-Staff Writer / Tue, 23 Dec and 2025
Pre-owned vehicle retailer We Buy Cars (Pty) Ltd has been slapped with a hefty R2.5 million administrative fine after the National Consumer Tribunal confirmed a settlement agreement with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) over breaches of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
The Tribunal confirmed the settlement on 19 December 2025, making it a consent order in terms of Section 74(1) of the CPA, following an investigation into complaints lodged by consumers over the past three years.
In addition to the fine, We Buy Cars has been ordered to refund more than R3.4 million to 31 affected consumers who complained that the company failed to provide remedies in line with sale agreements. The NCC found that certain terms and conditions, particularly those relating to warranties and terms of sale, contravened several provisions of the CPA.
NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba said as part of the settlement, the company has also committed to revising its terms and conditions to ensure full compliance with the Act, implementing a consumer awareness programme to educate buyers of pre-owned vehicles about their rights and obligations, and creating 300 new jobs over the next five years to enhance customer service and consumer experience.
Ntaba said the consent order underscored the consequences faced by suppliers who fail to comply with consumer protection laws.
“We Buy Cars has agreed to pay a significant administrative fine, compensate affected consumers and amend its terms and conditions to ensure full compliance with the Consumer Protection Act,” Ntaba said. “This outcome reinforces the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that their rights are upheld.”
Ntaba said the settlement concludes its investigation into We Buy Cars and serves as a warning to suppliers across the sector to adhere strictly to the provisions of the CPA.
News Junction (Gold Standard)