I recently experienced a rental car ordeal that left me both frustrated and bewildered.

On November 28th 2024, I paid a $300 deposit for an Audi A4, and also messaged Alex, "The boss", that I will collect the car around 1 PM on November 29th. I even sent a WhatsApp message mentioning this.

He also acknowledged this with a thumbs up emoji as per the WhatsApp screenshot.

While I acknowledge that I was 10 minutes late (which I nonetheless mentioned "Around 1pm"), I did apologize via WhatsApp for any inconvenience this may have caused.

However, I had already paid for the rental period and was entitled to collect the car within a reasonable timeframe.

Upon arriving at the Kaki Bukit outlet at 1:10 PM, I was met with a nonchalant staff member who simply shrugged and said, "I'm not the boss." Confused, I had to call the "Boss," Alex Soo, who was already on another call.

(Edit 25 December 2024):
On 25 December 2024, I found out through a few lawyer letters that Alex Soo's lawyer has sent me, alleging me for defamation that the said staff member may very well not be his staff.

The only reason why I thought the said staff in question is a staff was because this said staff was the same person who ferried us from the Kaki Bukit outlet to the Yio Chu Kang outlet. (which is not really a formal outlet either, as it's right in front of a few landed properties)

I am of the view that he could have parked the car near his place of residence, although I really cannot confirm this. The said staff could potentially, maybe, probably be a Private Hire Vehicle driver who could potentially, maybe, probably happen to be one of Alex Soo's customers.

As such, Alex may have potentially, maybe, probably instructed said staff/one of his customers to send us from the Kaki Bukit outlet to the Yio Chu Kang Outlet.

To avoid confusion, I would also like to clarify I am not intending to defame, I am intending to state clear facts on what I have experienced.

After a lengthy wait, Alex informed me that the car wasn't at the Kaki Bukit outlet and would take 30 minutes to arrive.

Another 15-20 minutes later, Alex came up to me again, this time with even worse news: the car was no longer on its way. Instead, he promised to get a staff member to pick me up and take me to the Yio Chu Kang outlet. The entire ordeal, from start to finish, took nearly an hour.

Feeling frustrated and disrespected, I left a negative review detailing my experience on SGCM.

On November 29 2024, at around 7pm, Alex called and messaged me via WhatsApp, insisting that I remove or change the review because I was "Late and wanted to blame others."
Additionally, he accused me of not informing him beforehand that I was "On the way", a requirement that was never communicated during our initial booking process.

To add insult to injury, on the second day of my rental, I discovered that the Audi A4 required an engine oil top-up. This is a basic maintenance task that should have been performed before the car was rented out.

I had to make an unplanned detour on 30th November 2024 to their Workshop at Kaki Bukit again to rectify the issue. Additionally, I was advised by the rental company to top up the coolant with plain water, a solution that raised concerns about the car's overall condition.

Finally, on 2nd December 2024, at 3pm, after I had returned the car, Alex decided not to return my deposit of $300.

This was what he sent via WhatsApp: "Pls change ur feedback to a positive feedback or remove the negative feedback.. Will refund u $310 immediately once negative feedback removed"

According to this message, it is from basic observational and interpretational skills that he insisted that I "Remove or change" The review, otherwise I will not be entitled to my deposit of $300.

After which, Alex decided to only allow admins to send messages in the WhatsApp group chat, effectively "Silencing" Me from responding in the group chat.

I was flabbergasted.

Additionally, it appears that there was an additional $10 put in place to "Incentivize" Me to remove or change my review.

I fully rejected this.

The company appears probably, could be, maybe, perhaps, could be only to a small extent, or even a large extent, as shown by above factual accounts, incapable of accepting criticism, albeit constructive or negative, and holds the customer's deposit hostage until they receive a positive review.

This is outrageous and I have since made a police report and filed a small claims tribunal.

I'm sharing my story to warn others about this company's questionable business practices. It's unacceptable for a company to hold a customer's deposit hostage, resort to threats and intimidation, and rent out vehicles in such a neglected state.

I hope that by sharing my experience, I can prevent others from falling victim to similar treatment.

Edit 25 December 2024:

I have filed a Small Claims Tribunal on 2nd December 2024 at around 6pm, under the impression that Syllys Auto Pte Ltd has no intention of refunding my deposit unless I remove or change my negative review, as evidenced by the WhatsApp messages in the screenshots.

On 5th December 2024, Alex then allowed everyone to send messages on the group chat.

The $300 deposit has also been refunded on 5th of December 2024 at 11:05am, alongside a screenshot of the PayNow transfer being sent by one of Alex's colleagues in the group chat.

I replied with a "Thanks".

Since then, Alex Soo and his lawyer have since decided to send a few cease and desist letters or otherwise known as letters of demand, which I am more than happy to comply with should there be any defamatory remarks.

I have also since updated my review on SGCM from a 2-star review to a 1-star review, pending the moderator's update as I feel that there is unnecessary time being spent on this, and the constant cease and desist letters seem unnecessary, considering that the contents of my review falls under fair comment.

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Nice ride, reasonable pricing, and efficient service! Alex is easy to communicate with and swiftly attended to any concerns I had during my rental period. Would look for Alex again if i need to rent a car! - Lim, Rented C200 - SKE5552J

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Nice ride, reasonable pricing, and efficient service! Alex is easy to communicate with and swiftly attended to any concerns I had during my rental period. He is also a flexible dealer, when I was overseas during my monthly repayment date, he allowed me to pause my payment without having to return the car until I returned from my trip - which was really convenient! Would highly recommend Syllys to those looking for lease! - Wang, Rented BMW 528i SNP71--D

I found Alex on sgcarmart renting their vehicles, arranged to view their Volkswagen golf, but went to the workshop instead of their place, he offered to send me a lift even though he wasn't sure I will rent from him. Even when the Volkswagen golf was not available, he offered me A4 for the time being while waiting for it, when the A4 had problem, he immediately offered to change another A4 on the same day without any questions. His after sales service and response is really smooth and good and I am pretty impressed as I have been renting from a few parties before during the past few years, will definitely come back to him again when I need a replacement car - Fabian Koh Zhenwei, Rented Audi A4 SMK94--P

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Excellent boss we always answer call and help us. Car good condition and very good place. I will definitely rent the car again - Shafeeka, Rented Audi A6 SNR87--M

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Eventhough there was a hiccup at the start of the rental, Alex and Zul did a splendid service recovery in getting the vehicle to my location and getting a slightly discounted rate. Returning the vehicle was smooth and easy as well. Thank you! - Fauzan Sunadi, Rented Toyota Alphard SMF57--C

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Quick and fast rental deal all though mine was a last minute rental. Alex was quick in guiding me through the process. - DOUGLAS SIEW, Rented Audi A6 SNR87--M

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One of the best rental company I've ever experience. Fast, hassle free on collection & return. Not forgetting they also offer very reasonable rates as well. Definitely recommended. - Anthony Lee, Rented Audi A6 SNR87--M

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Excellent service provided and is very helpful and understanding. Would definitely recommend to anyone who needs good and responsive service from this provider. Rental price is reasonable and a Mercedes CLA180. Would rent again in future for my needs - Chung Joo Hong, Rented Mercedes Benz CLA180 SMW67--H

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Super friendly boss , I already rent twice with them, very approachable and excellence service. Easy to communicate with the bosses . The second time I rent the car , I did use it for a few months and its was perfectly good . Recommended !! - Emily Fauziah, Rented Mazda 3 SLF97--E

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Friendly customer services. Rented a short terms price are reasonable, Will recommend my family members too. Thanks Alex - Grace, Rented Lexus ES Hybrid ES300h SMP93--D

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I require a rental vehicle as my car is under repair. I approached Alex who recommended a Honda Vezel. Upon collecting, usage and return, the rental car is in good condition as described by Alex. There's no hidden costs and Alex expresses professionalism in his field of work! I have rented a vehicle with an ease of mind and is very grateful! I will rent from SYLLSY AUTO PTE LTD when required and highly recommend Alex and his company to my friends and anyone who needs a rental vehicle!!! 👍👍👍 Thumbs up Alex and please keep up your good work! Thank You!!!

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Recommended & reliable. Smooth & efficient service. 👍👍👍 - Arif, Rented Kia Carens SLN80--T

Nice guys , and good service will be back to you when I need a car - Ken Ang, Rented Lexus ES Hybrid ES300h SMR98--S

Best and reasonable rental service I’ve experienced. Best cars I’ve been driving. - Koh Mun Loong Samuel, Rented Mazda 3 SLJ13--C