Anon

BUYER BEWARE

Unless you like being lied to, fobbed off and treated like a fool then avoid this place like the plague. I consider myself lucky to have walked away rather than put my hard earned money, trust and faith in this absolutely shambolic dealership. As with all charlatans, it started out well enough and I found the non-overly sales approach and laid back style refreshing. How wrong I was - it was the first red flag in a very long list of things that just wasn't quite right. When I first opened the car door I noticed an awful smell and heavy staining on the passenger seat which seemed odd for a car advertised for sale but I didn't think much of it and was promised it would be fully valeted. I've since discovered one of the Crew Members has been using it whilst advertised for sale - little wonder it was parked right next to the entrance and much closer than the customer parking (there's a second red flag!) After paying a deposit the following day I then had to ring them 8 hours later for confirmation it had been received. How unprofessional and not even so much as a thank you for my custom! I finally received an email confirming receipt of payment and the work to be carried out on the vehicle prior to collection. A lame excuse claiming to be busy was given yet both times I have visited the centre there have been more staff than customers and I now know that's with good reason! I called the following day to confirm the service history and was advised accordingly. As everything seemed to be progressing smoothly I made the necessary arrangements to move finances and amend insurance which naturally incurred costs which I was happy to absorb with the anticipation of getting a new car. On the day of the sale I received a call from a 'Private Number' (hello third red flag) from the 'Crew Leader' facilitating the sale and he confirmed everything was in order. I asked if the car had two keys, he confirmed it did, and we arranged a time to complete the transaction. Upon arrival at the garage (some 40 miles away) I was told the integrated sat nav had been disabled (impossible as it is a feature of even the most basic model of this type of car and is advertised as such) and that a key was missing. After raising the issue with the 'Business Manager' he asked if those things were magically fixed (how convenient) would I still buy the car? Not on your nelly! Within 2 hours of me walking away the car was showing as being unavailable online. Coincidence? I think not! And I'd put good money on the fact it was sold with a fully working integrated sat nav and 2 keys. I now have no doubt that this vehicle was promised to another (possibly the Crew Member already driving it) and by putting a deposit down first, I had inadvertently disrupted the plan so they lied and cheated me out of the car in order to sell it to another. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour and shame on all involved! The only slight positive is that the deposit I paid was refunded without question in a timely manner, however, I'm yet to decide whether to persue the matter further with the motoring ombudsman and small claims court. It is unacceptable to operate in such an unprofessional and unethical way in 2021. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. You have been warned!