AV
Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown
Claimed Business
AV
Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown
Claimed Business
12 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown faces severe criticism across both its sales and service departments. Customers repeatedly report purchasing vehicles with major mechanical failures, including gearbox and engine issues, often within weeks of buying. The service centre is described as chaotic, with prolonged repair times, poor communication, and a lack of proactive updates. Several reviewers feel dismissed when raising concerns, citing unprofessional staff conduct and a reluctance to take accountability under warranty obligations. One positive experience highlighted exceptional effort from specific service staff during an emergency breakdown situation.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#44
in Automotive
NPS Score
-60
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.3|12 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(8.3%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(91.7%)
5(8.3%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(91.7%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown
Based on recent customer reviews, Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown faces severe criticism across both its sales and service departments. Customers repeatedly report purchasing vehicles with major mechanical failures, including gearbox and engine issues, often within weeks of buying. The service centre is described as chaotic, with prolonged repair times, poor communication, and a lack of proactive updates. Several reviewers feel dismissed when raising concerns, citing unprofessional staff conduct and a reluctance to take accountability under warranty obligations. One positive experience highlighted exceptional effort from specific service staff during an emergency breakdown situation.
Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 12 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Alpine Volkswagen Pinetown across 157 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (12)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceE
Erica
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 Dec 2025, 08:33
2021 Black Ford Ranger FX4 Auto — gearbox failure AND engine fault UNDER A MONTH after purchase.
We purchased this vehicle on 8 November 2025. By 21 November 2025, the gearbox had already began failing. Instead of taking responsibility under the Consumer Protection Act, VW Alpine Pinetown advised us to either use our own warranty or return the vehicle so they could dump it back into trade, verbatim from the salesman (MARK): “Bring it back, we’ll just sell it back to trade.” This response shows complete negligence, zero accountability and no integrity whatsoever. On 6 December 2025, the check engine light came on. Diagnostics confirmed an engine fault on the Cylinder 3 injector input circuit. That is two major mechanical failures in under one month. Despite this, the vehicle was sold as a VW MasterCar, which is supposed to guarantee quality, safety, and a proper inspection. This was NOT a MasterCar, it was a dangerous, defective vehicle falsely passed off as certified. Staff Conduct: 🚩🚩🚩 Mark (Salesman): Mark was friendly only until the sale was completed. Once the vehicle developed problems, his attitude changed completely. He became extremely sarcastic, rude, dismissive and unhelpful. His conduct was shocking, we have never dealt with a salesperson this unprofessional or disrespectful. While communication did occur, his tone and attitude were consistently disrespectful, making an already stressful situation far worse. And any attempt to resolve the issue was met with indifference. Grant (DP) Grant was challenging to deal with at the beginning, however toward the end he made a genuine effort to assist. His approach became more open, more constructive and far easier to engage with. He was polite, calm, and professional, took the time to listen and tried to help where possible despite inheriting a difficult situation. This improvement in attitude and willingness to assist was appreciated and stood out positively compared to the earlier stages of this experience. We cancelled the deal after the engine failure. VW Alpine Pinetown refused to cover the cost of a rental vehicle unless we purchased another car through them. Although they attempted to source a replacement vehicle, they were unable to find anything within our price range, leaving us with no viable alternative. As a result, we were forced to pay out of pocket for a rental vehicle simply to meet our daily transport needs. Needless to say, we did not and will never purchase another vehicle through this dealership. This is one of the worst dealership experiences imaginable.
Helpful (0)
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Erica
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 Dec 2025, 08:33
2021 Black Ford Ranger FX4 Auto — gearbox failure AND engine fault UNDER A MONTH after purchase.
We purchased this vehicle on 8 November 2025. By 21 November 2025, the gearbox had already began failing. Instead of taking responsibility under the Consumer Protection Act, VW Alpine Pinetown advised us to either use our own warranty or return the vehicle so they could dump it back into trade, verbatim from the salesman (MARK): “Bring it back, we’ll just sell it back to trade.” This response shows complete negligence, zero accountability and no integrity whatsoever. On 6 December 2025, the check engine light came on. Diagnostics confirmed an engine fault on the Cylinder 3 injector input circuit. That is two major mechanical failures in under one month. Despite this, the vehicle was sold as a VW MasterCar, which is supposed to guarantee quality, safety, and a proper inspection. This was NOT a MasterCar, it was a dangerous, defective vehicle falsely passed off as certified. Staff Conduct: 🚩🚩🚩 Mark (Salesman): Mark was friendly only until the sale was completed. Once the vehicle developed problems, his attitude changed completely. He became extremely sarcastic, rude, dismissive and unhelpful. His conduct was shocking, we have never dealt with a salesperson this unprofessional or disrespectful. While communication did occur, his tone and attitude were consistently disrespectful, making an already stressful situation far worse. And any attempt to resolve the issue was met with indifference. Grant (DP) Grant was challenging to deal with at the beginning, however toward the end he made a genuine effort to assist. His approach became more open, more constructive and far easier to engage with. He was polite, calm, and professional, took the time to listen and tried to help where possible despite inheriting a difficult situation. This improvement in attitude and willingness to assist was appreciated and stood out positively compared to the earlier stages of this experience. We cancelled the deal after the engine failure. VW Alpine Pinetown refused to cover the cost of a rental vehicle unless we purchased another car through them. Although they attempted to source a replacement vehicle, they were unable to find anything within our price range, leaving us with no viable alternative. As a result, we were forced to pay out of pocket for a rental vehicle simply to meet our daily transport needs. Needless to say, we did not and will never purchase another vehicle through this dealership. This is one of the worst dealership experiences imaginable.
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Nompumelelo T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Nov 2025, 15:01
No device done after car left for service
We booked car for service and they didn’t do it. It stayed two days but they gave us back with no service done.
Helpful (0)
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Nompumelelo T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Nov 2025, 15:01
No device done after car left for service
We booked car for service and they didn’t do it. It stayed two days but they gave us back with no service done.
0
Replies (0)NM
Nomfundo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
17 Oct 2025, 04:19
No client centricity, pathetic, no care at VW alpine Pinetown
On the 23rd Sept, I took my car for a normal oil service. Was advised by Lynette(service manager) that car has a bad sound n i need to take back to VW for assessment n she said she was suspecting gear box problem ( mind you the car had no alerts when i took it for service except for the service alert) On the 01 Oct I took da car to VW n was advised that da needs to be left behind as they would need to strip da car I then left da car n when I enquired on turn around time, was advised that the car would be back by Monday following week n I was shocked n asked if they could push for Friday(3/10) delivery n Lyn advised that she would try n push for my request. On Monday the 6th, Lynn called me to ask strip da car because now she was not sure if should go ahead n fix da car as she suspected that I damaged da car n I was shocked that da car was just taken from Wednesday until Monday with no work done I then gave her a go ahead coz I knew that I never did any amendments to da car... she then indicated that if da damage was found to be from my side I would have to pay R9800 After that Monday, no updates from the dealership were received... I then called on Wednesday (the 8th) n couldn'tget hold of Lyn requested to speak to her line manager, n Ms Custury answered n arraged fr Lynn to call me.... Lynn then advised that they were waiting for insurance approval of gear box replacement... On Friday I went physically to check on da car but was advised that VW insurance needed them to strip the clutch n they were waiting for da insurance approval on whether to replace both gear box n clutch or only to replace parts of the gear box or the full gearbox. Again, i asked for turnaround time, n Lynn said they needed just a day to work on that, n i asked if they were working on Saturday... I left with an expectation that the car would be fixed on Saturday n latest Monday would recived back.. Again no contact was made from da dealership side, I then called Lynn to check but no improvement...I then called complaints department n was promised that I would receive a call within 48 hours- case number 02006359 spoke Tenesha but no call was received until now. I find VW to be so unprofessional, no client centricity, no care ....I still dont have my car 😕 I dont even know what stage are they in ...everytime I call no one knows whats happening, Lynn keeps me holding n would be asking around before she advises me, it's pathetic
Helpful (0)
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Nomfundo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
17 Oct 2025, 04:19
No client centricity, pathetic, no care at VW alpine Pinetown
On the 23rd Sept, I took my car for a normal oil service. Was advised by Lynette(service manager) that car has a bad sound n i need to take back to VW for assessment n she said she was suspecting gear box problem ( mind you the car had no alerts when i took it for service except for the service alert) On the 01 Oct I took da car to VW n was advised that da needs to be left behind as they would need to strip da car I then left da car n when I enquired on turn around time, was advised that the car would be back by Monday following week n I was shocked n asked if they could push for Friday(3/10) delivery n Lyn advised that she would try n push for my request. On Monday the 6th, Lynn called me to ask strip da car because now she was not sure if should go ahead n fix da car as she suspected that I damaged da car n I was shocked that da car was just taken from Wednesday until Monday with no work done I then gave her a go ahead coz I knew that I never did any amendments to da car... she then indicated that if da damage was found to be from my side I would have to pay R9800 After that Monday, no updates from the dealership were received... I then called on Wednesday (the 8th) n couldn'tget hold of Lyn requested to speak to her line manager, n Ms Custury answered n arraged fr Lynn to call me.... Lynn then advised that they were waiting for insurance approval of gear box replacement... On Friday I went physically to check on da car but was advised that VW insurance needed them to strip the clutch n they were waiting for da insurance approval on whether to replace both gear box n clutch or only to replace parts of the gear box or the full gearbox. Again, i asked for turnaround time, n Lynn said they needed just a day to work on that, n i asked if they were working on Saturday... I left with an expectation that the car would be fixed on Saturday n latest Monday would recived back.. Again no contact was made from da dealership side, I then called Lynn to check but no improvement...I then called complaints department n was promised that I would receive a call within 48 hours- case number 02006359 spoke Tenesha but no call was received until now. I find VW to be so unprofessional, no client centricity, no care ....I still dont have my car 😕 I dont even know what stage are they in ...everytime I call no one knows whats happening, Lynn keeps me holding n would be asking around before she advises me, it's pathetic
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Replies (0)CG
Carlo G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Aug 2025, 09:59
********* salesperson/ Manager at Alpine VW Pinetown
I recently purchased a vehicle from their preowned division, to my surprise 3 months into purchasing the vehicle it began overheating, went back to the dealership and was told by the lovely used car manager that its merely the radiator cap which they changed, after changing the cap the problem still persisted I engaged with my own RMI service centre to check and test what could be the cause of it I changed pipes from the expansion tank to the radiator at this stage it passed the 6 months dealership warranty, when going back to Alpine Pinetown they merely printed out my after market warranty documents and handed to me and I was told to go and lodge the claim myself, the long and short of it is Alpine as a dealership is a bunch of dishonest people working there I would not recommend them to anyone to purchase a vehcile as their customer service stinks. I purchased my vehcile a mere 11 months ago and now even after engaging with their regional head I have had no joy with the assistance of some form of compensation to fix my vehicle. Good luck to you Alpine I hope your doors close because you dont do this to an innocent customer.
Helpful (0)
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Carlo G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Aug 2025, 09:59
********* salesperson/ Manager at Alpine VW Pinetown
I recently purchased a vehicle from their preowned division, to my surprise 3 months into purchasing the vehicle it began overheating, went back to the dealership and was told by the lovely used car manager that its merely the radiator cap which they changed, after changing the cap the problem still persisted I engaged with my own RMI service centre to check and test what could be the cause of it I changed pipes from the expansion tank to the radiator at this stage it passed the 6 months dealership warranty, when going back to Alpine Pinetown they merely printed out my after market warranty documents and handed to me and I was told to go and lodge the claim myself, the long and short of it is Alpine as a dealership is a bunch of dishonest people working there I would not recommend them to anyone to purchase a vehcile as their customer service stinks. I purchased my vehcile a mere 11 months ago and now even after engaging with their regional head I have had no joy with the assistance of some form of compensation to fix my vehicle. Good luck to you Alpine I hope your doors close because you dont do this to an innocent customer.
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Imthiaz A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Aug 2025, 08:10
********* service.
I am very disappointed with the level of service from alpine vw Initially i was told that there is a minor oil leak coming from the tapet cover gasket and it would take 1 day to replace i was then informed the gasket would take 1 week to replace nevertheless the vehicle was booked in on the 4th of august , vw alpine now say they are ordering a part from germany and this part will take 2 weeks to arrive , i am left without a vehicle. Could alpine vw arrange a courtesy vehicle until such time vehicle is fixed and returned. This is tremendously inconvenient as i am a medical doctor and require this vehicle on a daily basis 7 days a week. I require a courtesy vehicle from alpine vw 082 786 1234
Helpful (0)
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Imthiaz A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Aug 2025, 08:10
********* service.
I am very disappointed with the level of service from alpine vw Initially i was told that there is a minor oil leak coming from the tapet cover gasket and it would take 1 day to replace i was then informed the gasket would take 1 week to replace nevertheless the vehicle was booked in on the 4th of august , vw alpine now say they are ordering a part from germany and this part will take 2 weeks to arrive , i am left without a vehicle. Could alpine vw arrange a courtesy vehicle until such time vehicle is fixed and returned. This is tremendously inconvenient as i am a medical doctor and require this vehicle on a daily basis 7 days a week. I require a courtesy vehicle from alpine vw 082 786 1234
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Replies (0)DM
David M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Jul 2025, 17:56
No service here
Alpine Cheryl. my Chery tiggo pro4 CVT went to repairs for a gearbox failure. The next day they said it needed a software update. 1 week later, today, the problem is back and guess my confidence in Chery fixing it properly this time.
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David M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Jul 2025, 17:56
No service here
Alpine Cheryl. my Chery tiggo pro4 CVT went to repairs for a gearbox failure. The next day they said it needed a software update. 1 week later, today, the problem is back and guess my confidence in Chery fixing it properly this time.
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Nandipha N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Jul 2025, 15:45
Horrible Customer service
I had such a horrible Customer service earlier today at Volkswagen SA-Pinetown. The Service advisor that was meantvto he assisting me was not bothered as this matter was for yesterday and she was busy with today's customers.
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Nandipha N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Jul 2025, 15:45
Horrible Customer service
I had such a horrible Customer service earlier today at Volkswagen SA-Pinetown. The Service advisor that was meantvto he assisting me was not bothered as this matter was for yesterday and she was busy with today's customers.
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Replies (0)KM
Klement M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Jul 2025, 08:38
Alpine VW Wins Best VW in South Africa Award!
Let me start by saying no vehicle should ever break down on the way to a long-deserved holiday! It’s a stressful situation, especially when you’re far from home. Luckily for us, our engine light and gearbox warning came on just about 10km from Alpine VW in Pinetown. We arrived late on a Friday afternoon, and after a quick diagnosis, they discovered that the mechatronics unit had failed, and the part needed to be ordered from Centurion. Avishkar Kanayalal welcomed us warmly and explained that we had to order the part immediately if we wanted our vehicle ready by the time we needed to depart. We have a maintenance plan with Traffic, but their claims can take up to three days to process and approve. Unfortunately, we couldn’t afford the delay. We asked Alpine VW to trust us and order the part upfront, knowing they’d need to cover the cost if our claim was rejected. To our delight, they cheerfully agreed to accommodate us and ordered the part right away! From there, Avishkar handed us over to Lynette Naidoo, who was an absolute star. She kept us updated, pushed to expedite the process, and ensured our repair was completed before we had to leave. Thanks to their efforts, we picked up our vehicle on the morning we checked out of our accommodation. A huge thank you to Avishkar, Lynette, and the entire Alpine VW team for turning a stressful situation into a manageable one! Your exceptional service made all the difference, and we’re so grateful for your trust and dedication. You truly saved our holiday!
Helpful (0)
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Klement M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Jul 2025, 08:38
Alpine VW Wins Best VW in South Africa Award!
Let me start by saying no vehicle should ever break down on the way to a long-deserved holiday! It’s a stressful situation, especially when you’re far from home. Luckily for us, our engine light and gearbox warning came on just about 10km from Alpine VW in Pinetown. We arrived late on a Friday afternoon, and after a quick diagnosis, they discovered that the mechatronics unit had failed, and the part needed to be ordered from Centurion. Avishkar Kanayalal welcomed us warmly and explained that we had to order the part immediately if we wanted our vehicle ready by the time we needed to depart. We have a maintenance plan with Traffic, but their claims can take up to three days to process and approve. Unfortunately, we couldn’t afford the delay. We asked Alpine VW to trust us and order the part upfront, knowing they’d need to cover the cost if our claim was rejected. To our delight, they cheerfully agreed to accommodate us and ordered the part right away! From there, Avishkar handed us over to Lynette Naidoo, who was an absolute star. She kept us updated, pushed to expedite the process, and ensured our repair was completed before we had to leave. Thanks to their efforts, we picked up our vehicle on the morning we checked out of our accommodation. A huge thank you to Avishkar, Lynette, and the entire Alpine VW team for turning a stressful situation into a manageable one! Your exceptional service made all the difference, and we’re so grateful for your trust and dedication. You truly saved our holiday!
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