UNHAPPY AND VERY BAD EXPERIENCE

Unhappy client Very bad experience. 😡😡😡😡 I am writing to formally express my deep frustration regarding the unacceptable service I have received from Bidvest McCarthy Audi Menlyn. I purchased a 2014/15 Audi A3 Sedan TFSI (Red) on 02 January 2024, trusting that an approved Audi dealership would provide a reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. 1. Immediate Issues After Collection I collected the vehicle on 14 January 2024, and on the same day it displayed: • Engine warning light • Oil warning light The vehicle was returned within the same week and remained at the dealership for over a month while I continued paying instalments for a car I could not use. 2. Ongoing Mechanical Failures (2024–2025) Since purchase, the vehicle has suffered repeated serious faults, including: • Overheating and recurring engine warnings • Water pump and thermostat replacement (claimed from my aftermarket warranty) • ECU issues and temperature sensor failures • Gearbox (mechatronic) failure on 17 September 2024 • Engine knock in July 2025, resulting in a costly rebuild quotation Despite multiple repairs, the vehicle has never been mechanically stable. 3. Engine Replacement and Missing Parts Due to the high rebuild cost, I proposed replacing the engine as it was more affordable. The dealership advised me to source the engine myself. I did so, and the supplier provided a 3-month warranty. However: • The dealership kept the vehicle and engine for almost two months. • I was later told to drive the vehicle for 1,000 km before further checks, despite informing them it was not running properly. • By the time issues were identified, the 3-month engine warranty had lapsed due to delays at the dealership. I am now forced to repair the replacement engine at my own cost because I was deprived of the opportunity to claim within the warranty period. Additionally, after engine fitment, I discovered that several components from my original engine were missing or exchanged (including injector rail, coils, aircon pump, tensioner, PCV valve, oil pump components, mountings, covers, crank case, oil straine, starter motor and other parts). This is extremely concerning and unprofessional. 4. Delays and Lack of Priority The vehicle has spent over six months at the dealership in total. When I returned it again on 17 November 2025 due to severe vibration, I was told they had “many bookings.” This demonstrates a clear lack of urgency and accountability. 5. Escalation to Audi SA I logged a case with Audi South Africa, but no meaningful assistance has been provided. 6. Current Position After nearly two years of ownership and less than 25,000 km driven—mostly between repairs—I have suffered significant financial loss, stress, and inconvenience. Instead of reliability, this vehicle has caused ongoing hardship.