Fourways Auto Tech - Poor service levels

In April 2017 I sent my Mitsubishi Colt Rodeo 2800 TDi to Fourways Auto Tech for a service. At the time they were a Bosch service centre which played a significant part in selecting them. During the service the manager, Norbert informed me that the left front CV boot needed to be replaced. I authorized this and later picked up the vehicle. Two months later I noticed that the CV boot was split. I returned the vehicle to them and they replaced the boot at no extra cost. I picked up the vehicle. Over the next few days I noticed a noise everytime the steering was turned fully to the right. I brought the vehicle back and waited while they inspected and sorted the issue. The noise appeared to be gone. Last week I observed that the ABS warning light is on. This is typically due to a malfunctioning wheel sensor. I decided to inspect the vehicle myself. The left front ABS sensor wire had been completely severed by the rotating wheel. On further inspection I noticed that the wire guide clamps had been incorrectly installed. This could only have been the result of the work done by Fourways Auto Tech. One of the clamps had actually been bent in order to make it fit. I find it difficult to comprehend the incompetence of the mechanic. It's one thing to forget how the clamps attached but to bend one of them in order to reattach it is beyond me. All he had to do was look at the way the clamps were fitted on the right hand wheel and the problem would have been sorted. At that stage for obvious reasons, I did not want to return the vehicle to them to get the issue sorted. Accordingly I removed the sensor assembly and went to see them on Monday. The replacement cost for this part from Mitsubishi is R5193.00. I explained the situation to the service advisor and as the vehicle is fairly old I felt it was unfair to Fourways Auto Tech to have to purchase a new sensor. I informed him that I would be happy if the sensor was replaced with a second hand one from a car breaker. For two days not much appeared to happen. On the third day I popped in to get an update but there was no news. Later that day I received a phone call from Andrew who I believe is the owners son. He refused to take any responsibility as they only warranty their work for three months and the issue arose a year later despite the fact that the only reason the wire was severed was due to incorrectly fitted guide clamps as a result of their workmanship.

Bearing in mind that I was perfectly willing to find a fair and cost effective resolution to the problem they created in the first place, I find their unwillingness to resolve the issue a sign of extremely poor customer service levels. I for one will never return as a customer. As they are no longer part of Bosch, I have no opportunity to address the issue with Bosch themselves. My only option is to litigate and for the amount of money this is simply not worth entertaining.

This review will hopefully warn others to be careful when dealing with third party service centres.