Question your Agreement

I’m not one to rant, but I feel it’s urgent to share my experience with fellow subscribers. In the rush to get a vehicle, and given our circumstances, we often overlook the fine print of the T&Cs. Just because they seem lawful doesn’t mean they are fair.

My vehicle broke down completely after a gearbox failure. I followed the proper process with the insurer, only to be told that the car was “not financially viable to repair.” This was despite the fact that I still had three years left on my rental contract versus a repair cost that was only a quarter of that value. How can that not be viable?

Instead of repairing the vehicle or offering a suitable replacement, the company pushed me into a new deal: a R30,000 deposit plus an instalment R2,000 higher than my current one. On top of that, even though the car was with me for only five days before it was towed away, I was charged the full month’s rental.

One thing businesses like this don’t realise is that what attracts us is not always what keeps us. Best practice, fair after-market service, and transparency are what truly earn loyalty — far more than simply securing a monthly instalment.

How can I recommend a business like this to people in need? It might seem easy to get a car, but the hidden baggage is simply not worth it.

To Planet42: I have cancelled my contract with your company and, given these circumstances, I am reluctant to pay any further amounts due.