Kia South Africa – N1 City Finance Process Raises NCA/CPA Concerns

I went to Kia N1 City with R50,000 deposit and finance approved. Sabir (sales) was professional and not pushy, but the finance process with Kristal (finance) and Reinhardt (manager) raised serious concerns.

The finance approval email I received showed only the instalment of R3,335.32 over 72 months at 12.1% linked and did not disclose the full principal debt. Inside the instalment a 2-year “optional” warranty had already been bundled in, R5,100 on-the-road fees had been added into the principal, and a R90.87 per month shortfall cover debit order (about R6,540 over the term) was also pushed. Together these extras of about R15,000 would have cost close to R21,000 with interest. They were only removed after I phoned and demanded a full breakdown. The deposit-inclusive option was only shown at the dealership the next day after pressing again.

When I asked for rate comparisons, Kristal briefly flashed the screen and lectured me on appreciating vs depreciating assets while upselling products I had already declined. We asked for R1,000 off a R149,900 deal and were refused. Within 5 minutes of leaving and calling back ready to proceed, Reinhardt said the car had already been offered to the next buyer. On my first unannounced viewing the car’s battery went flat under my foot, I was told a light had been left on and the battery recharged. The car was still on the showroom floor, and I was told it would only go to the workshop after signing with any issues to be fixed before delivery. That means no independent DEKRA or AA inspection before financial commitment.

These practices of loading extras into instalments, hiding the full principal, pushing separate debit orders, refusing reasonable negotiation, using “next buyer” pressure and delaying inspection until after signing are not aligned with the transparency and fairness obligations of the NCA and CPA.

Kia South Africa should urgently investigate Kia N1 City’s finance practices. Buyers should insist on a full itemized principal in writing, get both deposit and no-deposit quotes upfront, refuse extras not requested, and insist on inspection before signing.