive an out of office for my e-mail so I can assume it was possibly read.