Robert Maree v Nissan SA (Pty) Ltd (NCT/95354/2017/75(1)(b)) [2019] ZANCT 61 (15 May 2019)

Robert Maree v Nissan SA (Pty) Ltd (NCT/95354/2017/75(1)(b)) [2019] ZANCT 61 (15 May 2019)

The Tribunal found that while the vehicle was not free of defects, the defects—primarily rust on the hinges, bin, and tailgate—did not render the vehicle unsafe or unfit for its intended purpose. The defects were cosmetic and did not justify the return of the vehicle and a refund of the purchase price. The Tribunal determined that the appropriate relief was for the Respondent to repair the defects to manufacturer specifications, subject the repairs to third-party inspection, and reinstate the warranty. This approach was deemed fair and reasonable, aligning with the decisions of the Motor Industry Ombudsman and the National Consumer Commission, and consistent with the remedies provided...

Citation
[2019] ZANCT 61
Parties
Applicant: Roberto Maree; Respondent: Nissan SA (Pty) Ltd
Court
National Consumer Tribunal
Jurisdiction
South Africa
Judgment Date
15 May 2019
Case Number
NCT/95354/2017/75(1)(b)
Procedural Posture
Leave to Refer Application / Final Determination After Leave to Refer Granted
Outcome
Application for refund of purchase price dismissed; Respondent ordered to repair defects and reinstate warranty.
Judges
D Terblanche, B Dumisa, K Moodaliyar
Legal Topics
Consumer Protection Act, Defective Goods, Warranty Enforcement, Refund Claim, Remedies for Defects
Commercial and Corporate Civil Procedure Consumer Protection Act Defective Goods Warranty Enforcement Refund Claim Remedies for Defects

Case Brief

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Parties

Roberto Maree

Applicant

Nissan SA (Pty) Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Leave to Refer Application / Final Determination After Leave to Refer Granted

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Is the vehicle defective as envisaged in terms of the Consumer Protection Act?
  2. 2 If the vehicle is defective, what relief is the Applicant entitled to?

Ratio Decidendi

The Tribunal found that while the vehicle was not free of defects, the defects—primarily rust on the hinges, bin, and tailgate—did not render the vehicle unsafe or unfit for its intended purpose. The defects were cosmetic and did not justify the return of the vehicle and a refund of the purchase price. The Tribunal determined that the appropriate relief was for the Respondent to repair the defects to manufacturer specifications, subject the repairs to third-party inspection, and reinstate the warranty. This approach was deemed fair and reasonable, aligning with the decisions of the Motor Industry Ombudsman and the National Consumer Commission, and consistent with the remedies provided...

Court Disposition

Application for refund of purchase price dismissed; Respondent ordered to repair defects and reinstate warranty.

Orders

  • The Applicant must make the vehicle available to the Respondent for inspection and receive a report on repairs by 31 May 2019.
  • The Respondent must repair the defects to manufacturer specifications by 30 June 2019.