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A Cape Town Woman Left Without Her Car After a Repair Cost Dispute
When a breakdown turns into a battle
What started as a routine roadside emergency has become a drawn-out ordeal for Nolwandle Ntshiza, a Cape Town motorist who has been without her car for nearly two months. Her vehicle broke down unexpectedly in early November, prompting a call to Bosch Auto Services in Montague Gardens for advice.
She was told to tow the car to their workshop and agreed to an upfront diagnostic fee of R1,800, hoping for clarity and a manageable repair. Instead, the situation escalated into a dispute over costs, consent, and control of her own vehicle.
From diagnosis to silence
After the initial inspection, Ntshiza was informed that her car had a blown head gasket and that the engine components were sent to engineers for further assessment. Days passed with little feedback. When she followed up, she received reassurances that the job was progressing and that parts were being sourced.
For many South African motorists, this waiting game feels familiar. Workshops are busy, parts are delayed, and communication often falls through the cracks. In this case, the silence only added to Ntshiza’s growing anxiety.
The voice note that changed everything
The turning point came with a voice note from an engineer, forwarded to Ntshiza by a Bosch employee. In it, the engineer explained that a small component linked to the camshaft could potentially be welded, presenting a cheaper solution than replacing the entire cylinder head.
Relieved, Ntshiza asked for a quote based on this approach. What arrived instead was a bill of more than R25,000, including the supply of a new cylinder head and additional labour.
She immediately rejected the quote and made it clear she could not afford it. Her request was simple. Weld the part as discussed, do nothing extra, and get the car moving at the lowest possible cost.
Consent and cost collide
According to Ntshiza, that request was ignored. Bosch later told her the car had overheated and been fully stripped, meaning it could not simply be reassembled and driven away. She was advised to pay for the stripping and reassembly, then collect the car and take it elsewhere.
Ntshiza disputes this version of events. She maintains that she only approved the initial diagnostic work and never authorised further stripping or repairs linked to the rejected quote. From her perspective, being charged for work she did not consent to crosses a line.
Storage fees add pressure
As the standoff continued, Bosch informed her that daily storage fees of R200 would apply if the vehicle was not collected and the invoice was not settled. Nearly two months later, Ntshiza remains without her car and fears it could eventually be sold to recover costs she believes she does not owe.
On social media, similar stories have sparked heated debate, with motorists sharing experiences of surprise charges and unclear communication at workshops. Consumer frustration around repair transparency is a recurring theme in South Africa, especially when cars are essential for work and family life.
What Bosch says the next step should be
When contacted, a Bosch representative declined to comment in detail and advised Ntshiza to lodge a formal complaint with the Retail Motor Industry Organisation if she feels wronged.
The RMI exists to mediate disputes between consumers and accredited workshops, offering a structured process for resolving exactly these kinds of conflicts. For motorists, it is often the last resort when direct communication breaks down.
A bigger lesson for motorists
This dispute highlights a broader issue facing car owners across Cape Town and beyond. Clear written approval, itemised quotes, and constant communication are not just good practice. They are essential safeguards.
For Ntshiza, the experience has been exhausting and deeply personal. For others, it serves as a cautionary tale. When your car goes in for repairs, clarity can be just as important as the fix itself.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Magic 828
