Sold a “very good” vehicle – but within 6 months it needed 3 turbos and is now undrivable

On 6 September 2024, I bought a 2019 Ford EcoSport 1.0L Ecoboost Titanium from WeBuyCars Silverlakes, with only 46 ****m on the clock. The vehicle was classified as a Category A car, and the Dekra report confirmed that the engine and overall condition were “very good.” I financed the car through ABSA and paid a R70,000 deposit. I also took out the Innovation Group Elegant warranty plan. Barely six weeks later, on 25 October 2024 (at 47 502km), the vehicle showed a powertrain malfunction and went into limp mode. Ford diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic turbocharger failure. The turbo was replaced at Ford’s workshop and covered by WeBuyCars under the 6-month consumer protection. But unfortunately, the issues didn’t stop there. On 14 March 2025, I raised another complaint, clearly outlining the new issues I was experiencing with the vehicle. At that point, the vehicle had only done 3 033km in total since purchase — yet had already needed major repairs twice. After the third turbo replacement, my situation has only worsened. When I drove the car home from Ford after the repairs, a few warning lights came on the dashboard once again. Now, when I attempt to start the car, it either doesn't start at all, or when it does, it lights up the dashboard like Christmas lights, with every possible warning light on. Additionally, there is smoke coming from the exhaust once again, just one or two days after we fetched the car from Ford. My complaint was escalated for approval on 3 April 2025. Today is 22 April — and I’ve still had no feedback whatsoever. Every time I follow up, I’m told, “you’ll receive feedback by the end of the day,” but this has now been the excuse for almost three weeks. I’ve asked to speak to management. I was told messages were sent to them, but I’ve received no contact from any manager, and no resolution to date. Meanwhile, I’ve been paying nearly R4,000/month on a vehicle that’s been undrivable for two months, just sitting in my garage. The communication has been poor, disorganised, and in some cases, rude. Some agents were friendly but provided no real help. Others were dismissive. I bought this car in good faith, based on a "very good" Dekra report, and was led to believe I was getting a reliable vehicle. It is now clear this is not the case. I believe I have the right to return the vehicle under the Consumer Protection Act, and I expect WeBuyCars to accept the return and issue a full refund. I am a full-time employee and need a working car. Instead, I’ve been stuck, frustrated, and financially burdened.

I am extremely disappointed in WeBuyCars. I will not recommend them to anyone, nor will I advise anyone to buy from them or do business with them. You cannot be sure of the type of product you will receive. My vehicle looked great at first glance — everything appeared neat, and it seemed almost brand new for a pre-owned car. But underneath, it has serious, hidden problems. WeBuyCars are ****s and have been completely unhelpful. This is not how customers should be treated who spend their well-earned money in good faith.

After being in an accident, this is the absolute last thing I wanted to deal with.

Utterly disappointed and extremely exhausted – to say the least!