Untrustworthy and Disorganised – My Vehicle Was Withheld Without My Permission
Writing
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding my experience with 2 Cheap Cars, which has been consistently unsatisfactory, disorganised, and concerning.
I purchased a 2012 Suzuki Swift from the Glenfield branch on 1 February 2026. Shortly after purchase, I arranged a mechanical check, which identified water present in the spare tyre well. I raised this with the dealership, and while the salesperson was helpful and explained the likely cause, this issue was ultimately clarified and resolved.
However, I then began experiencing a separate and ongoing issue with the cambelt, which would intermittently emit a loud squealing noise—even after the vehicle had warmed up and during normal driving conditions. This is not typical behaviour for a vehicle with approximately 66,000 km.
I lodged a formal claim on 1 April 2026. After initially responding and requesting an odometer photo (which I provided promptly), communication ceased for approximately one week. I followed up myself and was then asked to provide a video recording of the issue while driving. I made it clear that this request was both unsafe and illegal, as the noise occurs unpredictably and cannot be safely recorded while operating the vehicle.
Given my personal circumstances, including limitations around travel distance, I requested reasonable alternatives: either that they arrange a local mechanic to assess the vehicle, or that they organise transport of the vehicle at their cost (an option they had previously offered). Instead, I was instructed to take the vehicle to another location, which was not practical.
During the week of 13 April, communication remained difficult and unhelpful. After I escalated the matter formally, the dealership agreed to collect the vehicle. Unfortunately, I was unwell with COVID at that time, and arrangements were adjusted so I could deliver the vehicle to the Glenfield branch on 22 April, with the understanding it would be collected first thing that morning.
Upon arrival, staff were unaware of the arrangement. There was confusion regarding both the vehicle collection and the courtesy car. I was then informed the vehicle would not be collected until midday, contrary to what had been agreed. Only after I raised further complaints was the vehicle collected promptly.
Throughout this process, I was initially told no courtesy vehicles were available, then later provided with one that is in poor condition—struggles to drive, has poor visibility due to dirty windows, lacks basic maintenance (such as washer fluid), and has an unpleasant odour. This is not an acceptable standard.
On 23 April, I was informed that the cambelt tension had been corrected and the belt itself was not damaged. Based on this, I reasonably expected my vehicle to be returned that same day. However, after repeated attempts to contact the dealership, I received no response until I escalated the matter again. I was then told the vehicle was ready but could not be delivered due to lack of transport—and that I would need to collect it myself, which was not the agreed arrangement.
Subsequently, I received conflicting information stating that further checks were being undertaken relating to the previously resolved water issue, and that my vehicle would not be returned until at least Sunday, 26 April—possibly later due to the ANZAC public holiday period. This would leave me without my vehicle for up to a full week.
At this stage, I am extremely concerned. I have received multiple conflicting explanations, experienced poor communication, and now find myself in a situation where my vehicle is being withheld without clear justification. The original claim relates solely to the cambelt issue, not the water concern, which had already been addressed.
The lack of transparency raises serious questions about whether:
the vehicle has been further damaged,
the repair has not been completed as stated, or
the delay is purely logistical and cost-related on their part.
Regardless, none of these scenarios justify withholding my vehicle without clear communication or consent.
I paid for this vehicle in full at the time of purchase, and I expect a reasonable standard of service, communication, and accountability. Instead, I have experienced ongoing delays, inconsistent information, and a complete lack of professionalism.
Based on my experience, I strongly advise others to reconsider using this dealership. The service has been unreliable, disorganised, and deeply frustrating, and the current situation—where my vehicle is not being returned to me—feels entirely unacceptable.








