Stuck with car that won’t start after spending R3 900 on repairs

I RECENTLY read an article on IOL relating to what the CPA says about sales of “old” cars. We bought a second-hand car from a car dealer in Randburg. We took ownership of our Nissan Juke 2011 on November 6, 2019. Upon receipt of the vehicle, we were informed that the car passed all the necessary checks.

We were happy with our purchase and went away smiling. But our smiles turned into frowns by running into our first problem with the car.

On November 21, 2019, we came out to a flat tyre on the car and took it to a tyre place thinking it was a puncture. The tyre place inspected it and advised us that the front right tyre had a small tear on the side of the wall. Unfortunately both front tyres had to be replaced at a cost of R2 600. Our troubles, however, did not end there.

On December 4, 2019, I went to fetch my daughter from school and got stuck along the road with the car. We took the car’s battery for a check and were informed that the battery was still the original battery from 2011!

That cost R1 300. But when we tried to start the car again and… nothing. The car’s electrical system comes on, but the car would not start.

The car started the next day again and I was relieved that it may have been the battery and all my problems were over. On December 8, 2019, I went to the store and the car drove fine all the way there and when I came out to proceed home the car did not want to start again.

Since we have taken ownership of this car, the total expenses we have incurred is R3 900 within one month of taking ownership.

We were informed that the car is in full working order and passed a roadworthy test and AA warranty.

I know that according to the CPA Act we have a six months period where the dealer either has to repair or replace the vehicle.