I bought a KIA Serato on 12 March 2010 from KIA Roodepoort. Since then the vehicle has been back to KIA for defects to the paint, replacement clutch and on 19 December 2010 we as a family where stuck next to the road in the dark for 3 hours waiting for a tow vehicle to arrive. After many calls I managed to get the vehicle towed from the town Brits to Roodepoort KIA.
Due to the December holiday’s and engineering firms being closed until January the 3rd no repairs could be done. On the 4th January 2011 I followed up and was told that the engine head will be send to the engineers and then I should be able to get my vehicle back on the Friday the 7th January 2011. On the afternoon of the 7th I went to KIA Roodepoort only to be told the engine don’t want to turn. After again explaining to the mechanic what happened when the car broke down he then said the engine has seized and that a new engine must be ordered. I was also informed that authorization must be obtained but should be done by Monday the 10th. When I spoke to Jan Grovè service manager, I was told that should a loan vehicle be available then I can borrow it on Tuesday or latest Wednesday the 12th.
I made again a call to Jan on the afternoon of the 12th as to ask what the progress is and if I can have the loan vehicle, I was informed that unfortunately he is still waiting for authorisation and he does not have a loan vehicle. I complained about this outcome and asked to speak to the dealer Principle as to ask for assistance. I was informed that he is not available but Jan will discuss the matter with him the next morning the 13th January 2011. At 09h00 I decided to contact the dealer principle Ferdie who informed me that he does not have a loan vehicle as a client wrote it off and the vehicle Jan spoke about was sold. I told Ferdie that I am not satisfied with the time it is taking to repair the vehicle and that I need a loan vehicle. I am in the service industry and being without a vehicle for such a long time is having a negative impact on my client relationship and can result in me being penalised by my employer. I tried several times speak to KIA SA since the 11th January 2011 and left many messages but no one return my call.
I was told on Friday 14 January that KIA Korea is the problem - KIA SA reqeusted authorization from Korea but they are slow!