Heritage Auto, Bracken fell - unethical business practices

On 8 August 2017 I purchased a Volkswagen Polo GP1.2 TSI Highline motor vehicle. I was made aware by the sales representative that I would be purchasing the aforementioned vehicle which was never disclosed to have been involved in an accident before. Under the 'TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE' document with Heritage Auto, under clause 3 - ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS REGARDING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS, no disclosure was made mention of/ or noted as required. Further I attended to service this motor vehicle at Volkswagen Tableview on 23 February 2018 and was informed by the Master Sales Manager that the vehicle was previously involved in a collision; and to my dismay it further became known that the aforementioned vehicle was not a Highline model and was a Comfortline model.

I took the vehicle for a vehicle inspection at Nicol Coachworks on the 5 March 2018 and their assessment was that of Volkswagen Tableview. Due to the gross negligence and/or malicious dishonesty of the Dealer, I was defrauded whereby I was sold a motor vehicle under false pretences. In accordance with No.68 of 2008: Consumer Protection Act, 2008 the Dealer (W2JK Auto CC, Reg. No. Z ********** 80019, trading as Heritage Auto) failed to act within the conditions of the act with regards to a number conditions as set out in the act.

I lodged a complaint with the Motor Industry Ombudsman South Africa and received a case number dated 28 March 2018. Regrettably this process has been very slow and frustrating. The communication from the Ombudsman's office hasn't been forthcoming as well which is disappointing, however remain optimistic.

Heritage Auto is situated in Brackenfell, Brackenfell Blvd & Old Paarl Road intersection. This is probably one of many dealers I'd urge anyone looking to purchase a vehicle to stay as far as possible from. The after sale service is horrible and one really can't help but wonder who is protecting us as consumers from even walking into such establishments. They shouldn't be operating to begin with when they employ such unethical business practices.