Total lack of service and professional responsibility at Tri Ric Auto
On the 16th March 2018 I purchased (through my appointed agent, Mr. M.R.W. Smit) a Hyundai Getz, registration TSP476GP from the salesman, Andrew at TriRic Auto 2 Main Road Newlands, Johannesburg.
I paid R57 000 cash for the vehicle, and as strictly pointed out by Andrew, could only take delivery once the full amount was reflected in Tri Ric Auto’s bank account.
My agent, Mr Smit took delivery of the vehicle on the 17th March. The licence disc was 2 months overdue and Andrew said it would be no problem as he would issue a Temporary Permit with the vehicle in order for Mr Smit to drive the vehicle back to my residence in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, where I would register the vehicle in my name.
On the 20th March I had the car roadworthied in Graaff-Reinet (there were minor faults which had to be corrected) and then proceeded to the local municipal licencing authority for registration and licencing.
The local licencing authority said all was in order, but they could not proceed with change of ownership and registration due to the 2 month outstanding licence. They also told me this had to be cleared by the dealership in Gauteng.
I immediately telephoned Andrew and explained my predicament. He said he would take care of the matter once I had emailed the registration papers and a copy of my ID, and as the following day was a public holiday, he assured me the matter would be taken care of by latest the 23rd March.
On the 22nd I sent Andrew a friendly reminder on Whatsapp. On the 23rd I again sent hima polite reminder of his promise to get the licence paid up to date.
By midday on the 23rd I had received no communication from Andrew that this had been done. I telephoned him and his excuse was the "entire data base of the Gauteng traffic department had crashed" and he would see to it the following week.
The following week I had to contact Andrew again for progress on the matter. His reply was that the papers ‘were at the traffic department’ and that I should wait. I pointed out to him that the temporary permit was due to expire in 3 days time and I would legally not be able to use the vehicle and therefore operate my business. He did not seem at all concerned by this.
I was growing concerned about his nonchalant attitude and the fact that his lack of action was preventing me from legally taking ownership of the vehicle which I had bought from him!
On further telephone calls to Tri Ric Auto I requested to speak to the owner/manager to report the matter and I was told I had to speak to Andrew. His attitude now seemed to have hardened and was totally cavalier, and it was clear to me he was not going to carry out his promise to get the licence and papers up to date in order for me to transfer and register the vehicle into my name.
He no longer answers my pleas on Whatsapp and by his total lack of concern and professional responsibility is now denying me use and ownership of the vehicle.
I had since noticed many similar complaints from other disgruntled and frustrated customers from Tri Ric, where vehicles sold to them were faulty and papers were not correct or up to date.
I am trying to complete the sale of this vehicle legally and I am being prevented from doing so by the seller! Please help.
0 comments