Car dealership Pasefika Motors has clarified its policy on warranties in response to a public complaint, saying they extend to issues only with engine and transmission issues. 

Buyers have the option of purchasing a one to three-month warranty along with each vehicle they buy from the outlet. But any problems unrelated to engine or transmission problems that might occur are not covered, Pasefika’s manager, Nomi Asfar, told the Samoa Observer.

The Observer made contact with Pasefika after a customer complained about the air conditioning in a Honda van purchased from the dealership more than three months ago.

The customer said the air conditioning failed three months after the van was purchased for $19,500 tala.

Pasefika offered no assistance in fixing the problem, the customer complained.

But the manager of the used-car outlet explained the issue was a simple misunderstanding over the terms of the warranty:

“When we sell a car, we mention on the invoice and we explain to our customers, we give them a warranty [for a car’s] engine and transmission, not the other parts. 

“So [if anything] happens in the three months regarding the engine and transmission, our company is responsible.

“But sometimes, we give to our customers. We have a workshop so we check it [the vehicle] and if a little problem, we fix, no charges. But if there is a big problem then we take the charges because we give them a warranty only for the engine and transmission.”

Customers have the option of buying a warranty along with their vehicle. The warranty covers engine and transmission problems for, at the minimum, a one-month period.

There is also a warranty that covers engine and transmission for three months.

But air conditioner units, Mr. Asfar said, are not covered in the warranty.

“So one month to three months, we provide a warranty. It depends on the deal with the customer,” said Asfar.

“No more than three months. Minimum, we provide a one-month warranty.”

He said when the company makes a deal with a customer, the customer usually asks for discounts. And to compensate for the discounts, the warranty on the vehicle is shortened.

“When we make a deal, they ask for more discounts and more discounts then we discuss with the customer or describe to the customer that it will decrease the time period of the warranty,” Mr. Asfar said.

“Because if we go down low [on the price of the vehicle] we decrease the warranty. If he says no, he cannot pay and he needs more discount, we tell the customer we [take it off the warranty].”

In case of air conditioning problems, customers have to find the necessary parts and  the dealership will handle the labour required for repairs, Mr. Asfar said. 

Pasefika, based in Vaigaga, has been operating in Samoa for 10 years.

In the past month, they have sold six cars.