Customer Relations are NOT a priority

I am currently based in KZN and found an amazing car on Right Cars website. I spoke with the salesman Themba over a period of about 5 days, arranging for the vehicle of interest to be inspected at the dealership (of the car make) closest to Right Cars. As I am based in KZN, this was the best I could do in absence of viewing the vehicle myself. I arranged with the closest dealership for them to view the vehicle at my cost in order to determine if I should make the purchase. This normally indicates serious interest and in my many years of buying vehicles, has normally meant that I am given first priority. Meaning, the car is reserved until until a final decision is made. I would be happy to pay a “deposit fee” in order to reserve the vehicle that could be refunded if there are reasons for me to not purchase the vehicle. This was never asked of me and so, perhaps in today’s modern world naively so, I assumed I had first priority on the vehicle and that Tuesday 19th September, the vehicle would go for its inspection and then a final decision would be made. On Monday the 18th September, I received a message from Themba stating the vehicle had been sold and that no money had been paid so, no deal. This is not something I have ever experienced before and quite frankly has left me shocked, horrified and desperately saddened at how customer service and relations are a thing of the past.