Chery Service Plan Activated Before I Bought the Vehicle – Still No Resolution

I purchased a Chery Tiggo from Chery Menlyn in January 2026 for. I have now discovered that the vehicle’s service plan was activated in September 2025—approximately four months before I purchased the vehicle.

This means I may lose several months of the service plan and warranty cover that formed part of my purchase.

From the day I collected the vehicle, I was repeatedly told that its first service was due at 10,000 km. This was confirmed by the dealership on two separate occasions and again when my service was booked for 6 August 2026. However, when I arrived with approximately 9,500 km on the vehicle, I was suddenly told that the first service was only due at 15,000 km.

After checking the VIN, the dealership confirmed that the service plan had been activated in September 2025. I challenged this anomaly and The Dealer Principal, Dale, blamed the previous ownership of the dealership and suggested that I contact the former owners myself to resolve it. This is unacceptable. I purchased the vehicle from Chery Menlyn, and it is not my responsibility to resolve an internal administrative or ownership issue.

I also reported several concerning faults:

The infotainment system regularly freezes, preventing access to the navigation, cameras, radio and other functions. The anti-collision braking system activated unexpectedly while I was driving on the highway, despite there being no vehicles around me. The alarm sounded and the vehicle braked without any apparent reason, creating a serious safety concern. The AI functionality is frequently unresponsive. The side mirrors sometimes fail to unfold when the vehicle is unlocked and started.

I formally escalated my complaint to Chery SA Customer Care on 6 August 2026. On 7 August, I was promised feedback within two to three working days. After receiving no response, I followed up again on 18 August. I have since received only an apology for the delay and confirmation that they are still awaiting feedback regarding a “system amendment.”

Nearly a month after my original complaint, I still do not have written confirmation that the service plan and warranty dates have been corrected, nor has there been a satisfactory resolution of the vehicle’s technical and safety concerns.

I require Chery South Africa and Chery Menlyn to:

Correct the activation dates of the service plan and warranty to reflect my January 2026 purchase date. Confirm in writing that I will receive the full service-plan and warranty periods with no loss of cover. Confirm the correct service interval in writing. Properly investigate and resolve the reported technical and safety faults. Take accountability for how this matter has been handled.

I did not spend this amount of money on a vehicle to lose part of the included cover because of an internal administrative error, nor should I have to continually chase Chery for a resolution. The condescending engagement with the Dealer Principal was offensive of nature and I will not EVER be supporting them with the maintenance of my vehicle foing forward