Breach of CPA - Misrepresentation, Ongoing Mechanical Issues – CMH Honda Menlyn Pretoria

I am a first-time car owner and purchased a second-hand vehicle from CMH Honda Menlyn Pretoria on 5 September 2025. This has been the worst consumer experience of my life.

From the outset, I was misled by the salesman, Manesh, regarding the condition and service status of the vehicle (VW Golf 6 tsi). I raised concerns within the first week of purchase, and he completely ignored and avoid the issue by making excuses and delaying the process so that the deal could not be cancelled.

I then got in contact with 'Riaan' the Principal dealer who could care less about my situation and my request to have the deal cancelled. He just kept asking me to bring the vehicle back to KOOP’S in Pretoria (80KM’s away from Sunninghill), with no other option for convenience. I also raised the case with 'Sean Singleton', who refused to cancel the deal. He mentioned that the salesman is not a direct representation of their business (And what ever was mentioned by the salesman is null and void). 1. False Representation of Service History The vehicle was advertised with a full service history. I was explicitly told that a proper service had been completed prior to delivery (including oil change, filters, CV joints, and timing chain/belt-related work – five items were mentioned). However: • The service book contains no record of any service done by CMH. • The only invoice eventually provided (after weeks of requesting) shows that only two light bulbs were replaced, along with tyres, and a Quality Check. • The service advisor, Valencia, confirmed she could not see any record of the service Manesh claimed was done. • There is no job card supporting the alleged service. This is clear misrepresentation. 2. Service Overdue Message Was Erased When I viewed the vehicle, the dashboard language was in German (to hide the serviced now message). After changing it back to English, it revealed a “Service Now – 18 Days Overdue” message. But I only had the car for 3 days of ownership.

Manesh erased this message and assured me that no service was required. This is extremely concerning because: • The vehicle was already due for service. • The 1-year service interval had already been reached while the vehicle was in CMH’s care. • The oil was dark brown in colour • The vehicle was driven for aprox 1000KM’s within 2 months prior to being sold to me (The salesman confirmed that he has been driving the car home. But aprox 1000km’s added to a 2nd hand vehicle. Why? • The service now “18 days overdue” message: The message was cleared without the required service being performed. This poses a serious risk and is unacceptable. 3. Oil Condition Raises Serious Concerns Within weeks, I checked the oil and it was dark in colour. Fresh oil does not turn that dark within four weeks and under 200km of driving. This strongly suggests that the oil was never changed as claimed. 4. Oil Leakage Ignored I reported oil spillage underneath the vehicle and even drove to the dealership for inspection. No one properly assessed it. 5. Ongoing Delays and Runaround I began requesting the job card four days after purchase. For over a month I received: • Excuses • Claims that staff were on leave • Being sent back and forth between departments • No transparency I had to escalate to Elize just to receive the invoice showing only bulb replacements. 6. Additional Defects Within First 30 Days Within the first month: • Rear light bulb failed (I had to purchase replacement from Midas). • Front bulb failed shortly thereafter. • Same Front light bulb has failed again after two months (how is this even possible). • Bonnet shock was cracked and does not hold the bonnet. • Clutch kit failure (costly replacement during December). • 5th and Reverse gear not selecting properly. • Noise when depressing clutch. • Now an engine management light has appeared. This is ongoing and extremely stressful. 7. Inconvenience & Financial Impact I am based far from Pretoria and am repeatedly told to bring the vehicle back (approx. 80km round trip each time). This is unreasonable and costly. December was financially draining due to clutch repairs. I cannot continue suffering out-of-pocket expenses for a vehicle that was misrepresented at sale. 8. Warranty Concerns I only recently received updated warranty confirmation: • I was told to inform my insurer about year model change but not about warranty changes. • The warranty was changed without my knowledge. • No clear communication about these changes. I am deeply concerned about: • Future warranty claims being rejected due to service discrepancies. • The late recording of service outside the correct service interval. • Being financially prejudiced due to dealership errors.

9. Consumer Protection Act (CPA) Breach This matter clearly falls under misrepresentation and breach of the Consumer Protection Act. The vehicle was sold under false pretences regarding its service condition.

December Clutch Issue & Refusal to Cancel the Deal

In December, I urgently needed to travel to Durban by the 19th. Around the same time, the Principal Dealer was going on leave from the 13th, which added further pressure to an already stressful situation.

The vehicle developed serious clutch issues, and I made it clear that:

I did not want to keep the vehicle.

I had already requested cancellation of the deal.

I was awaiting MIOSA’s decision.

I could not risk driving a vehicle with mechanical faults, especially over a long-distance trip.

Despite this, the dealership refused to cancel the deal.

This left me with no choice but to request that they repair the clutch so that I could at least travel safely while waiting for the Ombud’s outcome. My request for repairs was not because I accepted the vehicle — it was out of desperation and necessity. I cannot keep or drive a vehicle with unresolved mechanical issues that the dealer is responsible for.

To make matters worse, they still insisted that I take the vehicle to KOOPS in Pretoria, even after I explained that Pretoria is too far and causes major inconvenience and additional cost to me.

At that point, I felt completely cornered — either risk driving a faulty vehicle or incur further travel and fuel costs to accommodate their repair process, all while they refused to cancel a deal that was clearly problematic from the beginning.

New issue: Engine Management light/indicator

What I Want: I no longer have confidence in this vehicle or this dealership. Given: • False claims about service. • Erasing of service warning message. • No supporting job card. • Mechanical issues within first 30 days. • Ongoing engine management warning. • Financial loss and stress. They claim that they are willing to fix all issues identified – But the message is clear “fix all issues”, so they are expecting more issues, and want me to travel 80KM round trip every time a fault is identified. They did not resolve any issue, they are just fixing what is broken, and was an issue while in their possession. I want CMH Honda Menlyn Pretoria to cancel this deal and take the vehicle back. I am emotionally drained, financially impacted, and extremely disappointed. A first-time buyer should not go through this.

I will continue escalating this matter through MIOSA and all relevant consumer channels if not resolved urgently.

A severely frustrated and exhausted customer, Keegan Govender