Biggest Regret Ever - using Michanic

Our Mercedes-Benz C250 was entrusted to Michanic for gearbox-related repairs and we paid Michanic in excess of R67,000 for the gearbox repair on 16 July 2026.

It has now been more than a month since they took possession of the vehicle for what should have been a relatively straightforward repair. This is particularly concerning given their marketing as "the trusted mobile mechanics." on Tik Tok and other social media platforms

When we initially requested an update on when they will start working on the car, we were informed that a replacement part was ordered and that it would take approximately three to four days to arrive. Yet, by the very next day, work on the vehicle had already commenced. At the time, we questioned how repairs could have proceeded before the alleged arrival of the replacement part. As a result of these concerns, we requested: • The old part that was removed from the vehicle which they said we would need to pay for • Proof of purchase and proof of delivery for the replacement part that was allegedly purchased and installed. This documentation has been promised repeatedly but has still not been provided.

The vehicle has undergone the following sequence of events: _ Undergone gearbox-related repairs for which we paid more than R67,000. - Approximately a week later Michanic returned the vehicle to us, representing that the problem had been rectified - Shortly thereafter (two days) the vehicle developed an oil leak. Michanic’s technician acknowledged was linked to the gearbox work - The vehicle was collected again from us on 25 Jul 2026 - The vehicle was returned to us about a week later - After only one day of driving the vehicle exhibited further and entire new gearbox-related faults - At that stage, we requested reimbur*****t of the repair costs rather than allowing our vehicle to continue being subjected to what appeared to be a process of trial and error rather than proper diagnosis and repair. - Michanic persuaded us to allow a further opportunity to rectify the vehicle, which we agreed to in good faith despite our growing concerns - Michanic convinced us to give them another opportunity to rectify the vehicle. - Although we had concerns arising from the previous repair attempts, we agreed to do so in good faith - The vehicle was returned to Michanic on 6 Aug 2026 for further attention. - During subsequent discussions, additional concerns were raised regarding the replacement parts used and this was amplified by their confirmation that the part fitted had a factory defect. - This explanation further undermined our confidence, as it raises legitimate questions regarding the source, quality, and authenticity of the component fitted. ie how likely is it that such a defect would exist for a new part? - We later discovered that the vehicle had been moved between Michanic, Sparklelights and, on 19 August 2026, we tracked the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz Sandton. - Upon following up on 21 August 2026, we were advised that Mercedes-Benz would only begin work on the vehicle on 24 August 2026, which appeared inconsistent with our understanding that the vehicle was already actively being assessed and repaired.

Michanic also offered us a courtesy vehicle on which we were initially reluctant to accept, but due to the significant inconvenience, hardship and loss of use caused by being without our vehicle, we ultimately accepted the courtesy vehicle. Furthermore the courtesy vehicle provided is itself compromising our safety and cannot be used for the distances that the Mercedes Benz C250 was used for. Our acceptance of the courtesy vehicle was never intended to mean that Michanic had unlimited or indefinite permission to retain our vehicle or undertake repeated unsuccessful repair attempts

In light of: • The amount paid in excess of R67,000; • The repeated unsuccessful repair attempts; • The development of further gearbox-related faults after repair; • The acknowledged gearbox-related oil leak; • The lack of transparency regarding replacement parts; • The prolonged loss of use of our vehicle; and • The safety concerns associated with the courtesy vehicle, we require the following: 1. The immediate return of our Mercedes-Benz C250; 2. Full reimbur*****t of the amount paid for the gearbox repairs;