A Blue Downs couple say they are being taken for a ride by a well-known car dealership which sold them a dud car.
The couple spent an additional R10 000 trying to fix the car, but say they are now gatvol and are demanding a refund on the R130 000 they paid for the car.
However, Jodi, 34 and Henry Mackriel, 39, says the dealership, Mel’s Motors in Voortrekker Road are refusing to refund them.
DISPUTE: Duo dissatisfied with Mel's Motors. Photo: Supplied
They bought the red VW Golf GTI 2007 model in February and thought they were getting a bargain.
“These people were so generous, they even drove us to the bank to transfer the money,” says Jodi.
She says they were told to return on the Monday to have the car transferred to their name, and to receive the service book, spare wheel, and have a tail light and back wiper blade fixed.
“When my husband got there the Monday, they took the car for roadworthy, but he could not go with. Except a tyre, we got none of the other things,” explains Jodi.
She says not even three months later and things started breaking on the car.
“In early April, the car just died and did not want to start. We took it for a diagnostic test and found it was the fan belt that was broken. Then the valve broke and more and more things started breaking.
“We ended up spending R10 000 to fix the car. The car is still not on our name.
EVIDENCE: Proof of payment and spray paint bill. Photo: Supplied
“I told them to come fetch the car. I did research and even though it’s second-hand, we are supposed to get a six-month warranty on the car.
“It seems we are fighting a losing battle and now my husband and I just want our R130 000 back.”
PROOF OF PAYMENT: Photo: Supplied
The co-owner of Mel’s Motors, Melanie Koen, explains the car was a consignment sale.
“We acted as a middle man for the supplier and sold the car to the Mackriels.
“It was a private sale and once the car is taken, it’s the owner’s responsibility.
“We cannot offer anything, they also got a R30 000 discount on the car.
“I have called the couple five times to tell them to get to the Traffic Department and register to Fica so we can place the car on their name. They are yet to do so. Also, when I called not once did they ever mention the car being broken,” Koen said.
But Jodi claims Koen is a liar.
“They never told us it was a consignment car. She called us only twice and she is lying about the R30 000 discount. The car went for R140 000 and we paid R130 000.
“My husband has not registered to Fica because we do not want this car anymore,” Jodi said.
The Daily Voice saw receipts of the repairs, and Jodi says they were told they will get the contract after they register the vehicle.
According to the Consumer Protection Act, a new or used car must be “fit for purpose and free of significant defects for six months”.
Failing which, the car must be fixed by the dealer.