RJ
Rafal J
Active since Jun 2020
14
Reviews
0
Industries
Reviews
14 reviews15 months ago
Terrible service
To Whom it May Concern, My vehicle broke down on Saturday the 2nd of November 2024 – Nissan Xtrail, LB32GHGP – and was sent in to Nissan Northwest for diagnosis and repair. Please see my original mail to Northwest Nissan below: … Hi Feryal, I trust you are keeping well, Please note my Nissan X-Trail is coming in for diagnosis/repair today: LB32GHGP (First Help is going to tow the vehicle in). I suspect engine failure, please see incident below: I was driving along Ontdekkers Saturday night when the car started losing power and smoke came out of the engine. There was no engine light on or any error displayed at all. I pulled over to try find the problem, but could see no evident issues anywhere in the engine compartment. I then continued driving, hoping to make it home, but a few km from home the car had lost all power and could no longer move forward. I arranged to be towed home. The car still starts now, but sounds awful. It still baffles me that there is no engine light, no error messages. The vehicle is still under manufacturer’s warranty, so I am confident that this can be addressed within warranty. Please could you book the vehicle in and keep me informed. … The diagnosis from their workshop was as follows: The Turbo is damaged and will need replacing. They are awaiting go-ahead from Nissan SA (Warranty) … One of the pipes involved in the turbo replacement was on backorder, so Nissan SA arranged a courtesy car for me to use while they waited for the part to arrive. When the part arrived a few weeks later the turbo was replaced and I was informed I could collect the car on Saturday 7 December – which I did. Other than the replacement turbo and oil pipes for the turbo, gaskets, and studs, nothing else was listed as done or replaced on the car, including the oil. I enquired multiple times with my service consultant and the service manager whether their was any residual damage in the engine (due to the damaged turbo) that may result in metal filings in the oil, but each time I was told in no uncertain terms that there is no residual damage and no metal filings. Since I have owned many different cars in my life, and have experienced a blown turbo before, I was very concerned that the damaged turbo had in fact caused metal filings to circulate through the motor, which would continue to cause damage as time went on. Nissan Northwest did not change the oil or check for metal filings, even when I asked them multiple times to double check. This left me no choice but to check for myself when I got the car back. On Sunday 9 December I drained the oil and filmed the entire process on my phone. What I found were metal shavings in the bottom of my oil bucket. I tested with a magnet and some of them were indeed magnetic particles (some but not all). I then changed the oil (my receipt for the new oil is available) and that same day I returned to Nissan Northwest – with the oil bucket as evidence – to inform them of what I’d found. I was told by Riaan, the service manager, that metal filings in the engine oil were perfectly normal and part of an engine’s natural wear and tear. He was extremely insistent that the metal filings had nothing to do with the damaged turbo and there was no way for them to get into the oil without going via the piston rings; which I know to be a completely inaccurate as the filings could enter the engine through the air breather pipe or through the oil pipe that supplies the turbo with oil. I decided to seek a second – and then third – opinion from different Nissan branches. I enquired next at Nissan Midrand. There I spoke with their service manager and was told the complete opposite of what Nissan Northwest had stated. He said it is unheard of for a dealership not to replace the oil after a turbo replacement and that it is imperative to check for metal filings in the oil that would cause ongoing damage, or to investigate whether any existing particles were the cause that damaged the turbo in the first place. I also spoke with the Service manager at Nissan Clearwater, who put me in touch with Etienne from Turbo Exchange (their preferred service provider for turbo repairs/replacements). When I described the situation to Etienne he said it’s “impossible” for the turbo nut to come off on its own (which is the cause described by Nissan Northwest) without foreign bodies [in the oil] having caused the damage/weakness or oil starvation. His thoughts are that most likely the metal filings were already present in the oil from some other internal engine damage, which in turn damaged the turbo. Nissan Clearwater also insisted that a turbo should never be replaced without also checking for residual damage and metal particles in the oil. Both Nissan branches stated that it is very unlikely for a turbo to fail so early on in a car’s life (130000km). Nissan Clearwater also suggested that we get a report from Etienne (Turbo Exchange) as he deals with turbo’s on a daily basis. I have requested for the damaged turbo - which is at Northwest Nissan - to be shipped to the Clearwater branch (this is the closest branch that Turbo Exchange deal with). They [Turbo Exchange] will inspect the turbo and write a report on their findings. I am still waiting for Northwest to give me the go-ahead or a response to this request. On Tuesday 10 December I went back to Nissan Northwest to inform them of what I’d learned at the other Nissan branches, but despite the differing opinions/diagnosis of two other experienced service people, Riaan from Nissan Northwest continued to insist that the turbo bolt had simply come off and there could not be any other physical damage to the motor as a result (or precursor). I also told them about a rattle that wasn’t there previously. The mechanic that worked on the vehicle took the vehicle for a test drive and couldn’t hear anything, but both myself and my wife can hear/feel it clearly. The first time I collected my work colleague, he asked me what’s that noise? My wife asked me what’s that noise? I’ve since managed to narrow the rattle down to the ***l cover. There are a few clips missing - which I’m assuming Nissan broke when replacing the turbo. I have ordered some from parts which were meant to have arrived on the 12th December and I’m still waiting for them. I, having chosen to believe my own past experience and the recommendations of the other Nissan branches, continued to insist that the motor be tested for residual (or preceding) damage. It was only at this point, 3 days later, that Riaan suddenly stated Nissan Northwest had indeed changed the oil after the turbo replacement. However, there was no record of this either on the job card or any prior communication I’d had from them (Feryal listed each item that they had replaced when I collected the car, and oil was never one of them). And, since I had changed the oil a day after taking the car back and found metal particles (I’d only done a few km and the oil was black), it would mean a considerable amount of metal is flowing through the motor (if Nissan Northwest did indeed change the oil ) – this would mean the problem is even worse than I’d imagined. Needless to say I do not believe Nissan changed the oil, and instead chose to lie to me when I continued insisting. When the matter was brought to the Nissan Northwest dealer principal’s attention, he could only ask me if I was qualified mechanic, and if there is oil in a piston. This I found highly condescending. Riaan was at least kind enough to warn me that if I chose to proceed, I’d likely be in a situation whereby the motor gets stripped for investigation and I sit with the bill after the warranty declines the claim . Neither of them even considered my point of view and what the other dealerships had told me, and would not provide an alternative to prevent my suspicions from coming to fruition. To add to my frustration with Northwest Nissan, I was considering purchasing a new Nissan Navara so I wouldn’t have to deal with the uncer*****y of latent damage to the motor and the vehicle no longer under warranty. I went to the Nissan website where I found a promotion on a Navara LE 4x2 for R 539 900 (advert attached). I chatted with the sales lady (she was very friendly) but uncertain of the price. She confirmed with her manager about the price and he simply shrugged, oh no, it’s a mistake. Thanks for bringing this to his attention and dismissed me. I then found out the vehicle is selling for R 100 000 more than the advertised amount. I have ordered service kits from the parts department which took 6 or more months to arrive, when I finally received them, the incorrect oil filter was supp**** in the kits. My wife gathering information for a query that Feryal had on one of the scheduled services was in disbelief as to how rude she is in her communications. She asked me why I haven’t complained about her and Chane-Lee (another service adviser). My overall experience with Northwest Nissan is extremely unsatisfactory. I have had many vehicles in the past and dealt with many dealerships, and this one by far has been the worst. I urge Nissan South Africa to investigate further. I am of the opinion that Nissan Northwest have not done their due diligence and that my car will definitely sustain further damage in future. Considering my manufacturer warranty is up in March 2025, I would like the issue to be resolved well before then. I rec update I have since taken the vehicle in to Nissan Clearwater for the cars 132 000Km service with the following concerns on the job card: • Turbo was replaced, oil was not replaced with turbo change • Flat spot in 3rd and 4th going uphill • Possible excessive blow by • Check for metal particles in engine I was met by service adviser Marina (very friendly), I told her my concerns and she immediately called her foreman to assist us. He immediately advised me that the DPF was meant to be replaced when the new turbo was installed. Nissan’s procedure of replacing a turbo is the following: 1. Replace turbo 2. Send Intercooler for cleaning 3. Replace feeder pipes 4. Replace DPF 5. Clean intake pipes 6. Clean boost pipes 7. Replace engine oil with engine flush 8. 1500km – 2000km replace oil again. 9. Oil turbo with oil can prior to start 10. Clear error codes He immediately suspected that the issue I was having with the occasional flat spot and the blow by might be a clogged DPF (it will create more pressure). He advised that they will run a regeneration of the DPF. I was called the same afternoon, advised that the vehicle was ready for collection with the following findings. Carried out 135 000Km Service Report: Boost pipe leaking to be replaced Intake pipe leaking Wrong battery in vehicle (Stop start not working) Left calliper needs replacing Subframe to be replaced (bushes) Rear wiper blade to be replaced Torque Mounting to be replaced. No metal shavings found The car was with Northwest Nissan 2000km earlier and they found none of these problems, nor did they repair the turbo as per the workorder. I have subsequently discovered that Northwest Nissan was using the wrong oil in my vehicle all these years (which clogges up the DPF sooner). My manual stipulates that 5w-30 oil is required with a C4 specification. Its clearly marked in the owner’s manual. I subsequently found out that they only use 5w30 oil with a C3 specification. This oil is meant to be used on models that are not fitted with a DPF. They have been using this oil for years. My overall dealing with Nissan Clearwater was far more superior to Northwest Nissan. Clearwater never treated me like they were doing me a favour. … Please see my concerns and further communications with Northwest Nissan’s below: … Hi Feryal, Nissan SA called me and we sorted out the rental. I have a couple of concerns regarding the damaged turbo – please see my questions below: 1. Did the turbo seize as a whole? 2. Did the bearing fail? Failure of the bearing would surely result in metal particles throughout. 3. What caused the turbo damage? 4. Was their oil starvation to the engine at any point? 5. Would the above result in long term damage? Please keep in mind I drove the vehicle for a few km before the car wouldn’t drive anymore (not knowing the turbo blew and hoping to make it home that night). This may have caused insufficient lubrication to the motor, resulting in damage. Is there a specific method the technicians will test the motor. The last thing I want is for the new turbo to be installed and not be sure that everything else is still functional. … good morning 1. the turbo did not seize as whole - the nut came off, we will be able to say once the turbo is removed 2. no the bearing did not fail, shavings will accumulate in the intercooler if any is present, this cannot enter the engine internally, we will only be able to advise once removed 3. damage could be caused by age or high mileage and material failure 4. No there was no oil starvation, the turbo does not supply the engine with oil pressure and the oil pressure indicator would have illuminated indicating oil starvation due to pressure drop in system. 5. no it will not result in long term damage as the turbo is an external influence that only supplies air pressure to the cylinders Good day Please see attached pictures of your turbo, Technician and my manager confirms no further damage done to surrounding components of your turbo. they have tested the vehicle all is in order you may collect tomorrow morning between 8-11am i trust all is in order Thank you for your time and I look forward to finding a fitting resolution.
0 replies
17 months ago
breach of contract
To Whom it may concern, I went through to Vodacom Westgate to enquire about upgrading our contracts that were due for upgrade. (business lines). We chatted with a very helpful sales assistant, Lorenzo. Our main objective was to have a healthy data plan as we were continuously running out of data. We were advised that there is a special whereby we convert our existing contract to a data contract and we would receive 10Gb of data monthly at a very affordable price. We were very happy with the amount of data offered, however we also needed a voice minute bundle attached to the contract as we need to make work calls. We then with the salesperson perused the bundle offerings and we selected the 250min option for my line (0798974413), 100min option for by business partner’s number (0727617346) and a 100min bundle for my wife (0727961404). ALL at a 45% discount. The structure was perfect. A couple of days before the end of the month (September 2024) we received our pro-rated voice and data bundles and everything was perfect. October 2024, we received our full compliment of data and voice bundles. November we were only awarded our data bundle and the voice bundle was removed. We went back to Westgate to investigate the matter further, we checked on the Vodacom system and the voice bundle was removed. After being directed from one call centre to another we still cannot get an answer why the voice bundle was removed. It is now the 23rd of November and we still haven’t received our voice bundle. Please see the below proving that we were awarded our data and voice bundles. Vodacom is now in breach of contract and we would like to get this matter resolved soonest.
168 replies
28 months ago
Virgin Active Roodepoort
I went through to the Roodepoort Virgin gym on the 31st October 2023. I signed up with Gee-gee for the current promotional offer of R999.00 per month 12 months (any gym) and no membership fee (once off) as per Momentum. I was also entitled to a 20% discount from Momentum and a bag (which I did not receive). I continued to gym for the month of November 2023. The first debit order went off on the 1st December and I was billed R 1 076.00. Furthermore I received an email stating that there will be a price increase in January (The contract was for 12months at R999.00pm) As predicted, the club i lodged the complaint with (Roodepoort) did not rectify the problem as they said they would and i was now billed the increased rate and not R999 as per the contract. I keep emailing Edwin Lekgabe with no success and the call centre also cannot help me My membership number is: 1401449004
0 replies
29 months ago
Vodacom Offers
I received an offer from Vodacom for +-1000min, 20Gb Data, 24 months contract for R 649.00 Per month. I would like to take Vodacom up on the offer, however when I called the call-centre. Vodacom informed me that its not 24 months but it’s a 36month contract. I don’t think its fair to advertise one thing and then when someone is interested in the deal, turn around and say sorry.
71 replies
29 months ago
Guardrisk Insurance
They are very happy and excited to sell you a vehicle policy, but when its time to pay out they simply dont.... The faulty part is a gear selector unit which is part of the gearbox. It is essentially a sensor that lets the computer know where in the gear cycle the lever is positioned. My policy document clearly states that the gearbox is covered under the policy (I purchased option 2). Furthermore the faulty part is a sensor that let’s the vehicle know that it is in fact in park and there is no risk of the vehicle rolling away. The gearshift mechanism is part of the gearbox. As per your policy document. And furthermore The faulty part is a sensor on the transmission: Please note that the faulty part is not the gear selector, but it’s a complete unit that is purchased as a whole (the gear selector is part of the unit). You cannot just replace the sensor on its own. A simple google search also indicates that the gear selector is part of a gearbox in an automatic vehicle.
71 replies
34 months ago
Laptop in for repairs from Feb 2023 to end July 2023 and still nothing
The worst service imaginable and absolutely no communication, as an IT business owner myself I am shocked that this company is still operating. Details of our experience below: Booked a laptop in on 22 February 2023 for assessment. Problem is diagnosed by Ensure as requiring a screen replacement. We pay the total amount as per the quote and await feedback. Two months later we have still not heard anything. After multiple follow up calls and emails the unit is finally marked as ready for collection. We collected the unit on 22 April 2023 and returned it to the client. The client immediately informed us that the problem still persists and the unit had not been repaired. We promptly delivered it back to Ensure on 24 April for a rediagnosis and refund of the monies we'd paid previously for the new screen (which did not in fact need to be replaced), requesting the old screen be refitted. The unit was then LOST by ensure for 2 weeks. It was finally located on 5 May and we were issued with a new job number. What followed are TWO MORE MONTHS of the most ridiculous lack of professionalism and avoidance tactics. Eventually after multiple calls, threats, emails, messages etc we were called by Kelvin Pillay who said they had short-circuited the motherboard and would need to replace it under their insurance. The part was ordered around mid May and we were told ETA was 2 to 3 weeks. It is now the end of July and each time we call or email we are told the laptop will be ready "tomorrow". It is laughable! In fact our offices have just called again today and were again told it will be ready tomorrow! The client is furious and is considering laying charges of theft against Ensure.
0 replies
38 months ago
No Response to Concern - Engine Damage
On 25 November 2022 I purchased a BMW 335i GT from the Midstream branch. It had a clean DEKRA report. I used the car during December without any complaints, however in January 2023 I did my due diligence (having owned many cars previously) and checked the oil filter. I found metallic particles in the oil filter - indicating a component inside the engine had failed/been destroyed. I immediately sent the car for inspection at BMW West Rand, who confirmed in their report that there are metallic particles in the oil. As any car person would know, this means the motor will at some stage suffer a complete failure. Even if it is only the bearings that have failed, there isn't really any coming back from the damage that's already occurred internally (without rebuilding the engine/replacing it). As is my right according to the CPA, any purchased vehicle should remain in a reasonably similar operating condition (as when it was bought) for at least 6 months from the date of purchase. This will not be the case with this car, and so I requested to return the car to WeBuyCars Midstream. On 25 January 2023 I proceeded to contact WeBuyCars using their online concern form (as I was instructed to do), and was advised that someone would call me within 24 hours regarding my concern: 35708. A week passed with no contact from anyone. Eventually my wife contacted the call centre and was at least able to get the name and email address of the agent handling our case: Elnoleen Buthulezi. I emailed Elnoleen all the documents she required; the report from BMW, quotes for any repair (should that be undertaken) and a photo of the odometer. In my email I made it clear that I want to return the car to WeBuyCars and either cancel the contract entirely, or preferably, purchase a different vehicle in its place. This is because the cost to repair the car correctly will exceed the value of the car. In the meantime I went ahead and found a different car of similar value and started the finance process again with my salesman Henco (who has always given us excellent service and has been virtually the only source of information throughout this saga). I paid the deposit to reserve the car. The finance was approved. But nothing from Elnoleen or management regarding the refund of the previous car. It is now 3 weeks later. The car is still sitting at BMW - where it was supposed to have been collected by WeBuyCars (I am unwilling to drive a car with internal engine damage) - and I am still without a vehicle. Elnoleen has made multiple untrue statements ( she told me they have paid BMW the diganostic fee - according to BMW they have not - and said they have been in contact with BMW - according to the service agent at BMW they have not), and provided virtually no feedback. I've sent her multiple emails and made multiple calls in an attempt to get some accurate feedback or at least some indication of the process going forward, but she is always unavailable and doesn't read or respond to emails. I have requested to be contacted by management but this has also not happened. In the meantime I have a business to run and no vehicle. For such a large corporate the level of service (or lack thereof) is shocking. They certainly have lost a client in me.
165 replies
47 months ago
Naked
Submitted easy windscreen claim online, i was contacted by the glass company to confirm vehicle and installation date. Arrived on time and installation was perfect.
134 replies
53 months ago
Terrible Staff
Dont ever deal with Dorian Sables or Riesa Stander from We buy cars. They lie to you, dont return calls / emails / messages. I have never received such terrible server from a company
53 replies
53 months ago
Experian poor poor poor service
Firstly i had to dispute a Nimble account on my profile, I sent an email through to experian to assist. A couple of days later they called me to let me know they would investigate the matter. I subsequently applied for vehicle finance which cannot proceed unit the dispute is closed. I called them on Friday the 10th December 2021 to cancel the dispute as it is effecting my finance application. They canceled the dispute and let me know it would take 48 hour to update on my profile. I called this morning and they let me know that the dispute was not closed because they received feedback from Nimble so everything they needed to finalize the dispute was in order and they would email me the confirmation. I called again in the afternoon (waiting around 40min per call) wanting my confirmation email. The lady i chatted with told me the dispute is still open and they have 11 days to email me. I simply cannot believe that a company would blatantly lie to their customers. All conversations are recorded and yet they dont care. I have also sent though numerous email and no reply.
53 replies
Review Distribution
5 Star
1 (7.142857142857143%)
4 Star
0 (0%)
3 Star
0 (0%)
2 Star
0 (0%)
1 Star
13 (92.85714285714286%)