Good Evening, my husband purchased a sec...

Asked by the Customer on 25-09-2014 20:52:43
Question posted in the Consumer Protection Law category relating to Eastern Cape

Good Evening, my husband purchased a second hand vehicle on 25 July 2014 and took delivery thereof early in August. On 6 September 2014 the gearbox gave trouble and he took the vehicle back to the dealership. They were already closed for the weekend and only started back at work on 8 September.
We saw the vehicle standing at the same spot at the dealership for 2 days and queried this, as we did not have a replacement vehicle. We were told that the battery was flat but they were attending to it. We were then told over the next 10 days that the vehicle had had a complete breakdown on the way to the repair shop and that the repair was under way. My husband asked for a courtesy vehicle while waiting and was given a small courtesy car.
On Friday19 September 2014 my husband went to the repair shop to see why the repair was taking so long and when the parts will arrive. Upon inspection the vehicle was standing outside and had not yet been attended to as the dealership had not given the go-ahead for the quote to be generated.
When my husband queried this with the dealership they apologized, stating that they were trying to contact and negotiate with the previous owner as to the cost of the repair.
Since then the vehicle has been taken into the workshop and parts taken out, but there has still not even been a quote for the repair - let alone any parts ordered or repair undertaken.
What period of time does a dealership have in which to carry out a repair to a vehicle within the warranty period?
We have a trip planned early in October and cannot undertake this with the small courtesy car. What rights do I have to ask for a vehicle in a similar class as the one that I purchased so that I will still be able to travel should the repair still not be completed?
If there is no action or repair within a reasonable time, do I have any right to claim back my money and then purchase another vehicle elsewhere?
Kind Regards
Martinette

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