1 reviews | Active since Nov 2018
Poor salesmanship
On 20th Feb 2021, I became the proud owner of a new VW Polo TSi, from the Bidvest McCarthy VW Durban. My sales agent Dale Beyers, walked me through my vehicle, stating all the new accessories i now will have to get use to. On day of collection, the inside of the bonnet was not sprayed evenly. It didnt look brand new. This was pointed out immediately to Dale, who told us, it was the data dot inscription. I requested we compare to other vehicles and we didnt see a consistency & realized it was a flaw in the vehicle. Dale said he will ensured it will be rectified. On 22nd Feb, i reported via email to Dale that the cruise control was not working on the vehicle. Dale then called me to ask how i was using it. & he said the say i explained to him, was incorrect and i should try to press & hold. I then tried again when I got the chance for a long drive and it still did not hold. On 1st March, I reported again to Dale, it still did not work. He then advised I take it to my nearest dealership. This was Strydom park VW. After their inspection, I was advised the vehicle did not have cruise control. I then sent an email to Dale on 25th of March after collecting my vehicle from Strydom Park, stating my disappointment & that it was not what I agreed to. Dale said he would speak to his manager & get back to me. By 29th March, there was no response from Dale. I had to send a follow up email to enquire what was going on. He then responded to say he had reported the matter to VWSA & was awaiting feedback. On 6th April, again, no feedback since received & i had to follow up with Dale yet again. On 7th April, Dale had copied me in on an email to Aleisa Thotharam, who was to provide feedback to me regarding the cruise control. The next time I got any response was on 12th April, from Alesia Thotharam, to Yazeed Sataar, who works at Strydom park VW. Stating that i am to take my car in to have the cruise control fitted in, under warranty claim. I was not pleased with this arrangement and declined they interfere with the wiring of a brand new vehicle, and under a warranty claim. The service manager Prunella Naidoo, then added the following to Alesia " The vehicle build is with the convenience package- cruise control & front armrest. The log needs to validate the cruise control is not fitted & claimed under warranty". This further threw me off this entire deal that was being offered, to cover up a salesman's oversite. On 3rd May, I called the dealership to speak to the dealer principle. The receptionist said I must follow the correct chain of command & should speak to the sales manager Calvin Kistiah. After expressing my grievances & the lack of customer service from Dale, he suggested a telecon once Dale was back in office. My first telecon with the above parties, Dale & Calvin, was on 4th May. After a lengthy discussion, Dale had stated, he did not agree to a cruise control on the vehicle at all & that it was not a requirement from my side. He also denied I ever requested it before pick up, even though we did have telephone conversations about this. I was not satisfied with this & requested i forward emails as proof, to Calvin, about communications with Dale, on 22nd Feb & 1st March. I also requested for Shawn Stevens, the dealer principle be part of the next telecon. Calvin said Shawn was not available. I said i would wait until he has an available time. However, Dale and Calvin proceeded to call me without Shawn, today, 5th May. After me challenging Dale about his actions, and him continuing to deny he ever mentioned cruise control, even in the handover on 20th Feb, I was now convinced more than ever that he is not fit or worthy to be a VW salesman. Calvin, his manager, also, had no grounds to defend Dale. Calvin, then offered me a vehicle that he had on his floor, out of good faith, and asked if I was willing to exchange my current vehicle for a blue TSi R Line exterior but no interior R Line kit. It was not the right color or spec but it had cruise control. I said i wanted the R Line interior & he said i would have to wait 3 to 4 months, I said that's fine, & he said but the vehicle would be higher in price by then. I understand Calvin did all he could. But it was not to my expectation. I have now contacted Mr Shawn Stevens myself, via email, and will await feedback from him. My experience overall has costed me time, effort & money to go back & forth, doing the job of customer care for VW, rather than receiving it. This may surely be the last I deal with any Bidvest VW.
