Subaru Johannesburg Ridiculous and unfair pricing

<p>This morning, 17 May 2017, at about 10:10 AM, I went to Subaru Johannesburg because the engine warning light on my Subaru Impreza came on and I was concerned that damage could occur if the problem was left unattended.</p> <p>I spoke to Ismail Desai who told me straight away that “Just to plug in my machine will would cost R 600.00."</p> <p>I am not opposed to paying a fair price for this service and fully expected there to be a cost involved, however to charge me R 600.00 for between 5 and 10 minutes’ work equates to an hourly labour rate of between R 3600.00 and R 7200.00 per hour, which is definitely not acceptable in anyone's eyes. This is only to check if there was a problem, not even to repair anything.</p> <p> I happen to know that the hourly labour rate for Subaru Johannesburg is R 600.00 per hour and Ismail Desai therefore intended to charge me a full hours labour for a few minutes’ work. When I said I am not prepared to pay R 600.00, he told me his diagnostic machine cost R 40 000.00 and he needs to recover his costs.</p> <p> At this reasoning he intends to make R 40 000.00 on just 67 vehicles.</p> <p>Obviously at this point we never even got around to discussing any repairs that may be required and I left.</p> <p>The AA states, and I quote "With more modern vehicles, service providers often need to conduct diagnostic work in order to determine the problem and only then can they quote. Be very clear that the service provider cannot, under the CPA, charge you for this diagnostic work" I feel that Subaru Johannesburg acted in an ********* and dishonest way and is trying to deliberately rip customers off with this ridiculous cost, and it seems as this practice is not only ********* but possibly ******* too.</p> <p>My Subaru has been maintained by this dealership since new all the way up until 175 000 km, is now 8 years old and is due for replacement, and I was considering the new Impreza that is being released soon, but as the only Subaru dealership in my area is Subaru Johannesburg, who I would rather not deal with any longer, this is no longer an option.</p> <p>Sadly, I will no longer be part of the Subaru family because of an ************ dealer, which is very disappointing because I am probably the biggest Subaru fan in the country and this has left a very bitter taste in my mouth, I will never advise anyone ever again to consider purchasing a Subaru.</p> <p> </p>