Buying a vhecile

<p>You would think that when you want to buy a previously owned Toyota that Automark is the logical choice. Well that is at least was I thought – but was I wrong! I recently purchased a Toyota Prado from Toyota Automark Somerset Wes and here is my experience /story.</p> <p><br />In early November 2016 Automark advertised a Toyota Prado in which I was interested. I contacted the dealership (Toyota Automark Somerset Wes) and they rep**** that is was still available. I then immediately contacted my bank and arrange finance.</p> <p><br />Hiccup 1 : (Finance) <br />I contacted the dealership to say I’m taking the vehicle and have already arrange finance for it. The Salesmen then rep**** that I have to take finance through them otherwise they won’t release the vehicle until my bank has paid them out. I confronted them on how this is going to work because I got finance from one of the leading banks in SA, do they not trust them . That apparently is Automark Somerset West ‘s Policy. I then contacted my bank and told them the story - they told me that is just an tack tic that the dealerships uses to scare you into using their people to apply for finance so that they would make the commission. I would also not achieve the interest rate if we would go that route.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hiccup 2: (The Deposit)<br />After signing the “Offer to Purchase” , the car was made ready for me and me and my daughter (7years) flew down to Cape Town to go and get the car (This was a Friday as I had to take a day leave from work and new getting back would take a couple of days). The Salesman picked us up from the Airport and took as to the dealership. I signed all the documents and now the only thing left was to pay the deposit and we were done. I then proceeded to the salesman’s computer, he was standing right next to me while I was transferring the money(80K), and printed out the proof of payment. It then came to light that is was not an immediate bank transfer so they cannot release the car! This is one of their policies and that just how it is ! You can understand now my frustration – I did the transfer on the Salesman computer while’s he was standing right next to me. I felt like I was now hold ransom by the dealership – what must I do – no transport, a kid of 7 years old, no place to stay etc. as the money would only show in their bank account the next day. The dealership just stood there doing nothing – offering nothing at all.<br />Anyway after contacting my bank etc., I managed to find another 80K which I then transferred again to the dealership – this time an immediate transfer. The head of Automark promised me that tomorrow morning (Sat 9:00AM ) he would then arranged that my first 80K be transferred back to me. I said it was fine and we were on our way.</p> <p><br />We were back in Pta (Centurion) the next morning driving all the way from Cape Town to Pretoria – pretty tired. 9AM there was nothing, I then contacted the dealership just to find out that this person (Head of Automark) was not even at work that day !!! I immediately start to Google and found his cell number – I contacted him and with great discuss / rudeness he told me that my money was not in their bank account and he cannot transfer my money to me. This made very upset – I contacted my bank which told me my monies was definitely transferred successfully to them. I then continued to Google and then found the name of the Dealer Principal. I then contacted him explaining my whole experience at the dealership, he said he was aware of it but asked if can he investigate and contact me back in 10min. After about 5min he phoned me back and said he just spoke to the (Head of Automark) and he now acknowledge that my money was in their bank account – this is now the same person who told me it was not ??????. The Dealer Principal then also told me – there is no one who could transfer the money back to me I must wait till Monday ?? These are the people who hold me ransom for my monies on the Friday – but came their turn , 2 days later is fine???</p> <p> </p> <p>Hiccup 3: (Number Plates)<br />I the deal there was about 4K for on the road fees (which include licensing, registration, number plates etc.). The number plates were dropped off a week later. I then contacted them say it does not fit. Another week later 2nd hand holders were dropped off at my house with a couple of pop rivets ?? What now ? I had to go to a fitment center which installed NEW holders and my number plates – R300 and 30 min later.</p> <p>Hiccup 4: (Brakes and Rattles)<br />The brakes of the vehicle was vibrating – I contacted the Dealership, they said that they were aware of it but it was send to their workshop to be repaired. They would get back to me on this -- still waiting. I thought every vehicle was supposed to be thoroughly checked before classified / sold as an Automark vehicle ?</p> <p>The positive<br />I took it to the Centurion dealership – The fixed everything (Back door, rear seats, loose petrol cap, loose bumper, brakes) - THANK YOU SO MUCH. Here I was treated with respect and felt like a customer for the first time ! I must also mention that Automark Somerset West did pick up the bill for the repairs.</p> <p><br />Thank you for reading this. I did not enclose any names in this statement as I was told time and time again that it is the processes and policies of the dealership / automark and not the people who is responsible for my experience? Just made me think / realize buying a vehicle - the product is way more important than where you buy it !</p> <p><br />Wessel Steyn</p>