South African car shoppers should be able to identify the vehicle being offered, understand the real price and leave with a complete sales record. Draft guidance published by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) on 23 September 2026 puts those basics under a fresh spotlight — and gives the public until 31 October 2026 to comment.
The document is draft guidance covering product descriptions, labelling, sales records and price disclosure across consumer goods and services. It is not a new vehicle-specific regulation. For motorists, however, it is a timely reminder to slow down before responding to a tempting car advert and check exactly what is being promised.
Information checked: 24 September 2026. This article provides general consumer information, not legal advice.
The draft says suppliers should provide accurate, understandable information about the nature, quality, performance, characteristics and benefits of goods or services. It also addresses visible pricing, disclosure of additional charges and the information that should appear on a sales record or invoice.
For a vehicle buyer, the practical question is simple: does the advert, quote and eventual paperwork describe the same car and the same deal?
Confirm the model year, make, model, derivative, transmission, fuel type, mileage and advertised condition. Equipment can differ significantly between derivatives that look almost identical. Treat phrases such as “full house”, “top spec” or “like new” as prompts to verify features — not as technical specifications.
Before signing, match the vehicle identification number on the physical car to the offer-to-purchase and supporting documents. Do not post a VIN publicly on social media.
A low monthly figure is not the same thing as the vehicle’s selling price. Ask whether the advert shows a cash price, an estimated finance instalment or a promotional payment. If finance is involved, request the deposit, interest rate, term, balloon or residual, fees and estimated total cost before deciding affordability.
If you are preparing to apply, Motordeal Premium’s vehicle-finance page explains the starting point. Finance remains subject to affordability checks and lender approval.
Clarify whether the quoted figure includes VAT where applicable and whether administration, documentation, delivery, licensing, registration, tracking devices, warranty products or other extras are additional. Optional products should be clearly identified as optional. Never assume an “on-the-road” amount from the headline number alone.
Save the advert or listing as it appeared when you enquired, including the date. Then compare it line by line with the written quote and agreement. Check the vehicle description, price, promised accessories, warranty wording, defects disclosed to you, delivery date and any conditions attached to the offer.
If something material changes, pause and ask for a corrected document before signing. Verbal assurances are harder to prove later.
The NCC draft lists core sales-record information including the supplier’s name and address, transaction date, description of the goods or services, price information, applicable tax and the total amount paid. For a car purchase, make sure the paperwork also identifies the actual vehicle clearly enough to avoid confusion.
Keep the invoice, offer to purchase, finance agreement, proof of payment, warranty documents, inspection reports and correspondence together. These records matter if a dispute develops.
Ask for evidence behind claims such as service history, remaining manufacturer warranty, recently replaced tyres, spare keys or accident-free status. Arrange an appropriate inspection and road test. A clean-looking advert cannot confirm mechanical condition, ownership history or hidden repairs.
Browse the Motordeal Premium showroom to compare current vehicles and their listed specifications. If you want to replace your present car, request a documented valuation through the trade-in page.
If the price or description differs from what was advertised, ask the supplier to explain and correct it in writing. Do not pay a deposit merely because you feel rushed. If a consumer dispute cannot be resolved directly, the NCC provides an online complaints process and asks consumers to include proof of purchase, dates, communication and the steps already taken with the supplier.
For practical buyer reminders and new-stock walkarounds, follow @motordeal_premium and @motordealpremium on Instagram, or join the Motordeal Premium Facebook community.
A trustworthy sales process should make it easy to understand which vehicle is for sale, what it costs, what is included and what documents the buyer will receive. Clear advertising is not only a compliance issue; it reduces disputes and helps buyers compare offers fairly.
Shoppers should still do their own due diligence. A clear advert is the beginning of the buying process, not a substitute for inspection, finance checks and careful reading of the agreement.
The NCC’s media statement says written comments on the draft guidelines should be submitted by 31 October 2026. The official NCC page and draft PDF provide the submission details. Consumers, dealers and industry bodies should read the source document before commenting.
No. The cash selling price and the total cost of a credit agreement are different concepts. A finance offer can depend on the deposit, interest rate, term, balloon and fees. Ask for both the vehicle price and the complete credit quotation.
Only after you have confirmed who is receiving the money, which vehicle is being reserved, the amount, the conditions and whether the deposit is refundable. Get those terms in writing and use a traceable payment method.
Keep the dated advert, messages, quote, offer to purchase, invoice, proof of payment, finance agreement, inspection documents, warranty information and any written promises. The NCC asks complainants to provide transaction details and evidence of attempts to resolve the matter.
Use the contact page and identify the vehicle you are asking about. You can also follow the dealership on Instagram and Facebook for current updates.
Featured media: original Motordeal Premium Editorial Desk graphic.
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