Dan

Disaster! Beware

Beware of this company!!!!! Since day one we had nothing but issues with Hippo Group. After deposit was payed we have discovered that tyres on that car were not Star rated for this model and also someone fitted three different budget tyres to the vehicle. After a week of arguments they decided to fit Continental tyres which are recommended for this vehicle. By autotrader the location supposed to be 59 miles from our home but they told us later we need to collect it from Blackburn (260 miles) or they can deliver for £350 so we decided to go and collect. We never bid on price as we was looking for immaculate condition X3M. Sam Baker who was the salesman, told me they only sell A1 quality cars. After arrival on Saturday 05th of October and viewing car I have noticed that driver side had some history behind as some parts wasn’t fitted properly but I told the car was at BMW a few days before for a recall ( they lied as we checked with BMW ) which was what they told me and that maybe someone just didn’t fit the parts properly. The factory carpets were not present and they told me that it is against there insurance policy to sell cars with carpets which was a total lie as I have found on there website cars with carpets. On way back home we have noticed loud clonking noise from the front passenger side so decided to drive very carefully. On Monday I have decided to do inspection at my garage which has shown many new parts fitted to drivers front suspension which included; steering rack, wishbones, wheel arches, suspension hub, air ducts, and many more. Front wheel was also repaired and poorly re sprayed. Front bumper also was repaired. After contracting Sam Baker I was told that I should be pleased as this parts are new and if this car was accident damaged at least is not recorded. At this stage we still couldn’t see what was making that clonking noise but we have discovered that part of wiring harness was rubbing on front prop shaft which I have decided to repair immediately to avoid further electrical damage. Few days later I did another attempt to find this horrible noise, after raising the engine my technician discovered that the passenger side engine mount was snapped so I immediately ordered one from our local BMW. The next morning while we was preparing that to be replaced we have noticed that drivers side mount is snapped as well so ordered one from BMW as well. There was very unpleasant smell in cabin so we done some investigation that leaded us to discover unreal mess under front and rear seats in the from of mould, hairs and other rubbish. I’m fully aware we didn’t purchased brand new car but we have paid top price £47k without negotiating for this year and model to avoid situations like that. I know every car has some history but this example must have hard life and precious owner didn’t treat it well. Hippo group claim to have completed a 130 points check and it is not what they say it is as so mang points were missed. Now I’m trying to have my money back but they don’t want to pay as in their opinion we are trying to overcharge them. Total cost of that repair is £1018,46, my local BMW dealership quoted almost £1500 to start from. There is probably more to say but I tired with that situation as this is almost 7 months of grief. Wheels been badly refurbished and lacquer is peeling off. Beware as they not will look after you after money reach their account, warranty they sell is another awkward story not worth a penny!!!. Once you pay they will set up AI phone system to ignore your calls so to deal with any problems you will have to contact them by email only !! It’s been 7 months and invoice for repair it’s not been paid , they offered me £300 when they sold me not roadworthy £47k car I had to repair straight after collecting and pay from my pocket .