MOTORING NEWS - South African motorists are being urged to ask more questions and insist on written answers when buying a vehicle, as concerns over odometer fraud, undisclosed accident damage, safety recalls and vehicle finance agreements continue to affect consumers.

Veteran consumer journalist Wendy Knowler recently discussed the challenges facing vehicle buyers during an interview on MISAtv, highlighting the importance of understanding consumer rights before signing a sales or finance agreement.

Knowler, who has spent 28 years investigating consumer complaints and unfair business practices, says motor vehicles generate a significant number of consumer complaints.

Among the recurring issues are manipulated odometer readings, undisclosed accident damage and buyers who do not fully understand the terms of their vehicle finance agreements.

Her advice is to ask questions before committing to a purchase and keep written records of the answers provided by dealerships.

Questions to ask before buying

Prospective buyers should establish whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall and investigate its safety history before making a decision.

They should also confirm when the vehicle’s warranty began, whether it remains valid and which circumstances could invalidate it.

Keeping written correspondence with a dealership is equally important. Emails and WhatsApp messages can provide valuable evidence if a dispute arises later.

Vehicle recalls and consumer safety

Knowler believes consumers should view vehicle recalls as a safety measure rather than an automatic reason to lose confidence in a manufacturer.

With the National Consumer Commission recording more than 50 vehicle recalls this year, she says recalls demonstrate that safety defects have been identified and corrective action is being taken.

“We should be grateful that we see more recalls because it means there is greater transparency,” she says.

Recall repairs are generally carried out at no cost to affected vehicle owners, although motorists should confirm the specific arrangements with the manufacturer or authorised dealer.

Knowler also raised questions about whether all manufacturers participate equally in the recall process, particularly as Chinese vehicle brands gain market share in South Africa.

Beware of banking scams

Vehicle buyers should also remain alert to financial fraud, particularly scams in which criminals impersonate bank officials and persuade consumers to authorise fraudulent transactions.

“Initiate the call. Never trust a caller who claims to be from your bank,” Knowler advises.

Consumers should contact their bank using an independently verified number if they receive a suspicious call, rather than relying on contact details supplied by the caller.

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) is encouraging consumers to familiarise themselves with their rights, remain vigilant against fraud and question information that appears misleading or suspicious.

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says consumer awareness is essential to protecting workers and their families.

For motorists, the message is clear: understanding the vehicle’s history, checking warranty and recall information, reading finance agreements carefully and keeping written records can help prevent costly disputes.

Watch Wendy Knowler’s full interview on MISAtv.

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