Woman sues dealership for R400,000 after Mercedes-Benz was returned in worse condition

A woman in South Africa has launched a legal dispute over her Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d, which she claims became worse after being repaired by a dealership. In April 2019, the vehicle broke down on Lydenburg Road in Mpumalanga and was taken to Garden City Motors for repairs. Upon inspection, the woman believed the condition of her car had deteriorated further.

She sought expert opinion, which corroborated her concerns, and subsequently sued the dealership for R400,000 in damages. The case was heard in the Mbombela Regional Court in 2020, but was delayed due to the dealership's desire to consult before proceeding with the cross-examination of her expert. The expert, now residing in Germany, was unable to attend in person due to the lengthy delay.

Permission was granted for the expert to testify via an audiovisual link in September 2025, leading the dealership to appeal the decision. The appeal court found the magistrate's decision to allow audiovisual testimony was interlocutory and not a final judgment. It also ruled that the company had not proven irreparable harm would occur if the appeal were only heard after the trial's completion. The appeal was dismissed, and the dealership was ordered to cover the costs of the appeal.