Breach of Consumer Protection Act – Defective Vehicle Sale

My partner purchased a Mazda BT-50 2.2L from Midcity Motors 2 (Klerksdorp) at the end of October 2024. From day one, the vehicle had serious defects, including severe overheating, lack of power, smoking, and non-functional cruise control, despite being advertised as working.

A diagnostic test on 5 December 2024 revealed multiple faults. Even after replacing most of the cooling system, the vehicle continued to overheat. The sales manager at the time (André) authorized refunding of limited costs (water pump, thermostat, viscous fan), but the underlying issues remained unresolved.

I then took the vehicle to an independent specialist mechanic. His findings were alarming: - Engine timing was far out - Loose timing guide bolts - Red gasket silicone inside the engine - Turbo completely broken - Corroded pickup sensor wiring - Engine warning light deliberately disconnected on the instrument cluster to conceal faults - The timing had to be redone, the turbo replaced, and wiring repaired. The mechanic’s costs amounted to R18 257, which I had to pay myself. Despite this, the vehicle STILL overheats to this day.

The mechanic’s professional opinion was that the engine has done far more than the 170,000 km stated on the odometer.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, this vehicle was clearly not of acceptable quality, not reasonably durable, and not fit for purpose. The deliberate disabling of the engine warning light and failure to disclose material defects constitutes misrepresentation and deceptive conduct. The dealership failed to meet its legal obligations, and this experience reflects extremely serious and potentially *****ulent practices.

I would STRONGLY caution consumers against dealing with this dealership.