We Buy Cars Misrepresented Defective Pajero – A Costly Mistake!

On 7 November 2024, I purchased a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.5 GLS via auction from We Buy Cars (WBC) at The Dome, Gauteng, for R43,000. As I am based in Port Elizabeth, I had to rely solely on the DEKRA report and the assurances of the We Buy Cars salesperson. Their DEKRA report stated that only minor issues existed, such as a required windscreen and rear fog light replacement. Additionally, the salesperson claimed in messages and videos that the vehicle was in good condition and drove well.

What I Received Instead – A Death Trap

Upon taking delivery of the vehicle, I immediately noticed how unsafe it felt to drive. A closer inspection revealed shocking hidden defects:

Bent chassis (preventing wheel alignment)

Seized shocks, which resulted in flat spots on all four tyres

Bent suspension idler arm

Faulty propshaft and bearing, causing severe gearbox vibrations

Missing undercarriage protection plates, contradicting the DEKRA report stating "Vehicle undercarriage / Very Good / No damages detected"

Passenger door that won’t close properly

Interior in poor condition, including stained carpets and broken plastic moldings

The Engine Catastrophe

From the start, I heard a slight engine noise, but with so many issues, it was impossible for me (a non-mechanic) to identify the cause. I contacted DPN Mechanical, who advised me to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. On my way there, the noise worsened, forcing me to tow it to avoid further damage. Their inspection revealed catastrophic engine damage, requiring extensive repairs.

Total Repair Costs So Far: R104,880.86 (Excluding the Passenger Door Repair)

Breakdown:

Engine and gearbox repairs: R60,185.86

Suspension, shocks, bushes, and structural repairs: R44,695.00

Door repair cost still pending (Vehicle stuck at mechanic)

We Buy Cars' Response? Absolute Denial!

After reporting these issues on 25 November 2024, We Buy Cars denied all responsibility, citing their “as-is” auction terms. However, their own DEKRA report falsely claimed no undercarriage damage, which was clearly untrue.

The Ombudsman’s Verdict

I escalated my complaint to the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), only to be told they cannot assist because I started repairs. This means We Buy Cars knowingly misrepresented the vehicle, leaving me with a financial nightmare and no accountability from their side.

Why This Matters

We Buy Cars is misleading buyers with inaccurate DEKRA reports.

Their salespeople provide false assurances about vehicle condition.

They refuse to take responsibility, even when evidence proves the vehicle was unsafe and not roadworthy at the time of sale.

The financial impact on consumers is devastating.

Final Warning: Avoid We Buy Cars at All Costs!

If you’re considering buying from We Buy Cars, think twice! Their so-called “DEKRA-approved” reports cannot be trusted, and their customer service is non-existent when things go wrong.

I will be exploring legal action and sharing this complaint widely to ensure that unsuspecting buyers don’t fall into the same trap.