Toyota Hilux Nightmare

On the 24th of November 2018 I purchased a brand new Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD6 Automatic transmission (Extra-cab) vehicle at Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Pinetown. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. On the following day, I experienced problems driving on inclines, the vehicle was making a sound and not changing gears. I then notified Toyota Pinetown of same and the vehicle was towed from Richards Bay to Durban. Five days later, Toyota contacted me and notified me that there was a minor issue regarding the clamp and that it would no longer be an issue nor will it cause any further damage. I then accepted the car back as I had been led to believe that there was no defect on the vehicle. As it was still within the cooling off period and I could have cancelled the purchase agreement.

In February/March 2019, I experienced the same problem. I then took the vehicle back to Toyota Pinetown. The service manager then drove the vehicle and experience the same problem. I was notified that service head office is in Johannesburg, someone would fly in to also test the car. At this point, Toyota Pinetown had the vehicle in there possession from the 4th of March 2019. The person from Johannesburg then drove the vehicle and stated that there is a problem with a gearbox. The suggestion that was made was that the vehicle should be put a part in order to diagnose what was wrong with the vehicle. I expressed my disapproval as I was not willing to accept a defective vehicle. The vehicle was still too new to have to be repaired. Nonetheless, my hands were tied as a decision could not be made without diagnosing the vehicle. I then gave permission for the car to be diagnosed and NOT to be repaired.

I then requested that I be given a copy of the diagnostic report when Toyota has a full diagnosis in order to make a decision on the vehicle or receive a second opinion as I no longer trusted Toyota. However, my vehicle tracker notified that my vehicle was a chopshop which I did not authorise it to be at. I was then notified by Nadine Loots that my vehicle had been repaired. Without Toyota providing a diagnostic report, without Toyota receiving authorisation even to move my vehicle. I was then notified that my vehicle is ready for collection, however, I am adamant that I am not willing to take a defective vehicle once again and the mistreatment I have received from Toyota makes me no longer want to continue with the purchase agreement. I have been paying my car instalments even though I did not have a vehicle and I was greatly inconvenienced by this. This vehicle has been at Toyota Pinetown since 4th March 2019, I have paid all instalments until now. Toyota has not, however, kept to the end of their deal as I am of the opinion that I was sold a defective vehicle. This was concealed when I had returned the vehicle the day after I had taken delivery. I have also been mistreated relating to a courtesy car and liaising with Toyota employees relating to the vehicle in question.