Unfair vehicle assessment – normal wear and tear misrepresented as damage

On 14 March 2026, I submitted my vehicle’s details and received an online offer of R106,000. This morning, I brought the car to We Buy Cars at Riverstone Mall for a physical assessment. The evaluator took photographs, test-drove the vehicle, and then presented the revised offer: R68,000 – a reduction of 38 per cent.

I do not dispute that a physical inspection may adjust the online valuation. However, I strongly contest how that adjustment was app****:

Paint condition: The evaluator recorded "scratches" in multiple areas. In fact, the car presents normal paint wear and tear consistent with its age and mileage, not impact‑induced scratching. I note that the respray work (where performed) was not flawless – but that is a matter of finish quality, and should never have been characterized as scratch damage. (For context, Kia Rio models from certain production periods have been subject to documented paint‑adhesion problems; some owners have received extended‑warranty coverage or service campaigns for similar issues. While I am not claiming a recall applies here, it underscores that paint wear is a known characteristic of these vehicles, not a sign of abuse.)

Tyres: The report cited tyre wear as a value‑reducing factor. My own inspection shows no evidence of cuts, uneven wear, or any condition that would materially affect safety or roadworthiness. The tyres appear to be in serviceable condition.

Inspection process: It was as if a different car was being evaluated. Several areas were flagged as "scratched" where no marks exist. Given the thoroughness of the assessment – and the apparent effort to identify defects – I can only conclude that the inspection was unreasonably strict, to the point of ignoring the vehicle’s true condition.

I value transparency in business and I am not asking We Buy Cars to buy the car at any price. However, I expected a fair, professional evaluation that distinguishes between genuine defects and normal age‑related wear. The experience I received fell short of that standard.

Thank you for taking the time to read my feedback.