Dekra
1Min
South Africa
Jan 8, 2026
WeBuyCars has ended its partnership with DEKRA South Africa for vehicle condition reports and introduced its own in-house inspection service. The move aims to streamline processes, lower costs and offer faster, transparent assessments for customers buying and selling pre-owned vehicles.
WeBuyCars, one of South Africa’s largest online automotive marketplaces, has announced it will no longer use DEKRA South Africa for independent vehicle condition reports, instead launching its own in-house inspection service.
The company said the decision forms part of efforts to improve turnaround times, increase transparency and reduce costs in the pre-owned car market. DEKRA, an international vehicle inspection specialist, has provided condition reports that detail a used car’s mechanical and structural status. WeBuyCars believes bringing this function in-house will give it greater control over service delivery and customer experience.
Under the new system, WeBuyCars will train and deploy its own team of qualified inspectors to conduct detailed assessments of vehicles listed on its platform. The company said customers can expect clearer reports, faster access to inspection results and a more seamless buying and selling journey.
WeBuyCars CEO said the shift reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to market demands. With the rapid growth of online car sales in South Africa, he said, having an integrated inspection capability will help standardise quality benchmarks and streamline operations.
Industry analysts say the move underscores broader changes in the retail automotive sector, where traditional third-party services are being re-evaluated in favour of internal solutions that can scale with digital platforms. If executed well, the new inspection service could set a precedent for other dealers and online marketplaces.
DEKRA South Africa did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the change, and it is unclear how current vehicle listings will be transitioned to the new system. WeBuyCars said it will communicate with affected customers and ensure minimal disruption.
The new in-house inspection service will form part of WeBuyCars’ broader strategy to enhance trust and transparency in the used car market, with more frequent updates and tools aimed at helping buyers make informed decisions.
