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Cape Town - The hotly debated draft code of conduct for the South African auto industry has once again brought into the spotlight the issue of original car parts.
Director of Right to Repair SA (R2RSA), Les Mc Master: "The reality is that probably 99% of the parts required for repairs (excluding accident repairs) and maintenance are manufactured by a great number of Original Equipment Suppliers (OES) like Bosch, Mahle, GUD etc.
"Consumers need to know that OEMs buy these same parts off the assembly line, by commission, and sell them to the aftermarket repackaged with their logo on them."
READ: 'Don’t be duped by the car parts deception' - Right2Repair SA
What are your thoughts on car parts in SA? What do you think of the proposed industry code of conduct? Email us
Layton Beard, spokesperson for the AA, says: "The competition commission is looking into the consumer’s right to repair and the Automobile Association believes that anything that eventually benefits the consumer is good for the industry as a whole. The change is good for transformation and if properly managed will create opportunities for smaller operators that currently do not have the financial backing to compete in the market."
Beard says: "With regards to car parts, we agree with the R2RSA to an extent that it's true. Just because parts are cheap, doesn't mean they're inferior.
"But by that same token, just because its cheap doesn’t mean it’s not inferior. Our advice will always be that consumers need to be aware what they are buying and from whom.
"The bottom line is, they need to do their homework.
"You may find a technician working from a small workshop, using aftermarket parts, and may have been working for one of the OEMS for many years. Such a technician will probably understand how quality and price may or may not offset one another and be able to offer educated advice. That's a win...but, you have to find out first."
Important questions to ask
The AA advises that motorists check their warranty especially the fine print; Will using a small operator affect your service plan? What is left of your warranty or indeed an extended warranty that may only kick in months later?
The AA said: "It is important that a consumer understand their situation, is the car under warranty? Is the provider properly accredited by an industry quality assurance body? How old is the car and what work is being done? There is a significant difference between a minor service and a major repair that could have safety implications. Again, do your homework and assess your risk carefully."
Beard says there are many avenues available online including the AA website, so check your listings, always ask around as word of mouth is the best form of advice. Finally if you walk into a workshop and you do not feel comfortable, leave and continue searching.
Cheapest cars to service and maintain
The 2017 Kinsey report has been released, listing the cheapest vehicles in their respective classes to service or repair in South Africa.
Here are the cheapest cars to maintain and repair in SA:
1. Datsun Go 1.2 Lux
2. VW Polo Vivo 1.4 Conceptline
3. Hyundai i10 1.1 Motion
4. Ford Figo 1.5 Trend
5. Toyota Etios 1.5 XS
6. Honda Brio 1.2 Comfort
7. Renault Kwid 1.0 Expression
8. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
9. Tata Bolt 1.2T XT
10. Volkswagen Move UP 1.0
Superminis:
1. VW Polo 1.2 TSi Comfortline
2. Renault Sandero 66kW Expression
3. Renault Clio 66kW Expression
4. Ford Fiesta 1.0T Trend
5. Kia Rio 1.4
Family Favourites:
1.Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6
2. Toyota Corolla 1.6 Prestige
3. Nissan Almera 1.5 Acenta
4. Mazda3 1.6 Dynamic
5. Honda Jazz 1.5 Elegance
6. Ford Focus 1.5T Trend
7. Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Executive
8. Volkswagen Golf GTI
Compact Crossover:
1. Mahindra KUV100 K8
2. Peugeot 2008 D Active
3. Ford Ecosport 1.0T Trend
4. Mazda CX3 2.0 Active
5. Renault Duster 1.6 Dynamique
6. Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive
SUV/Crossovers:
1. Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD
2. Toyota RAV4 GXC VT
3. Ford Kuga 1.5 T Trend
4. Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium
5. Nissan X-Trail 1.6 dCi XE
6. Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi EX
7. Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS
8. Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort
Executive SUVs:
1. Toyota Prado 3.0DT VX
2. Volvo XC90 D4 Momentum
3. Range Rover Evoque Td4 SE
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Laredo
5. Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro
6. BMW X5 xDrive 25d
7. VW Touareg TDI V6 Luxury
8. Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d
Double Cabs:
1. Toyota Hilux 2.8GD
2. Nissan Navara 2.3dCi LE
3. Isuzu KB300 D-Teq LX
4. Ford Ranger 2.2 Highrider XL
5. GWM Steed 6 2.0 VGT Xscape
Single Cabs:
1. Nissan NP 200 1.6i
2. Nissan 300 2.0
3. Toyota Hilux 2.4GD
4. Isuzu KB250
5. Mahindra Scorpio 2.2 Pik-Up
6. Ford Ranger 2.2 D Hi-Rider
7. Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI
Executive sedans:
1. Volvo S60 T4 Momentum
2. BMW 320i
3. Jaguar XE 2.0 D Prestige
4. Audi A4 2.0 TFSi
5. Mercedes-Benz C200
