NELSPRUIT – Given the warranty on certain cars, it is not necessary to buy new ones or back-up ones within a year of purchasing the car. This is according to a dealer in the city from whom the premier Mr David Mabuza’s office bought vehicles last year.
Mabuza has come under fire in the media for the money his office has spent on acquiring four new cars since 2011. His office has defended the move by claiming the one vehicle, a Range Rover SUV, experienced mechanical problems. It was traded in for a similar one, but an Audi A-8 was purchased as a backup car for when the Range Rover gave problems or had to be taken in for service.
The dealer explained that since new cars are under warranty it is unnecessary to replace them. “It is under warranty and has a service plan,” he said. “Saying the car gave mechanical problems is a silly excuse.”
Land Rovers have a warranty for five years or up to 100 000km, whichever occurs first. Lexus offers a four-year warranty or 100 000km on their cars.
Another dealer in the city, who wished to remain anonymous for professional reasons, explained the warranty meant the manufacturer was confident a car would not give problems within the specified time frame.
He said “mechanical problems” were sometimes caused by damage to the vehicle, like a rock, and would not necessarily be covered. Other dealerships in town were unable to provide the service plans for the vehicles Mabuza has admitted to buying.
The premier used a Lexus LS 460 from his predecessor until he bought a new one in 2011. Mabuza’s office claims this vehicle also ended up with mechanical problems and had accumulated huge mileage. Mabuza has also purchased a BMW X5 for his security detail.
