Anonymous

Fraudsters - please please avoid

The worst mistake I have ever made. I hadn't had a car for two years and was so excited to have a car again, so bought a mini from Auto Street. I bought the car, then I had issues straight away. They didn't give me a logbook v5 certificate and when asked he said his colleague had it off site. I needed the v5 in order to tax the vehicle. I then looked on the gov uk website, it had been untaxed for quite a few months. I managed to get the tax sorted out in the end. I purchased the car on 4th and a few days after driving I noticed the engine was roaring very loudly when accelerating and sounded really bad. I emailed George Brett and texted him, but no response or "I'm busy and will reply later" and then never did. I took it to a local garage who said the car had numerous problems including engine oil leak, power steering oil leak and transmission problems and to take it straight back. I'd had the car not even a week at this point. I spoke to citizens advice, who told me I had a short term right to reject and request a refund as per Consumer Rights Act and to send the dealer a letter and email. Every single time I contacted George it was "I'll get back to you" or "I'll speak to my colleague" and then never replying. George said he would take it to his garage to see what the problems were. Almost a week went by of me chasing him to see what the outcome was. He didn't even send a report from the garage just said the issues were all on the MOT and he wont refund me. I offered him ADR (alternative dispute resolution) but he just said "I can do what I like the car is fine" and was so unbelievably arrogant and just did not care whatsoever! Long story short I couldn't do ADR (alternative dispute resolution) because they aren't a Motor Ombudsman accredited business. And I couldn't take them to a small claims court because the third party local garage I used that discovered the issues didn't want to put it in writing because they didn't want to be involved in any way. And because the engine oil leak was on the previous MOT certificate. (which was soaking wet, smudged and wedged down the back of the glovebox) I don't think for a single second this car has been MOT'ed by a reputable business its probably a garage they pay off or are friends with. When I first found this dealer on Auto Trader all the reviews were great - however all of the positive reviews are completely fake. George Brett even gave his own business (auto street) a review if you scroll back far enough. If you look you'll realise they use the same kind of wording and names repeated etc. These guys are your worst nightmare! I have had so much anxiety and stress from this issue I cannot even begin to explain. And now I'm left with an unsafe car with multiple problems to fix and I'll be severely out of pocket. They know exactly what they are doing and are con men. They are arrogant, cocky and just do not care less. They are very nice in the beginning and couldn't do enough for you but they are FRAUDSTERS selling unfit cars with problems and getting away with it. Please, please, please avoid! I would hate for this to happen to anyone else.