WeBuyCars Sold Me an Audi Q7 With Dangerous Power Loss & Latent Defects — Over R40k Repairs, Still Undrivable

I purchased a 2016 Audi Q7 from WeBuyCars Silver Lakes for R274,150 on 5 May 2025.

Faults Mentioned in the DEKRA Report: 1. Rear tyres smooth: Both rear tyres showed poor tread and needed replacement (Replaced at own cost – R4,400)

2. Upper control arm bushes broken (both sides) – shock mounting: Suspension-related wear item (Repaired at own cost – R2,020)

3. Oil leak described as an “oil sweat”: Recorded as minor Later confirmed to be a cracked tappet cover, causing significant oil loss Repairs will exceed R6,000

4. Fuel level sensor fault: Diagnostic fault recorded (Replaced at own cost – R3,770)

5. Intake air system leak (boost pipe): Logged as a diagnostic fault. Not disclosed as a safety-critical issue, despite causing: SYSTEM FAILURE (Drive System Malfunction) while driving the very next day after purchase. Complete power loss at speed, which is extremely dangerous. (Repaired at own cost – R4,250).

What Was NOT Mentioned in the DEKRA Report:

None of the following were disclosed, yet all failed shortly after purchase: • System failure and total loss of power while driving • Coolant loss requiring top-ups every 1–2 days • Brittle/damaged coolant hoses and pipes • Cracked tappet cover (true source of oil leak) • Oil filter replacement required • Engine oil replacement required • Water housing failure • Radiator top water bottle hose defective • Thermostat housing failure • Crank pulley defective • Serpentine drive belt repeatedly coming off (fan belts), requiring multiple replacements due to pulley failure • Belt tensioner defective • Idler pulley defective • Roller pulley defective • Main glow plug fault • Battery failure • Engine warning light persisting from Day 2 • Continuing defects every month, with no end in sight

Total Paid by WeBuyCars: R7,425 This covered only the following: • Manifold gasket • Skim manifold • Studs and nuts • Labour This was the only contribution made by WeBuyCars toward repairs.

Workshop Repairs Paid (Out of Pocket): • Invoice – May / August / September repairs: R15,423 Water housing, thermostat housing, tappet cover gaskets, oil, antifreeze, labour, pipes, consumables) • Earlier workshop repairs: R7,245 Fuel level sensor, shock mounting, alignment, labour Total paid to workshop: R22,668

Additional Costs Paid (Out of Pocket): • Battery replacement: R5,000 • Serpentine / fan belts replaced multiple times: ±R400+ per belt • Tyres replaced (disclosed on DEKRA report): R4,400 Estimated additional costs paid (excluding tyres): ±R10,600+

Major Outstanding Repairs: • Crank pulley replacement: ±R9,800 • Glow plug(s): ±R6,000+ each • Remaining tappet cover work (full replacement, not only gasket): ±R6,000 Outstanding required repairs: ±R20,000+

Loss of Use: The car has only been usable for about 3 out of 7 months. Since mid-November, we have been unable to drive it at all due to parts availability and financial constraints caused by the ongoing repairs. We have had to find alternative transportation repeatedly. The constant failures — occurring anywhere and at any time — created dangerous situations, emotional distress, and significant inconvenience, especially with children in the vehicle.

WeBuyCars Refused to Resolve: My refund request was closed with the claim that they “could not reach me,” even though I returned their call within minutes. I was then informed that my case did not exist. The case was closed without any feedback, assistance, or relief.

What I Request: I am requesting a full buyback or full refund due to undisclosed defects, safety risks, and significant financial loss. The vehicle sold to me is undrivable and therefore cannot be used for the purpose for which it was purchased. I have been left without a vehicle multiple times since purchase and completely without a vehicle since mid-November. This is against the National Consumer Protection Act and unacceptable.