Disgusted by unethical actions of VW Master Cars Polokwane's actions

Absolutely disgusted by the actions of the Salesmen at VW Mastercars Polokwane.

Initially I inquired with regards to a vehicle that was listed on cars.co.za by sending them a message over the weekend. The Monday morning I phoned them out of my own to find out if the vehicle was available. The one salesperson said that he will get back to me regarding availability, which he did. He informed me that the car has been sold two weeks ago but he will speak to his manager to see if he can give me another one with similar low mileage for the same price.

While I was waiting for the salesperson to get back to me, another salesperson responded to my initial inquiry online. I had told him I was already in contact with another person in the dealership. He continued talking to me telling me that he would assist me in any way. He stated they have another model on the floor, 2020 with 18 000km on the clock in perfect condition. He walked around the vehicle explaining all detail. He then continued to state that he will give me the Polo for a price of R172 000 and that he is the "boss" and will make the decision. He continued badmouthing the dealership and managers in general, stating they are trying to squeeze out profit from all corners. Not him, he was there to help people etc (this continued easily for 10 minutes).

I proceeded to email him all my documents after he confirmed multiple times I can have the Polo Vivo for R172 000. I sent him my bank statements, id, proof of residence, etc and by his specific verbal instruction went ahead and cancelled an existing offer I had going at another dealership for a similar car.

I then receive a call from the "first" salesperson. I informed him that his co-worker gave me the aforementioned price on the vehicle. He told me that price is not possible and he wasn't able to give it to me at that price point. I then started wondering what was going on as he had ensured me that I can have it with cer*****y. I contacted the salesperson who gave me that specific price (and who I sent all my documents to) and he gave me the cold shoulder stating that he cant help me anymore. I then proceeded to contact the sales manager at the branch to get to the bottom of this. He listened to my story and stated that if that is true and the salesperson gave me that price, they will have to uphold that price and that the salesmen would have to pay the difference. The manager then proceeded to request the 20 minute conversation recording I had with the salesman (from their IT department).

Eventually the manager phoned me. He stated that he had listened to my conversation with the salesperson and that everything I stated was correct and the salesperson shouldn't have acted the way he did. He proceeded to say that the salesman would be held liable for the balance above cost of the vehicle. He then also CONVENIENTLY proceeded to tell me that the vehicle in question has accident damage and has had work done on the left and rear side. Obviously trying to put me off completely. The vehicle had been listed on the floor for almost full market price and a mere R25 000 from new price (2020 Polo Vivo, 18 000km, R199 000 on the showroom floor. New price at the time of writing R225 000).

Not once did any of the two salesmen say anything other that the vehicle was in perfect condition. Now all of a sudden that the manager has to commit to a lower price the vehicle is all of a sudden an accident damaged car.

Please be cautious of specifically this dealership, they will say anything to anyone. They are not trained correctly and conduct themselves unethically. It's a shame that a person has to go through this back and forth lying and scheming just trying to find a vehicle, especially at a VW dealership (you don't expect this kind of treatment). This process has put me off dealing with VW in entirety and will unfortunately be taking my business elsewhere.

If this post has saved someone else from this unethical experience then it has served it's purpose.