We will try today to give you some practical guidelines on what to do when you have bought a “lemon!”

As a consumer forum and as consumers lawyers; we are often involved in cases where clients of ours have bought a defective motor vehicle and refer the matter to us for legal advice on their rights in these circumstances; and also sometimes to provide them with proper professional legal services to resolve and mediate the matter with the dealer or private seller.

Here are some of the common questions sent to us.

1. What do I do if I have purchased a defective or damaged motor vehicle from a  dealer?
2. How does the Common Law protect me when I have bought a defective vehicle privately?
3. How does the Consumer Protection Act No 68 of 2008 (CPA) protect me as I  bought a damaged and defective vehicle three months ago and the dealer it is not his problem?