Defective product (rust) and insulting "exchange" offer - Do not buy LG microwaves

I purchased an LG Microwave (Model MS4235GIS ) on 24 April 2021. After just under 4 years of normal home use, the interior of the microwave began to rust badly. This is clearly a material defect—a microwave should not be rusting through after such a short period.

When I contacted LG to complain, hoping for a goodwill replacement due to the premature failure, I was met with the most irrational customer service I have ever experienced.

LG offered me a "chargeable exchange." This means I have to pay them R2,519.29 to give back my defective unit and receive a new one.

Here is the problem: LG's own website currently shows this microwave with a discounted price of R 2,699 (normal retail price R 3,599) . So they want me to pay 93% of the discounted price for a replacement, while simultaneously taking my old, rusted unit off my hands. Essentially, they want me to pay almost the full sale price for a replacement for a product that failed due to their poor manufacturing quality. When I pointed this out to them, they insisted this was their only offer.

This is not a "discount"; it is unreasonable. It tells me that LG does not stand behind their products. They expect you to throw your money away every 3-4 years when their microwaves inevitably rust out.

Save your money and buy a different brand. LG has lost my trust forever.