GB Car Deals

Absolute SCAMMERS! Avoid at all costs! Withheld Deposit!!! Have reported to FCA.
Nov 30th, 2018

This has been a truly shocking experience. Please avoid at all costs. I ordered a new car from GB Car Deals (Spectrum Vehicle Finance Limited) in August 2013. I was told that the car would be brand new and that I would be the first registered keeper. They offered a reasonable discount and seemed like a decent company. After waiting two months, the car was delivered. Unfortunately, it was completely the wrong car due to an error at the company. This was disappointing, but I accept that mistakes occasionally happen. The company apologised and let me drive the incorrect car until my new one was delivered. A few weeks later, the company withdrew this offer without warning and demanded over 800 in 'hire car' fees. When I refused to pay, they appointed a third-party company to recover the car and leave me without a car until they sorted their mistake out! I was left with no option but to pay this extortionate fee since I needed the car for my daily commute. The correct car was eventually delivered in March 2014, nearly seven months after ordering. I was assured that the tax disc and log book would be sent straight away. These were not received and I was unable to drive the car after the initial two week grace period without a tax disc. I phoned the DVLA to arrange for a replacement log book and tax disc to be issued. They investigated and found that GB Car Deals had registered the car to an insurance company in a different country. This insurance company contacted the DVLA and declared that the car (which had been sat on my driveway for months) was in their possession. Strange! After six weeks of constant telephone calls and emails, I eventually persuaded the DVLA that it was my car after providing lots of photos and documentation. They sent the new tax disc and log book out promptly, however I was the second registered keeper on the log book. Throughout the process, GB Car Deals did not want to help. I occasionally received one-line abhorant emails from their director and they now won't reply to any of my emails or letters. UPDATE: Following an independent investigation by the Financial Ombudsman Service, I have received a full refund. I am in communication with the police and other authorities regarding the company's activities. I am happy to be contacted by potential buyers to discuss my unacceptable experience.
Oct 3rd, 2015