“Misrepresentation, Structural Damage, Tracking – My Experience with Zan Auto”

BE WARNED If I could give zero stars, I would. I purchased a 2024 Ford Everest Platinum from Zan Auto Randburg, and the dealer disclosed only a “minor left‑side fender accident” with a R10,000 discount. After taking the vehicle to Ford Umhlanga, their technicians found major structural accident damage, including a bent chassis, bent engine cradle, A‑ and B‑pillar damage, wiring tampering, misaligned airbags, and multiple safety‑critical defects. Ford declared the vehicle unsafe to drive. I drove the car 1,499 km after purchase with no incidents — these defects were clearly pre‑existing and concealed. When I confronted the dealer, they denied Ford’s findings and even suggested I “hit something.” The manager also admitted he had been tracking my movements after the sale, and I later received a FordPass message saying my activation was denied by the “primary user,” meaning the dealer or previous owner retained digital control of the vehicle. I issued a CPA demand letter; the dealer promised to “call back” but never responded in writing. The deadline has now expired. This experience involved misrepresentation, nondisclosure, sale of unsafe goods, and post‑sale tracking. I cannot recommend this dealership to anyone.