ADVERTISING
If you're shopping for a car, it is almost certain
that a car advertisement with the small print “terms
and conditions apply” will have caught your attention.
We investigated these advertisements in detail in our
April 2005 issue, and found that advertisers are simply
not interested in telling the whole story, but simply
in getting you to visit their showroom at the very least.
According to the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority),
this is not allowed, and consumers have every right
to complain. However, despite the publishing of that
article, the use of these tactics has continued, and
we feel the need to warn you about the following:
- Many ads carry the line “from as little
as Rx xxx per month”. Usually this means either
a residual/balloon payment deal (see section on
financing) applies, or the monthly payment only
applies for a few months, before it increases…
dramatically.
- Do not regard the picture of the car on offer
as being accurate. Advertisers frequently place
their flagship models in the advert, only for the
consumer to find out later that the deal actually
applies to a lower model, which doesn't have alloy
wheels, or air-con, or a radio, etc.
- Some of the deals promising low monthly instalments
actually require a deposit bigger than the usual
10 per cent.
- Some deals have certain conditions – such
as an annual mileage limit, or a stipulation that
you must finance through the dealer's in-house financing
service.
- Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it
usually is. Phone the dealer first and get all the
facts.
If you encounter advertising that you regard as
misleading, inform the ASA at 011 7812006 or
visit www.asasa.org.za
where you can register an on-line complaint.
|
