Possible ***** by UTD Automark

Item: UTD Automark
Rating: 1

After about 2 weeks of searching and viewing many vehicles on the internet, my wife Charmaine decided on her birthday a few days ago, to settle for a vehicle advertised on OLX for R35 000 in Benoni, Johannesburg. (https://www.olx.co.za/ad/bmw-3-series-320-e46f-l-6speed-for-sale-ID1604rN.html#6ca845be3a) We made contact with a man called Menzi (071 ********** ) that is apparently the sales agent and gave him our intention to purchase this vehicle and that it will be a cash deal. Menzi informed us that a holding deposit of R15 000 should be paid to secure the vehicle and we can contact his “boss” Peter (011 ********** ) to get all the relevant information for the transfer. We were reluctant to pay over such an amount as it is known widely and by the site, not to pay any amount without finding out who and what the company is. After they send us and invoice on a company letterhead, we did however pay the deposit as it all seems good according to us. This all happened early morning on Thursday the 8th of September 2016. We discussed all with Menzi about the vehicle and that we will drive to Cape Town Airport (200km), then board a flight and will come to view the vehicle and then transfer the balance into their account as we did with the deposit. At first he agreed without any other demands. As we were eager to do the deal as quickly as possible, we booked a flight for Saturday (2 days later) and with Menzi as well as his manager Peter consent, to pick us up at the airport, view the vehicle at their premises, transfer the amount and then set of back home immediately. (a 1700km trip back home) But then things started to get difficult with Peter and he demanded that we have to transfer the balance at the latest on Friday so that his “bookkeepers” can verify the amount transferred. We told both of them that only after we viewed the vehicle, then we will transfer the money as we want to make sure it is real and not to lose a total of R35 000 for something that might not even exist. Things started suddenly to go from being excited to almost a “nightmare” situation!! Menzi confirmed that they are open on Saturday until 3pm and they need the transfer now. Again we told both of them no as we first want to view the vehicle. After about at least 40 phone calls, many sms and emails, both of them changed their stories back and forth with contradicting each other. We then made a compromise that we will bring the balance of R20 000 in cash, we will meet and then we can get the vehicle. Great - all happy, well - for the time being. Saturday morning we left our home at 5 am to travel the 2 hours to the airport with a friend’s car. (enough time as we have to board at 8:10 am) Before departing I made sure that all was in good working order with the vehicle and that included the spare wheel, jack, etc. About 110km from home, we travelled through the town of Malmesbury and at a very bad detour where the road agency is busy upgrading the road, the left hand back wheel deflated and we had to stop to change the tyre. Spare wheel out, jack in hand and loosen the wheel nuts, except one as it has a security nut on. We searched the entire vehicle, nothing. Phoned the owner and he said it has to be in the glove compartment or in the spare wheel bay. But still nothing. A good Samaritan stopped as he could see we had a bit of a “problem”. In short, we could not get the wheel nut loose with pliers or anything he had. We also could not asked the help of a garage or any other place as it was still only 6:30 am. This stranger then rushed back to his home in Malmesbury to find something else to help us. Even the road agencies people tried with no avail. The man returned about 30 minutes later with 3 different security wheel nut sockets and we all struggled for another 20 minutes and eventually we were on the road again at 7:25 am. I rushed to the airport as we were SERIOSULY late!! Checked in, through security and then to the boarding gate. But it was too late with only 1 minute!! I contacted Menzi but he did not answer. I got hold of Peter the “manager” and told him about us misfortune but he was as cold as ice and now demanded for a transfer and not the cash. He also told us that he will close shop at 1pm and not 3pm as we were told the previous day. Peter also informed us that if we were not at his premises before 1pm, he will close shop and will sell the car to the next customer without paying back our R15 000 deposit. With a phone call that lasted for an hour before he hang up in my ear, he told me that it was “not his fault” that we did not make it, which I agreed. Also why we doubt in his trust to first see the vehicle and not pay over the whole amount beforehand. Also that even if I fly up later the same day or even on Monday, that he will not pay back the deposit nor give me the vehicle. And this is my story and why I am writing this letter to inform all here not to do business with UTD AUTOMARK - they have a branch in Benoni, Randburg and in Durban. What do I expect from all this? Either they sell me the vehicle as they promised us in the beginning or at worse, pay back the deposit as both Menzi and his manager Peter confirmed via phone calls on the first day and also what they stated on their tax invoiced, mailed to me.

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