EXPLOITATION

I purchased a Ford Figo from a second hand dealer earlier this year. Radio/CD in full working order. My battery required reconditioning about a month ago and thus needed to be disconnected. Once reinstalled, the radio required a "Key code". Internet searches yielded no helpful information. Two dealerships have said the same - the code should be in the glove compartment/cubbyhole, failing which, the radio would have to be removed by a dealership to access the serial number, after which the code would be solicited from the manufacturer - this is supposedly an anti-theft mechanism. The key-cofe concept is understandable. However, what I fail to understand is that the code is not available to the owner of the vehicle and that the owner is required to pay R380 for the removal of the radio to access said code. I previously owned a vehicle that also required a key code for the radio, however this code was available in the manual. So since I am not in a position to pay the R380, I am deprived of the use of the radio - the only few moments in a day I have to catch up on current affairs and/or enjoy some entertainment... I believe your requirement of having to pay for something that should be available to a vehicle owner is exploitative and unacceptable. You can appreciate my frustration and disappointment in the manner in which your company's policies do not serve your client base in a reasonable manner. I expect Ford SA to have the radio serial number against the VIN of the vehicle, this would mean a simple inquiry by the owner identifying themselves. I therfore place Ford SA to provide me, the owner with the "Key code" at no cost. Again, this is exploitation of vehicle owners to rake in money for "rendering services" that cannot reasonably be considered as such. FRUSTRATED FORD OWNER.