I purchased an overpriced problematic vehicle from I and I Cars, 84 Moses Kotane (Sparks) Road,Overport, DURBAN

I purchased a vehicle on Friday evening on the 18th of February 2022. I was given a 2 000km or a one month guarantee, they were rude to friends of mine, no discount, and the vehicle was advertised as a 2006 Jeep Commander with 81 000km's and accident-free, and full-service history. By law, every dealer must give a client a 3 or 6 months guarantee, and not be allowed to put more than 10% mark-up on a second-hand vehicle. It was raining the evening I arrived at the showroom. I had issues with the window washer fluid on Saturday morning making my way back to Mosel Bay, wasn't releasing water from the nozzles. The below email is what I sent the owner of I and I cars cc.

"Dear Mohamed,

I hope this email finds you well.

The vehicle I purchased from you on Friday 18th of February, firstly was not properly clean. The window washer fluid bottle was empty and was not working. The coolant bottle was also empty, I had to purchase coolant and fill the coolant bottle. I asked Adiel if the vehicle was in an accident and he said no - as I noticed the lines in front do not line up. I was told the vehicle was recently serviced - had it been done correctly, that would not have happened.

The window washer fluid bottle was blocked as the filter was extremely clogged and had not been cleaned for a long time prior to the purchase.

On Monday driving to work, the engine sounded off and was not going into second gear. It was worse on Tuesday and worse this morning. Adiel would not give me a mobile number for you or for him. This makes me realise you knew what you were selling, and did not want to be held accountable for this vehicle. Adiel promised to send me the balance of the service papers and what you said you had done to the vehicle, however, nothing has arrived yet, because you have received your cash.

By law, and the Consumer Protection - you are not allowed to add more than 10% on vehicles like these, and my insurance will not insure the vehicle for what I paid for it, as the retail price is R76 500.00. That is what my insurance is willing to insure it for. You charged R150 000.00. That is *******. I feel done in by you, and want a reimbur*****t for the vehicle, and for you to please collect your vehicle. I had to replace the windscreen wipers as well because the wipers on the vehicle were so rusted and perished. You assured us the vehicle was sound, and clearly, it is not.

Now I am R150 000.00 short and carless. The car is parked, as I don’t want to drive it and put mileage on it.

Kindly collect your vehicle and return my funds as soon as possible."

THIS IS THE LETTER I WROTE TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD

"Good day,

I hope this email finds you well.

I spoke to ****** earlier today and explained my situation of purchasing a vehicle in Durban on the 18th of February 2022. I did call I and I Motors in Durban hoping to speak to the owner of the Dealership, however, Brian answered the call and said he would get Mohamed Adam (the owner to call me), which he did not. The young man I dealt with - Adiel called me and said that they cannot help me. I told him that I had spoken to the OCP (CPA) and that this is ******* what they have done. I also told him that if they do not collect their vehicle and refund me, I would go to the OCP and an Attorney for the legal council. Who knows how many countless others they have done financially without conscience.

I found out today that by Law, a Dealership must supply a three or six-month guarantee on the vehicle, which Adiel and Mohamed would not. They offered me one month or two thousand kilometres. I was placed under such duress with this vehicle as I flew up to Durban to look at the vehicle and they knew that I am without a vehicle. They told me the vehicle had been serviced and was accident-free. Adiel said he will speak to Mohamed and get back to me in the morning.

Now I am out of pocket with R150 000.00 and carless, as the vehicle started issues on Monday morning. When the advert was placed, it was advertised at 81 000km’s, when I received the vehicle it was turned back to 79 000 km. That alone is *****. I have been utterly ********** on every level. The window washer fluid bottle was bone dry, and not working - even when I put water in the bottle (twice) it still did not release water. I had that repaired on Tuesday the 22nd, as well as replaced the rusted and perished windscreen wipers.

On my way back home, I had also noticed the coolant bottle was bone dry and had to purchase coolant to fill the coolant bottle. I and I Motors in Durban has taken such advantage - I am speechless as to how they conduct business and set a client off in a vehicle in such a manner. Now they are not assuming responsibility. I couldn’t understand why I was not given their mobile numbers (although I did request them) as they knew what they were selling me.

I am in the real estate industry and need a vehicle daily. Kindly advise as to what happens now? Please…. I am not satisfied with the vehicle and have requested they please collect their vehicle, and refund me my funds.

I have not even enjoyed this vehicle for a full five days. Within 24 hours I started having issues. I would really just like for them to collect the vehicle and get reimbursed.

I await your feedback. Best wishes,"

Now the car has been parked since yesterday at my offices, and I have to walk home and to work, or grab a cab if one is available. This is such an unnecessary inconvenience. Being in the real estate business this is just awful!!! This review will also go to MIOSA to the Ombudsman, as well as legal action will take place.

May this be a lesson whereby these incidents do not happen again to unsuspecting consumers.