Misrepresentation of Vehicle Year Model – No Response from We Buy Cars Silver Lakes

I am lodging a formal complaint against We Buy Cars – Silver Lakes for the false representation of the year model of a vehicle I purchased and their continued failure to respond to my complaint.

On 9 October 2024, I purchased a Hyundai Atos advertised and documented as a 2023 model. Supporting documents (including a DEKRA report, email confirmation, and online listing screenshot) all confirmed this.

However, Hyundai has since confirmed—based on the VIN (MALAF51CLNM186560)—that the vehicle is actually a 2022 model. This misrepresentation affects my manufacturer warranty and service schedule, and compromises the vehicle’s resale value.

I raised this issue directly with We Buy Cars on 17 April 2025, including all supporting evidence, and requested feedback within 14 days, as per the Consumer Protection Act. To date, no response has been received.

This lack of accountability and transparency is unacceptable. I am requesting:

An investigation into the misrepresentation;

Correction of the year model in official documentation;

Restoration of my manufacturer warranty/service plan as per the advertised model;

A public response from We Buy Cars.

This matter has also been reported to the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA).

Purchase Location: We Buy Cars – Silver Lakes, Pretoria