Alarmingly High Spares Costs

<p>My fiance and I purchased a PT Cruiser 2004 Model 2.2 CRD 5 years ago and damn are we dissapointed. Within a few months I had an issue with my actuator pin and contacted Chrysler in Century City Cape Town and was told they do not sell the part loose and that I would need to replace my entire steering column at a cost of almost R 9 500.00 when the pin goes for around R 300.00 online but offcourse in America. How do you make a part you use so much with plastic, this must be a ripp off as you must purchase it through Chrylser as no spares company in SA has these parts. Next up My engine mountings which they again said they sell loose which is R 1 50000 exl VAT and I need 3 but again I can get it online for all 3 for around R 1 800.00. This is the best, my battery is constantly running flat so took it to a mechanic who said I need an alternator and after just getting off the phone was told it costs R 22 370.00. Can you F##@%@# believe that and yes on the internet its R 2 000.00 and yes in America and UK. It looks like Chrysler is making most of its money on parts in South Africa than anywhere in the world. How is it that no one is doing anything about this blatant market control and price fixing. No other spares company really can assist you and you are forced to go to Chrysler. My friend owns a 2014 300C and he had to replace his Radiator twice at around R 50 000.00 that right fifty thousand rand. Needless to say he sold it and got a Mercedes and never looked back. I however cannot afford a more lavish car and this car has sentimental value to me hence me not willing to sell it. I am definately taking this up with the consumer protection board, competition commision, national consumer tribunal and DTI as this is not right. We are mislead by their ads and not advised of the challenges and costing in maintaining their vehicles. Surely this is ion breach of the consumer protection act as we are mislead.</p>