More used car dealers slated

UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES: LAW GIVES BUYERS THE RIGHT TO DEMAND QUALITY SERVICE

»Tribunal asked to declare suppliers' conduct as prohibited.

The National Consumer Commission is taking on more used car dealers and workshops who sell defective cars and then refuse to repair them free of charge or refund the consumers when they develop problems within the first six months, calling for the National Consumer Tribunal to declare their conduct prohibited and fine them R1 million each.

According to section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), that deals with consumers' rights to safe, good quality goods, the used car you buy must be safe and of good quality, but this section is not applicable if you bought the car at an auction. You have the right to buy a car that is reasonably suitable for the purpose it is intended for.

Seen that the dealer sells cars, you can also in terms of this section assume that he will give you good advice when you explain what you will use the car for.

Section 56 of the CPA deals with the implied warranty of quality and in the case of a used car, guarantees that the car adheres to the standards set in section 55. If this is not the case, you can return the car within six months after buying it and the dealer has to repair it, exchange it or refund you.

In addition, this repair work is guaranteed for three months and if it breaks down again within this time, the dealer must repair it free of charge again or give your money back.