Tracking device on a second hand car

[hyperian]

I recently bought a second hand car that has an existing tracking device (with matrix). There is still close on two years remaining on the contract, and I told the seller that I didn't want to continue with it, to which they agreed. The seller is now having trouble cancelling it.

Is this my problem in any way? The tracker contract is still in the seller's name. They can't shut down my car remotely if the seller does a runner and doesn't pay the subscription, can they?

 

[Mantis]

I would assume they'd just hound the previous owner for payment

 

[MFour]

Not your problem, you don't have a contract with the company, and it is impossible for a car to have a contract, so it's tied to the original owner. I had something similar with a burglar alarm contract, which left me paying off a years subs because the new owners did not wish to continue with the contract when they bought the house.

It is up to the original owner whether he/she would be willing to sell the car without you taking up the contract, but you have no obligation.

 

[davemc]

I think that the device actually still belongs to the tracking company.

 

[MFour]

I think that the device actually still belongs to the tracking company.

You make a good point, best the OP checks out any implications regarding that.

 

[Voicy]

I think that the device actually still belongs to the tracking company.

You make a good point, best the OP checks out any implications regarding that.

Nope, you pay R2k or so to install the unit. I canceled my tracker subs and the unit is still in my car. I just don't know where.

 

[Fazda]

If Matrix contacts you, suggest that they have a look at the new Consumer Protection Act. They actually cannot hold the previous owner or yourself liable for anything. If owner one sells the car, he can offer to have the system removed and returned t Matrix, but Matrix cannot insist that anyone pays for it any more.

 

[hyperian]

Interesting responses, thanks everyone.

If Matrix contacts you, suggest that they have a look at the new Consumer Protection Act. They actually cannot hold the previous owner or yourself liable for anything. If owner one sells the car, he can offer to have the system removed and returned t Matrix, but Matrix cannot insist that anyone pays for it any more.

I'll tell the owner about that, ask them to investigate.

 

[Mantis]

If Matrix contacts you, suggest that they have a look at the new Consumer Protection Act. They actually cannot hold the previous owner or yourself liable for anything. If owner one sells the car, he can offer to have the system removed and returned t Matrix, but Matrix cannot insist that anyone pays for it any more.

new CPA has been delayed til April 20111 AFAIK

 

[Brawler]

Nope, you pay R2k or so to install the unit. I canceled my tracker subs and the unit is still in my car. I just don't know where.

they install trackers for free and then bind you to a 36month contract to pay for it, i guess this is what happened in the OP.

 

[hyperian]

they install trackers for free and then bind you to a 36month contract to pay for it, i guess this is what happened in the OP.

That's correct. Although as the others have said, I have no responsibility in continuing the repayments as I did not sign the contract.

 

[Fazda]

I know that the Consumer Protection act isn't final until April 2011, but guaranteed if you mention the fact to Matrix, plus a gentle hint that this is going to be splashed over Hello Peter and a few internet sites, they will do the correct thing. They are going to have to drop the whole story in April any way...