#Mahindra #Ashok Layland **** and incompetence.

I purchased a car, SUV, from Ashok Layland, Benoni (then called Mahindra, Benoni,) almost a year ago. I was told before the purchase that the car will be getting a full service and thorough engine check up, so that I receive a vehicle without issues and one that is in excellent condition. As a female, I placed my trust in this company and the salesman, Jacques Bornman, to proceed with the purchase.

After the deal was sealed, I had an oil leek about a week later, which they gladly fixed with no problems. Around 9 months later, I started experiencing serious problems with the car. It started to loose speed, where I was unable to go faster than 40km per hour on the open road. I decided to have it checked by two different mechanics, and both mechanics found that the thermostat housing needed to be replaced. I did not hesitate to get a new part installed.

During the replacement, the mechanic found that the thermostat had been tampered with previously - the actual thermostat in the housing was removed previously, and used O rings, which were way to big for the housing was used. This, created water loss on my vehicle. I still did not hesitate to have the part replaced with a new one in order to prevent my vehicle's engine from seizing.

However, when my mechanic did the job, he found a rusted steel pipe as well! This pipe allows for healthy water flow in the vehicles engine. This rusted pipe, according to my mechanic and a second opinion (mechanic), was as a result of the fact that there wasn't any anti freeze added to the vehicle during the service with Ashok Layland.

I phoned Mahindra Benoni after learning about this problem, which I was then informed that they were taken over by Ashok Layland and run by two new owners: Riaan Wessils and Franscois Alant. I was given the run around over a period of about 2- 3 weeks and eventually phoned by their mechanic, who reacted completely hostile towards me and attempted to get out of any form of accountability for the problem.

I persisted for a win-win situation for another 2-3 weeks and eventually spoke to one of the owners, Riaan Wessils. About a week later, I was informed that they will not accept accountability in any way, shape or form for this neglect and that I am left to deal with the problem 100% on my own.

In order to fix the entire problem, just to get my vehicle back on the road and prevent the engine from seizing, I had to spend an estimated R9000.00

Ultimately, it is evident, that vehicles are being sold by Ashok Layland and Mahindra under false promises, and within one year of sale, you can be sure to pick up problems, spend large amounts of money on your vehicle, and receive no customer care service from these guys.

Please be vigilant for this type of incompetence from dealerships such as Mahindra and Ashok Layland.

This, is the type of poor after 'service' which we need to eliminate and put such businesses out of business in order to make space for those business owners who truly cares about their clients.