1 reviews | Active since Aug 2015
Misrepresentation and Non Disclosure of engine replacement
I am compelled to share my extremely disappointing experience with WeBuyCars, particularly concerning the purchase of a vehicle that has proven to be fraught with undisclosed issues and an overall lack of accountability from the company.
The Initial Purchase: In my search for a reliable vehicle, I was assured by the sales lady at the WeBuyCars Port Elizabeth branch that I was purchasing a "Platinum A-rated" vehicle, which supposedly only needed new tyres. Trusting their assessment, I proceeded with the purchase, believing that I had made a sound investment.
Discovery of Undisclosed Engine Replacement: In the four months since purchase I have had two total breakdowns where my car has been unusable. I then discovered that the vehicle had undergone a significant engine replacement, a fact that was never disclosed to me during or after the sales process. This critical omission not only questions the integrity of the vehicle's "Platinum A-rated" status but also directly contradicts the assurances given to me at the point of sale. Not to mention, it is in violation of the CPA.
Recurring Vehicle Breakdowns: Each breakdown not only caused significant inconvenience but also raised serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safety, all while imposing an ongoing financial burden. Not to mention issues with my insurance since the engine replacement was completely undisclosed.
Lack of Support and Communication: Following these incidents, I reached out to WeBuyCars' Port Elizabeth branch and directly to their head office, seeking assistance and a resolution to the numerous issues. Unfortunately, my attempts to engage with the company have been met with frustrating delays and a lack of proactive communication. Most notably, the salesperson assigned to my case, Ansu, has been notably unhelpful, providing minimal updates and requiring constant follow-ups from my side.
No Response from Head Office: Despite my efforts to escalate the matter by contacting the head office last Friday, I have not received any form of acknowledgment or response. This silence from the head office is particularly alarming and reflects a concerning disregard for customer service and satisfaction.
Final Steps: Given the gravity of my situation and the inadequate response from WeBuyCars, I am left with no choice but to seek formal intervention. I am currently filing a complaint with the National Consumer Commission and considering further actions through the Ombutsman.
Conclusion: This experience has been nothing short of distressing. I advise potential buyers to approach WeBuyCars with extreme caution or consider alternative providers who value transparency and customer satisfaction. The lack of disclosure, poor vehicle condition, and the subsequent handling of my complaints reflect poorly on WeBuyCars' commitment to their customers.
I sincerely hope that this review prompts WeBuyCars to address these serious issues and improve their communication and service quality for future customers.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Our sincerest apologies for the negative experience you have had.
We are busy investigating the matter and will provide you with feedback as soon as possible.
Kind regards
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Our sincerest apologies for the negative experience you have had.
We are busy investigating the matter and will provide you with feedback as soon as possible.
Kind regards
Wesbank is now involved here and they are looking in to dissolving the credit agreement in light of the serious mis representation. Initially I would have been satisfied with a replacement vehicle since I do understand that things go wrong and I am not an unreasonable person, but since this case has been so poorly attended to I am now seeking a refund in full including additional costs incurred.
Consumers please take note that this is an option if you purchase a vehicle that has been mis represented under section 56 of the National Consumer Act.
Wesbank is now involved here and they are looking in to dissolving the credit agreement in light of the serious mis representation. Initially I would have been satisfied with a replacement vehicle since I do understand that things go wrong and I am not an unreasonable person, but since this case has been so poorly attended to I am now seeking a refund in full including additional costs incurred.
Consumers please take note that this is an option if you purchase a vehicle that has been mis represented under section 56 of the National Consumer Act.
Initially, I was informed that the branch did not have the authority to process a return or exchange and that this decision rested with head office. However, I have now been told that the branch has rejected my claim, contradicting their previous statements. This inconsistency raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
Now, I am being pressured to fetch the car after repairs have been made. Consumers should be aware that accepting a repaired vehicle could weaken their case if they are in the process of escalating a dispute. If you have an ongoing complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), you should not take possession of the vehicle until the matter is fully resolved. Doing so may be interpreted as acceptance of the dealership’s resolution, making it more difficult to pursue further recourse.
Under Section 56 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), consumers have the right to return a defective or misrepresented product within six months of purchase. A dealership cannot use an "as is" clause to override this right if there was non-disclosure of material defects or misleading information.
Webuycars’ handling of this matter raises serious concerns about how they manage consumer disputes and whether they are acting in compliance with the CPA. I urge consumers to exercise caution and be fully aware of their rights before purchasing a vehicle from this dealership. I will be providing further updates on the outcome. Since sharing my story with multiple close acquaintances over the last few weeks I have come to the realisation that this is not an isolated case in PE either.
Initially, I was informed that the branch did not have the authority to process a return or exchange and that this decision rested with head office. However, I have now been told that the branch has rejected my claim, contradicting their previous statements. This inconsistency raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
Now, I am being pressured to fetch the car after repairs have been made. Consumers should be aware that accepting a repaired vehicle could weaken their case if they are in the process of escalating a dispute. If you have an ongoing complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), you should not take possession of the vehicle until the matter is fully resolved. Doing so may be interpreted as acceptance of the dealership’s resolution, making it more difficult to pursue further recourse.
Under Section 56 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), consumers have the right to return a defective or misrepresented product within six months of purchase. A dealership cannot use an "as is" clause to override this right if there was non-disclosure of material defects or misleading information.
Webuycars’ handling of this matter raises serious concerns about how they manage consumer disputes and whether they are acting in compliance with the CPA. I urge consumers to exercise caution and be fully aware of their rights before purchasing a vehicle from this dealership. I will be providing further updates on the outcome. Since sharing my story with multiple close acquaintances over the last few weeks I have come to the realisation that this is not an isolated case in PE either.