1 reviews | Active since Feb 2011
Refusing to act within the Law
So We Buy Cars sold me a car with mechanical issues and they refuse to give any assistance in this matter.
I bought a car from the Silverlakes branch that I inspected and test drove without any issues. On my way home with the car that was now up to temperature I could hear a whining transmission noise between 100km/h and 120km/h. I then immediately booked the car in for a service.
The mechanic showed me that there was a major oil leak on the head gasket underneath the car. Oil is actually dripping on the exhaust manifold. Because its a flat four boxer engine, the cylinder heads are on the sides of the block. Engine needs to come out to repair this. The top was pressure washed and nothing can be seen, but when the car is on the lift you see a lot of oil dripping. (R15 000 to repair this)
The whining noise comes from a transmission bearing that is failing. (R6000 for this repair)
There is also a power steering pump that needs new seals and gasket. It also has a leak (R3500 to repair)
I then made contact with the sales person who sold me the car. Told me log an online complaint. The same day Fred contacted me eager to assist. He then asked me for a quote and a report on the issues. I went back to the mechanic and he gave me the requested information.
Some time went by and eventually after I followed up, Fred told me that they wont be assisting with the repairs as the cars are sold as is. He said I am more than welcome to bring the car for an assessment and they can buy it back off me (obviously at a reduced price). I was shocked as I could see they are trying to make money off me for a second time on the same car. I refused he's offer and told him that If they cant repair the vehicle then I'm willing to take it back and add more money to take something else. He said he will come back to me.
After numerous emails, weeks went by without any response. I then requested them to contact me via there twitter page and they responded immediately.
Fred called me and said sorry, they wont repair the car or take it back for an upgrade on something else. I asked him to please put that in writing for me and he said sure, he will also give me the Motor Ombudsman contact details. Im still waiting for that mail.
According to the Consumer Protection Act they have a duty to either repair, replace or refund the vehicle within 6 months of purchase.
They refuse to do any of the above.
"This claim must be finalised within 6 months of the date of sale. Your claim is based both on the common law of contract and/or the Consumer Protection Act No 68 of 2008. Your rights are briefly as follows:If the vehicle was defective at the time of purchase; you have the choice of repair, (replace) or refund at the dealers/sellers expense." I have been very flexible and did not demand anything specific. Only acknowledgement and assistance. Either a repair or an upgrade. Not a full refund or replacement.
I am not using a mediator like MOISA, but I am however using the money that I would have spent with you to upgrade the vehicle or purchase something else to persue a legal case with costs. I know my rights as a consumer and will not get bul**** into accepting goods that's faulty and does not meet acceptable standards. As per my twitter feed, I will post the outcome of this matter on social media.
"This claim must be finalised within 6 months of the date of sale. Your claim is based both on the common law of contract and/or the Consumer Protection Act No 68 of 2008. Your rights are briefly as follows:If the vehicle was defective at the time of purchase; you have the choice of repair, (replace) or refund at the dealers/sellers expense." I have been very flexible and did not demand anything specific. Only acknowledgement and assistance. Either a repair or an upgrade. Not a full refund or replacement.
I am not using a mediator like MOISA, but I am however using the money that I would have spent with you to upgrade the vehicle or purchase something else to persue a legal case with costs. I know my rights as a consumer and will not get bul**** into accepting goods that's faulty and does not meet acceptable standards. As per my twitter feed, I will post the outcome of this matter on social media.