The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is raising a red flag as South African consumers continue to face frustrations after purchasing used vehicles that are riddled with defects – and without being given full disclosure about the car’s condition. The growing number of complaints has led the NCC to take action, with many consumers reporting their shock when they discover the issues with their second-hand cars, often within just a few days of owning them.
According to NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba, the commission is receiving an alarming 250 to 300 complaints each month related to second-hand vehicles. Consumers have reported purchasing cars without receiving vital information about their history or defects, only to be hit with significant issues shortly after the sale. “It’s not uncommon for consumers to experience problems with the vehicles as soon as a day or a month after purchase,” Ntaba told Newzroom Afrika.
When the NCC steps in, they often find themselves up against dealerships that are unwilling to take responsibility. In some cases, the dealerships either attempt to repair the cars inadequately or outright refuse to fix or refund the customers, leaving many stuck with faulty vehicles while still paying off their monthly finance instalments. The situation becomes even more dire when dealerships claim that the defects are a result of the buyer’s driving habits, or rely on contracts that absolve them of any responsibility for post-sale defects.
“These practices violate the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA),” Ntaba explained, emphasizing that dealerships are often aware of consumer rights and use legal loopholes to escape accountability. Even when consumers seek help from the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa, they find themselves hitting a brick wall, as many dealerships continue to refuse to take responsibility for the defects.
In a bid to address the ongoing problem, the NCC plans to roll out educational programs aimed at improving dealership compliance with the CPA and raising awareness about consumer rights. Ntaba also offered advice to prospective car buyers, urging them to be thorough before committing to any purchase. “Inspect the vehicle. We’ve seen cases where people buy cars online, and that’s a whole different challenge,” she said. “Don’t let yourself be rushed into a decision. Take your time, get a second opinion, and ask the right questions.”
She also stressed that consumers should not feel pressured to buy a vehicle that doesn’t meet their expectations, advising them to test drive the car and bring in someone with knowledge of cars to assist with evaluation.
The impact of these faulty purchases has been severe for many South Africans. A case in point is that of Sinegugu Kunene, a woman from Durban who, in her excitement to buy a car for her 30th birthday, ended up with a “lemon” after purchasing a vehicle from Cars R Us for R200,000. Kunene’s experience turned from celebratory to stressful, as the car began to fail soon after the purchase, leaving her with both emotional and financial distress.
The NCC continues to encourage consumers to report defective vehicles, especially if they find themselves in a similar situation. The rise in complaints is a clear signal that more stringent actions are needed to protect buyers from unfair practices in the used car market.
