Datsun GO - May seem cheap - but when it breaks expect a fat bill (and it breaks easily)

Hey, friends just wanted to jump on here quick to tell you my car story.

If you are looking to buy a car new or secondhand - don't bother with Datsun South Africa or Nissan (specifically PMB)

I have had my Datsun Go for 4 years and have done 40 000km and needed a new gearbox. (warranty was 3 years/ 150 000km whichever comes first - so no mine was not covered)

Nissan PMB had my car for a month. I came to PMB to visit the family ( 8 October) and because that is where I bought it, it made sense to take it there to be fixed and see if we could strike a deal considering my car is still very much new.

Initially, they said it would take 3-5 working days and the head mechanic said he has never had to repair a gearbox for a Datsun as long as he has been working. (RED FLAG #1 - please note in JHB the mechanics I spoke to said its a common problem - some gearbox specialists are fixing at least 6 a week) so I said fine I will stay here till it's ready. Did I hear any update? no.

On the Saturday (17 October) that I told them I needed it done by they decide to inform me that they need to order a part and it will take between 14-21 working days.....I asked, " just don't do anything, let me drive back to Joburg and let Nissan JHB sort it out as at least it will be in the province where I live." They refused as for that week - just having an evaluation and opening up the gearbox would cost me R7000 and if I took it now - I would need to pay the R7000 as well as the Gearbox. If I left it they would cover 60% of all costs incurred thanks to Nissan SA. Do the sum.

I had to leave my car and find a way back to Joburg because they refused to let me drive it back (ever tried hiring a car in PMB on a Saturday afternoon? LOL.

The next month I hear basically nothing from PMB - so what do I do? I dm Nissan and Datsun SA on Facebook as that's the only way to get a response. I was in touch with them regularly.

Finally, I was told my car was ready - yesterday 23 November. I had to organize my Dad to collect it as I am in JHB and couldn't leave due to work because they refused to bring it to me in JHB just to add to my inconvenience. Upon arrival, my dad is told he has to pay before they release it, so we say fine that's no problem and as the car is being driven around, we are told "BTW your car underwent hail damage in last week's storm and there is nothing we can do about it. They did not even have the decency to call me to tell me that last week (yes they may have a clause to say they do not take responsibility) but what about Customer Service 101 - manage your client's expectations??!! (I am in Client Service and know ALL about this.) So now after having no car for a month - I am out of a car AGAIN to have my car taken into a panel beater.

At the end of the day - yes I was lucky that Nissan SA came on board to cover some of the costs incurred but the way we were treated and the zero communication that the Nissan PMB dealership gave us - is unacceptable. MANAGE YOUR CLIENTS EXPECTATIONS & COMMUNICATE. That is all I wanted.

I loved my little Go Babe (nickname) but you buy a new car to have some peace of mind for a while.... not to do 40 00km and have no car for a month.

Long story short - I will be trading my car in ASAP. Whatever you do - before you buy a car just make sure you read reviews and find out all the info and try to avoid buying cars that have a useless warranty and a bad quality gearbox. #Adulting101.

2nd year working - basically still a baby and I am in debt dealing with these car issues :(

DO NOT waste your time with a Datsun GO. Oh, and stay clear of Nissan PMB.