oo
olivierl.sanwc olivierl.sanwc

1 reviews | Active since May 2017

14 Sept 2021, 09:55

Non-availability of parts at Suzuki depot in South Africa

I currently own a 2018 model Suzuki Jimny. Although I love my little Jimny, the service and maintenance that one would expect from a reputable motor company is virtually non-existent. At 82 000 km the vehicle started to utilise an inordinate amount of coolant and I took the car to Suzuki Vredenburg to determine the problem. I was informed that the problem is so significant that I am not permitted to drive the car any further - that was on 2 September 2021. When I inquired as to the progress with the repair to the car (two weeks later), I was informed that I could not expect the part to arrive in South Africa before then end of September 2021, where after the part must be sent to Vredenburg. They they would require an additional three additional days to fix the car - therefore I should not expect the car to be repaired before October 2021. Upon inquiry as to why it would take so long to repair the car I was informed that the part is not available in South Africa. I then asked why Suzuki does not have a depot in South Africa where they keep the parts, as I was told that the problem that I am now experiencing (fluids leaking from the radiator into the heating system of the Suzuki) was " the same problem as the other tannie had with her Jimny a while ago". I made the deduction that this is a problem that Jimny owners should expect to experience at times. The answer was again that I must wait at least a month for the part. On Monday 13 September 2021, I contacted Suzuki's head office to again inquire as to why there are no parts available in South Africa - the answer was that the matter would be investigated and that the representative would call me back. This of course, did not occur. I phoned again today and again provided all my details. The answer to my question re why Suzuki South Africa does not stock sufficient numbers of part that clearly often breaks was that it is because of "supply problems" and "Covid". And still the onus remains on the customer to be sent from pillar to post to try and obtain information about (an obviously faulty) maintenance and supply system. I was dead set on purchasing the newer model of the Jimny - but due to all the problems experienced in terms of service, I shall definitely not be purchasing any Suzuki. As soon as the Jimny is fixed, I shall sell it. I am of the opinion that people should be forewarned about the fact that Suzuki does not stock parts in South Africa and that, in the event that a vehicle does break down, that they must be prepared to wait at least a month for the vehicle to be fixed.

0
Replies (0)