Andreo P

V-Tek Service Centre Pretoria

My Peugeot 207’s steering mechanism was faulty and I was advised by my insurer to take it to a RMI approved workshop for an assessment. I took the vehicle to V-Tek Service Centre in Pretoria on the 9th of September. The vehicle was left with them and it was only a couple of days later that I was informed that it was an electrical component that needed to be replaced. I was also told that there was an additional component of around R1000.00 that I had to pay for myself as the insurer was not going to pay for it. The impression was created right from the beginning that the steering mechanism would be fixed once this electrical component was replaced. As I’m not a mechanic, I gave them the go-ahead to replace the component and to submit their claim to my insurer. Around the 13th of September I spoke to Vincent, the owner of V-Tek, telephonically. He informed me that the electrical component for the steering mechanism was replaced but that there was another electrical fault which he could not find. Again, the impression was created that the steering mechanism was fixed. My wife and I visited V-Tek on the 14th of September to settle my bill and to see if I could collect my vehicle. We were met by Vincent who once again told us that the original component for the steering mechanism was replaced but that there was another electrical fault which he could not find. He also told us that if the secondary electrical fault was not found, that it could once again damage the replaced component for the steering mechanism. My wife and I left the vehicle at V-Tek for a further diagnostic thinking that the original problem was at least solved. On the 20th of September I phoned V-Tek again and spoke to Costa. I told him that as the original problem with the steering mechanism was fixed, that I could not wait for my vehicle any longer. I made arrangements with him to come and collect the vehicle from them on the 23rd of September, a full 2 weeks from the date that I originally took the vehicle to them. Costa did not correct me or tell me that the steering mechanism was not fixed at the time leaving me to think that it was. On the 23rd of September my wife drove me to V-Tek to go and pick-up my vehicle. We were met by Costa who then confirmed that the steering mechanism was still not working. I tried to explain to Costa that they never told me this but he would not listen. Our conversation became very heated and I was told to leave their premises. What amazed me was V-Tek’s arrogance and lack of customer care. Costa accused me of shouting at him but when my wife pointed out to him that he was also shouting, he proceeded to shout at her as well. I’m fully aware that customers are not always right but you cannot treat your customers with such disrespect and expect them to accept it. Over and above this, trying to get hold of V-Tek is mission impossible. During the past 2 weeks I phoned them on numerous occasions. They either don’t answer their phones or they don’t get back to you. When they do get back to you, they give you half-truths. I will therefore go out of my way to tell people of the bad experience I had with them and warn them not to do business with these guys.