Court Slams TVS/Renault Co to Pay Rs 8.64 Lac to Client on Faulty ‘Renault Duster’
Consumer Court Slams local dealer TVS Sundaram Iyengar and Sons Ltd-Renault Mangalore-Kotteara Chowki, Mangalore; and Renault India Pvt Ltd, Regional Office, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, to Pay Rs 8.64 Lakh to Client on Faulty 2014 ‘Renault Duster’ car.
“I am advocate Ismail Sunnal– I have won the consumer case against Renault Duster for providing faulty car. Advocate Deenanath Rai has fought the case for me, in which the Consumer Court has ordered the company to pay Rs 11 lakh compensation with interest. The Court order copy is forwarded to you, so you can incorporate along with the report.”
I had bought 2014 Renault Duster car from the local authorized dealer on 26 February 2014 paying Rs 8 Lakh 65 Thousand {Total with tax etc: Rs 10 Lakh 58 thousand} and within 19,000 km, the entire radiator assembly collapsed inside the bonnet, making a big noise while I was driving. I called the dealer service department, who asked me to bring the car to their service department. Once I got there, the crew at the service department were very reluctant to admit the car fault, instead were trying to blame me of my negligence driving, and also on the rough road conditions, which is far from the truth. Instead of fixing the faulty radiator, the mechanics tied the radiator with a rope- and even now I am driving the car in the same condition.”
“What surprised me is that instead of fixing the disabled Radiator, the car representatives at the Renault showroom advised me that I should crash my car into a wall so that it would be easy for them to compensate on the issue related to the radiator. I was very much confused as to how can someone tell me to do something illegal. I didn’t agree for their advice, and I was not going to do it either- and also that chances are that they may blame me for reckless driving, and I will have to bear all the hassles later”.
“On reaching 32,000 km, once again my car gave trouble, and this time, it was the shock absorber, for which I kept the car in the service department for 12 days, but nothing was done. Fed up with all these inconveniences that I had to face due to this faulty vehicle, I filed a case in the Consumer Court in April 2015. After a long battle of nearly three years, I am happy that the Court gave the order favoring me, and asking the car dealer and the manufacturer to pay me the compensation of Rs 8.64 lakhs within the next 30 days – Ismail’S communication with Team Mangalorean {Read More for complete story}
Mangaluru: Before going further into the detailed story of this incident, I would like to bring to the notice of our readers, few things that they should know before buying a vehicle- for the fact that you ‘CAN’T TRUST a CAR DEALER when you BUY a CAR?’- When you have firmed up plans for buying a car, be extra cautious of the hidden charges which the dealer may hide from you at the time of booking. Buying a car may be one of those few moments which you cherish lifelong. Most middle-class families book a car on auspicious occasions and even invite family and friends when they get the delivery of the car. But, there may be instances where car buyers may have got cheated and would not even have come to know about it.
If you are looking to buy a car, it is very crucial to understand the minutest detail related to the purchase. Car showrooms are packed during festive seasons and offer fabulous deals, but there is always a catch?. In a hurry, most of us may not be paying attention to pre-delivery inspection. One must keep in mind to check the car in sufficient light, preferably during the day so that you don’t oversee any defect. Car dealers may offer a steep discount on an older version of the car you choose, especially in the first quarter of the financial year when dealers are desperate to clear older inventory.
Hence, do not forget to check Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which has details about the manufacturing year of the car. Also, VIN can be generally found marked in the engine bay. Do ask the dealer for the ‘Form’ which provides minute details you would want to know about the car you are buying. Do your paperwork thoroughly-Buying a car is a big decision and therefore should not be done in haste. Double check documents like VAT Invoice, registration certificate (RC) or temporary registration certificate.
Also confirm whether your name, engine number, chassis number and vehicle number are mentioned correctly. Ask questions pertaining to extra charges or steep calculations, if any. Don’t forget to ask for an insurance certificate, original PUC certificate, user manual and original warranty cards for components like battery, stereo and tyres. Generally, a lot of accessories come along with the new car, hence do not take it for granted that these ad-ons are in working condition. Music system is one of the important accessories, so check it properly using a USB device, AUX and CD. Also check the working of features like the central lock, parking sensors etc.
Also, check the engine oil level-If the levels in them are low, it can damage your car. Make sure that you get a spare wheel which is fully functional. Check for the tools too. The battery is very important, make sure it is in good condition. Also, ask for the warranty card. Once again make sure that you get all these accessories. Be careful about “Hidden charges”-Scrutinise your bills and make sure that everything matches. There are always some incremental charges that may spoil your mood. For clarity on it, do visit the RTO (regional transport office) website to understand the calculation of the taxes and insurance premium.
A picture says a thousand words. Always remember to capture the moments when you first buy your car. It will also help you keep a record that in what condition you purchased your car. If some fault appears and dealer denies anything, the same will only make your claim stronger. Hence, one should always keep this ready reckoner in mind while purchasing a car. It will not only save time but will also help you strike the best deal! Now going further into the real story, where a car customer has won the case, with the Consumer Court ordering the local car dealer and Renault Car Company to pay a compensation of Rs 8.64 lakhs on a Faulty 2104 Renault Duster Car.
Ismail Sunnal, residing in Pandeshwar, Mangaluru, a Advocate by profession with his office on Nellikai Road-Mangaluru speaking to Team Mangalorean narrated about his ordeal with the car dealer for the last couple of years, when the 2014 Renault Duster car that he had bought gave a lot of trouble, and even though the car was still under the warranty, the local car dealer associates were very much reluctant in giving a fair deal and settling his complaint in good faith and good terms- Instead they kept on creating more hassles and put Ismail into a state of inconvenience while driving his car. Unable to bear all the hassles and arguments with the local car dealer personnel, Ismail approached the Consumer Court and won the legal battle successfully, and he is overwhelmed with the Court order.
“What surprised me is that instead of fixing the disabled Radiator, the car representatives at the Renault showroom advised me that I should crash my car into a wall so that it would be easy for them to compensate on the issue related to the radiator. I was very much confused as to how can someone tell me to do something illegal. I didn’t agree for their advice, and I was not going to do it either- and also that chances are that they may blame me for reckless driving, and I will have to bear all the hassles later”.
“On reaching 32,000 km, once again my car gave trouble, and this time, it was the shock absorber, for which I kept the car in the service department for 12 days, but nothing was done. Fed up with all these inconveniences that I had to face due to this faulty vehicle, I filed a case in the Consumer Court in April 2105. After a long battle of nearly three years, I am happy that the Court gave the order favoring me, and asking the car dealer and the manufacturer to pay me the compensation of Rs 8.64 lakhs within the next 30 days. If they are unwilling to pay the amount by the said deadline, they will be liable to pay the interest further.”
Ismail also had problems with the brake shoes of his car within six months after purchase, where he had to shell out Rs 3000 to fix them. He also mentioned that since there was no proper beading on all the four doors of the ‘Duster’, rainwater and road dust was entering the inner portion of the car. Having all these problems faced related to his faulty car, no associates of the local car dealer were courteous or helpful in solving the car problems, which were not HIS but of the MANUFACTURING CAR COMPANY. Period! Now after the Court had issued the order to pay the compensation, Ismail says that the Car dealer had called him to bring his car and that they will do the needful, but Ismail has declined their offer.
In conclusion, it’s nice to note that in a litigation lasting nearly three years, where the judges heard several versions of the customer, local Renault Dealer and the company, the Consumer Court came down heavily on this car dealer and the car manufacturer by slapping a hefty compensation of Rs 8.64 lakh, which should teach these car dealers and car manufacturers, that they can’t fool all the customers all the time- because there will be some customers like Ismail who will take them to court for their behaviour/act.
Nice to note that the court noted that it is unfair on the part of the company and dealer to blame a customer for problems in the car, which they ultimately failed to prove. This report should bring awareness among all the Car buyers that in case your vehicle conks or gives mechanical trouble, and if the dealer or company is reluctant to oblige your complaints to rectify the issues, your BEST OPTION is to approach the CONSUMER COURT, and get the JUSTICE you deserve! Until then have a pleasant and safe driving in your vehicle?
ALSO READ THE COURT ORDER DETAILS BELOW:
