Other victims

Screenshots of customer reviews

The four reviews below were preserved on the independent WordPress site noted above. They were originally posted on HelloPeter and Google Maps. The independent operator has noted that some of these reviews were subsequently reported and removed from the original platforms — the screenshots are reproduced here as a public record of what customers said at the time they posted them. Each review is identified by reviewer name and original date.

1. Rene U — HelloPeter, 25 May 2023 — "9 months of lies and deceit"

"Wayne (the owner) is the biggest **** and ***** you will ever come across. Worst experience ever!!!! Wayne gave us a quote to fix our car and said it will take 3 weeks. This was just one of his lies. We had to pay the full amount before he even looked at our car. Every week he was adding to the original quote, and we kept on paying believing his lies. Wayne kept our car for 9 months, yes 9 months at his garage, every week a bull**** story that our car will be ready by Monday. After 9 months waiting for our car, and double the amount he quoted, he returned our car still not fixed. I would suggest stay far away from recon engines!!" — Rene U, HelloPeter, 25 May 2023

Pattern points: 3 weeks quoted; full amount paid up front; weekly add-ons to the original quote; 9 months held; double the original price; vehicle returned not fixed.

2. Philip H — HelloPeter, 26 September 2023 — "Terrible service, poor workmanship and empty promises"

"Recon Engines (Wayne Meintjies) is a ***** that consumers need to be protected from. He offered a reconditioned engine on Gumtree for sale, picture was included. Upon enquiring he said the 1 year / 25,000 km warranty was subject to him installing it. Provided a document stipulating price, work to be done, time required and conditions for validating the warranty. That's where the professionalism ended. Once he has your hefty dep…" — Philip H, HelloPeter, 26 September 2023

Pattern points: reconditioned engines advertised on Gumtree; warranty tied to Wayne's own installation; hefty deposit required up front; professionalism ends after deposit is received.

3. Philip Honiball — Google Reviews — detailed mechanical complaint

"Recon Engines (Wayne Meintjies) is a fraud that consumers need to be protected from. He offered a reconditioned engine on Gumtree for sale, picture was included. Upon enquiring he said the 1 year / 25,000 km warranty was subject to him installing it. Provided a document stipulating price, work to be done, time required and conditions for validating the warranty.

That's where the professionalism ended. Once he has your hefty deposit (and vehicle) your trouble starts. 5 weeks later, no engine, no response for update requests unless you send a second and third requests.

Eventually drove to Krugersdorp, just more empty promises and excuses. Another 3 weeks later an engine was installed... well sort of. Bumper beam installed the wrong way round, fixed to chassis with 4 instead of 8 bolts! Dipstick tube installed incorrectly, was underneath aircleaner pipe, not visible or reachable from top of engine. Turbo intake pipe not clamped to turbo, hose clamp missing. Diesel leaks present, diesel pipes incorrectly routed and not fixed to appropriate fixing spots, nuts missing. Various wires hanging loose not fixed to designated attachment points. Bracket to hold airintake pipes in place hanging loose, bolt missing.

Wayne picks victims from rural and outlying areas, get their vehicles on his premises and then he holds all the cards. He shows no respect, has no integrity and uses his smooth talking to get his way. Bottom line, this establishment should stick to reconditioning engines. Leave the installation to professionals with integrity.

The favourable reviews on Google for Recon Engines were not done by actual customers, it was done by people that does work for Recon Engines or that has an interest in Recon Engines or a connection with Wayne. Check out Hello Peter, another case of the client waiting for months for his vehicle. Wayne's excuse of the client not being able to pay, bull. Be aware and be careful when dealing with this establishment. If it was that good, word of mouth is the best advertising and exposure…" — Philip Honiball, Google review

Pattern points: deposit + vehicle = leverage; non-response unless chased; 5 weeks become 3 more weeks; specific mechanical defects on return (bumper beam reversed, 4/8 bolts, dipstick wrong, turbo unclamped, diesel leaks, missing fixings); allegation of fake favourable reviews; "Wayne picks victims from rural and outlying areas".

4. Jaco B — HelloPeter, 16 May 2024 — flatbedded the car away

"Paid this guy R45,000 deposit on 24 Feb 23.
On 25 April 23, he told me he needed the outstanding R20,000 (just to buy the small stuff he needs to complete the motor).
On 13 March 24, I paid R2,800 for "diagnostics".
On 16 April 24, I paid R10,600 for cam sensors.
On 15 May 24 I had to get a flatbed to go take my car away from this **** artist.
His name is Wayne.
15 months, and the quote I just got to fix the car is more than R100k.
Stay away from him and his business. It will cost you dearly." — Jaco B, HelloPeter, 16 May 2024

Pattern points: R45,000 deposit Feb 2023; R20,000 mid-job "for small stuff"; R2,800 + R10,600 in further payments more than a year later; 15 months elapsed; vehicle flatbedded out; a fresh R100k+ quote to actually finish the work.