Concerns have resurfaced around the reliability of used car inspection reports in South Africa, particularly those issued by Dekra Automotive and used by dealerships such as WeBuyCars. A growing number of consumer complaints have raised red flags about the accuracy and transparency of these vehicle assessments.
Consumer Complaints Highlight Potential Gaps
The debate was reignited after Jonathan Witt, a well-known South African commentator, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience. Witt claimed he personally inspected two cars at a WeBuyCars branch, both listed with “Platinum” Dekra vehicle reports. Despite the top-tier ratings indicating the vehicles were in excellent condition, independent checks using the VIN numbers revealed that both had been in serious accidents, with one previously classified as uneconomical to repair.
This incident mirrors complaints from other South Africans who say they’ve purchased second-hand vehicles under the impression they were accident-free—only to uncover hidden damage later. The issue has renewed calls for a comprehensive, national Vehicle Salvage Database (VSD) that includes all accident histories.
WeBuyCars Responds to the Allegations
In response, WeBuyCars issued a statement noting that without specific details of the cars in question, it could not investigate the claims further. The company clarified that Dekra reports are not full mechanical evaluations, but rather focus on roadworthiness aspects, such as:
- Brakes
- Shock absorbers
- Tyres
- Lights
- Windshield condition
They emphasized that South Africa’s low insurance rate (less than 30%) makes it difficult to rely solely on insurance databases for accident history.
Dekra Denies Any Wrongdoing
Stefan Bleitner, COO of Dekra Automotive, firmly denied any collaboration that could influence inspection results, stating:
“Dekra has absolutely no franchise agreement with WeBuyCars and does not allow any tampering or interference with our reports.”
He also assured consumers that Dekra reports undergo internal quality checks and that customers can independently verify any report through the company’s system.
Not the First Time: Previous Cases Raise Red Flags
This isn’t the first time Dekra’s reports have come under fire. In a prior case, a South African court ordered a dealership to refund a customer after a Dekra report failed to reveal that the purchased vehicle had been previously written off. Such incidents point to the need for greater transparency and accountability in the used car inspection process.
Limitations of the Vehicle Salvage Database
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) introduced a limited VSD in 2023, which only includes:
- Code 3: Rebuilt vehicles
- Code 3A: Spare parts only
- Code 4: Permanently demolished vehicles
Crucially, Code 2 vehicles—the largest segment in the used car market—were excluded. These vehicles, often sold as roadworthy despite being written off by insurers, pose significant risks to buyers.
Without full access to accident history or a universal inspection standard, many used car buyers remain in the dark about what they’re purchasing.
What Does This Mean for Used Car Buyers in South Africa?
The current situation underscores the importance of doing your own due diligence when buying a second-hand vehicle. Even if a car is presented with a Dekra or other inspection report, it’s advisable to:
- Get a second opinion from an independent mechanic
- Run a VIN check for accident and service history
- Look up owner reviews on platforms like Auto24.co.za and check for complaints
- Read independent car buying guides and used car tips from sources like iMotoNews.co.za
Final Thoughts
Until a truly transparent and inclusive VSD is implemented, buyers need to be extra cautious. Inspection reports like those from Dekra can be helpful, but they shouldn’t be your only source of truth when buying a used car. As this controversy shows, asking the right questions and doing your own checks is still your best defense.
Have you ever relied on an inspection report when buying a used car in South Africa? Share your story in the comments below.
