1 reviews | Active since Dec 2016
SouthGate Wheels - ***** Car Dealer
I bought a car from SouthGate Wheels (SGW). I asked if the car had been in an accident, and the salesman claimed that it had not as far as he is aware. After buying the car I had some issues with SGW indicating that they are not to be trusted. When I decided to trade in the car, a Salesman from Hyundai did a visual inspection and pointed out the extensive body work that was done on the car. He said that it was very likely that the car rolled. I have demanded to return the car and get my money back, because SGW didn't disclose that the car had been in an accident which should have been obvious to an experienced salesman. Some of their contradictions that leads me to not trust them: 1. They claim they're a Wholesaler which entitles them to sell cars without being responsible for any faults, and it also means that the Consumer Act does not apply to them. What they don't tell you is that a Wholesaler is not allowed to sell cars to the general public unless they sell the car at auction. They behave like a normal dealer, they place adds on Autotrader and their website does not indicate that they are a wholesaler either . The only place where this is indicated is in the small print on their invoice. 2. My car came with the interior light not working and I asked for this to be fixed. The salesman promised that this would be done, but it was never done. 3. The car was sold to me without a spare wheel. When I queried this with the salesman he said that they don't have to give me a spare wheel because they are a wholesaler. After escalating this to the manager, he said that the salesman is mistaken and they cannot sell a car without a spare wheel, and they organized me a spare wheel. However, when I took my car for a roadworthy test, the inspector pointed out that my spare wheel was cracked and not usable. 4. I was expecting the license and registration to be included in the R3900 admin fee that I was charged, but it's not. When I told the manager that I assumed it included license and registration, he explained that other car dealers would charge around R20,000 for this. Not true, I enquired at 3 dealers who charge between 3k and 5k for "on the road fee" which includes all license and registration, roadworthy and quality or 125 point check with no additional charge for "admin". So this "admin" fee that SouthGate Wheels charges looks very suspicious. 5. Their website advertises "Quality Assured for peace of mind buying", yet they take no responsibility for faults and sell unroadworthy cars claiming that they can because they're a wholesaler. A big contradiction don't you think?
SouthGate Wheels is an ********* and they hide behind the fact that they are a wholesaler, but acts like a normal dealer when it suits them to get the sale, preying on the good and trusting nature of their customers.
If you are not intending to buy a fixer upper - DONT't buy from them!
There is always 2 sides to every story hence its difficult to respond to the allegations because they are so far fetched but i will try my best to respond. It is the dealer's responsibility to disclose all information both verbal and writing both before and at the time of selling. We have clearly stated both verbally and in writing that the vehicle was involved in a major car accident. The client was well aware of this and signed an agreement stating the above.. It is not possible for Southgate Wheels or any car dealer to have a licence and registration fee of R 20 000.00 which is equivalent of buying another car. We told her the amount for registration is R2000.00 . Had the client made us aware she had a problem with the spare tyre we would have been more than happy to replace it. The client conviniently left out the vehicle she traded in , the engine was smoking and on its way out.
There is always 2 sides to every story hence its difficult to respond to the allegations because they are so far fetched but i will try my best to respond. It is the dealer's responsibility to disclose all information both verbal and writing both before and at the time of selling. We have clearly stated both verbally and in writing that the vehicle was involved in a major car accident. The client was well aware of this and signed an agreement stating the above.. It is not possible for Southgate Wheels or any car dealer to have a licence and registration fee of R 20 000.00 which is equivalent of buying another car. We told her the amount for registration is R2000.00 . Had the client made us aware she had a problem with the spare tyre we would have been more than happy to replace it. The client conviniently left out the vehicle she traded in , the engine was smoking and on its way out.