Cancer survivor triumphs in tribunal case

EMMA Attwell’s long and painful journey has finally come to an end.

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After three years of fighting for justice, while simultaneously undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, the National Consumer Tribunal has ruled in her favour, ordering Wheeler Dealer Auto Sales CC to pay her R32,225.75 plus interest and legal costs for repairs to a defective vehicle they sold her.

Attwell’s ordeal began in March 2022 when she purchased an Opel Vivaro 1.9 from Wheeler Dealer. Within a week, she had to replace a faulty alternator. By June, she noticed an oil leak, which she hoped could be resolved during a routine service. At the time, she had relocated to her parents' home after being diagnosed with cancer in April.

She booked the vehicle for a service at ST Motors on July 26, 2022. Although she was told the leak was minor, the car lost power just 10 km later and had to be towed back. Attempts to obtain the full service history from Wheeler Dealer, owned by Nicholas Grobler, were unsuccessful, blocking her access to the warranty. A strip-and-quote conducted in October revealed a blown head gasket and a cracked engine block. ST Motors quoted R122,358.75 for repairs. Attwell moved the car to Car Services City, which confirmed the damage and issued a lower quote of R73,225.75. She applied the R40,000 warranty and requested Wheeler Dealer to cover the R32,225.75 shortfall. Her request was refused.