Mini & French Citi
2.2|21 reviews
DE
Deon E
1 reviews | Active since Member
06 Feb 2025, 19:06
Do NOT do business with Mini & French Citi! You will certainly regret it BIG TIME!
I was warned not to deal with this business, but as I was desperate & unable to get the part I needed elsewhere, I regretfully took a chance, and it blew up in my face. I bought a Peugeot aircon pump from this business under the premise that it was working 100%. I pd R1400 for same and took it to a workshop to be installed and filled with gas (costing me R1100 - now lost), but it was a faulty part, I returned same to Mini & French, who later yesterday messaged me to say they have another pump who works 100%, which I collected today. The manager Megan sent me to Hilton @ HVN Auto Repair (excellent service) , who discovered that it was not the pump that was faulty, but a sensor (Ambient sensor) that was the problem. I tried to return the aircon pump at Mini & French (unused & in same condition as I bought it), but the manager Megan was extremely rude, saying that she spoke to the owner, Donovan, who said they will not refund me for the pump I did not need. She told me I could do with the pump whatever I wanted, they would not refund me or even exchange same for an ambient sensor (which she at first told me cost R350 and then her "boss" overruled her, saying the price was R750??) THIS BUSINESS IS CONTRAVENING THE RULES OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT. I will contact the Consumer Goods & Services Ombud to lay a complaint forthwith. The act overrules any so-called rules any company makes to circumvent the rules of the ACT. They are ********* sharks. It seems there are countless complaints on Hello Peter about this company. One of the mechanics I met during this process told me he lost R50,000 on an engine that he bought from Mini & French which was cracked, but they refused to exchange the engine or refund him, saying that he "opened" the "package"/ engine already. Now I ask you, how long should Mini & French get away with literally pocketing money at consumers' expense. It is time something is done to expose them. I will go out of my way to warn the public against this business!
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Replies (1)Mini & French Citi's replyOfficial
05 Apr 2025, 08:55Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that you're unhappy with your experience, and we would like to take this opportunity to provide some clarity regarding the situation.
At Mini & French Citi, we specialize in used auto parts, which are tested before being sold, but as with any used components, issues can occasionally arise. The Peugeot aircon pump you initially purchased was exchanged for another working unit when you reported an issue. We acted promptly to assist.
After this, our team went a step further by referring you to Hilton @ HVN Auto Repair, a trusted third-party workshop. Their assessment revealed that the issue was not with the aircon pump, but rather a faulty ambient sensor located in the mirror of your vehicle.
We understand that this can be frustrating, especially when vehicle faults are misdiagnosed. However, under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Section 56, the right to a refund, repair, or replacement applies only when a product is defective or fails to perform. In this case, the replacement part supplied is in full working condition, and the issue lies elsewhere in the vehicle.
In addition, regarding the ambient sensor, we do have the part available — but as it is part of a complete mirror unit, we are unable to sell the sensor separately. This is standard practice in our industry.
We believe we have acted reasonably and in good faith throughout this process, and we’re always willing to help where we can within the bounds of the law and business sustainability.
Should you wish to discuss this further, you’re welcome to contact us directly.
Kind regards,
The Mini & French Citi Team
At Mini & French Citi, we specialize in used auto parts, which are tested before being sold, but as with any used components, issues can occasionally arise. The Peugeot aircon pump you initially purchased was exchanged for another working unit when you reported an issue. We acted promptly to assist.
After this, our team went a step further by referring you to Hilton @ HVN Auto Repair, a trusted third-party workshop. Their assessment revealed that the issue was not with the aircon pump, but rather a faulty ambient sensor located in the mirror of your vehicle.
We understand that this can be frustrating, especially when vehicle faults are misdiagnosed. However, under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Section 56, the right to a refund, repair, or replacement applies only when a product is defective or fails to perform. In this case, the replacement part supplied is in full working condition, and the issue lies elsewhere in the vehicle.
In addition, regarding the ambient sensor, we do have the part available — but as it is part of a complete mirror unit, we are unable to sell the sensor separately. This is standard practice in our industry.
We believe we have acted reasonably and in good faith throughout this process, and we’re always willing to help where we can within the bounds of the law and business sustainability.
Should you wish to discuss this further, you’re welcome to contact us directly.
Kind regards,
The Mini & French Citi Team
Best regards,
Mini & French Citi's reply05 Apr 2025, 08:55
Official
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that you're unhappy with your experience, and we would like to take this opportunity to provide some clarity regarding the situation.
At Mini & French Citi, we specialize in used auto parts, which are tested before being sold, but as with any used components, issues can occasionally arise. The Peugeot aircon pump you initially purchased was exchanged for another working unit when you reported an issue. We acted promptly to assist.
After this, our team went a step further by referring you to Hilton @ HVN Auto Repair, a trusted third-party workshop. Their assessment revealed that the issue was not with the aircon pump, but rather a faulty ambient sensor located in the mirror of your vehicle.
We understand that this can be frustrating, especially when vehicle faults are misdiagnosed. However, under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Section 56, the right to a refund, repair, or replacement applies only when a product is defective or fails to perform. In this case, the replacement part supplied is in full working condition, and the issue lies elsewhere in the vehicle.
In addition, regarding the ambient sensor, we do have the part available — but as it is part of a complete mirror unit, we are unable to sell the sensor separately. This is standard practice in our industry.
We believe we have acted reasonably and in good faith throughout this process, and we’re always willing to help where we can within the bounds of the law and business sustainability.
Should you wish to discuss this further, you’re welcome to contact us directly.
Kind regards,
The Mini & French Citi Team
At Mini & French Citi, we specialize in used auto parts, which are tested before being sold, but as with any used components, issues can occasionally arise. The Peugeot aircon pump you initially purchased was exchanged for another working unit when you reported an issue. We acted promptly to assist.
After this, our team went a step further by referring you to Hilton @ HVN Auto Repair, a trusted third-party workshop. Their assessment revealed that the issue was not with the aircon pump, but rather a faulty ambient sensor located in the mirror of your vehicle.
We understand that this can be frustrating, especially when vehicle faults are misdiagnosed. However, under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Section 56, the right to a refund, repair, or replacement applies only when a product is defective or fails to perform. In this case, the replacement part supplied is in full working condition, and the issue lies elsewhere in the vehicle.
In addition, regarding the ambient sensor, we do have the part available — but as it is part of a complete mirror unit, we are unable to sell the sensor separately. This is standard practice in our industry.
We believe we have acted reasonably and in good faith throughout this process, and we’re always willing to help where we can within the bounds of the law and business sustainability.
Should you wish to discuss this further, you’re welcome to contact us directly.
Kind regards,
The Mini & French Citi Team
Best regards,