Chariots Specialist Cars

This is how a business should be run. Excellent service, excellent people.
Apr 26th, 2023

I recently bought a vehicle from this dealership. Due to me spending my money, the purchase was pretty straight forward. Not long after having the car, my circumstances changed where I no longer needed it. Luckily I was within my 14 days to return the goods where All payments made by the consumer, will be refunded. I followed the correct procedure which was to send an email to Franco, the General Manager. He made me aware of a 2 charge per mile excessing 100 miles which I thought was quite a lot, however it did say this in their T&Cs so I accepted the loss. J I drove the vehicle to the garage where we waited over an hour before being seen to, even though I made them aware the day/time I would be arriving. After someone eventually took the keys from me, we then waited another 30 minutes until a workshop ramp was available. Another 45 mins go by with no update. The technician that checked over the car had done his job and said the car was fine. Another 30 minutes wait until the salesman started doing the paperwork. He then calls us in to the office and presents us with a charge of 280+. They tried to charge me for the mileage from when the MOT was carried out, so before the car was even driven to me and I had taken ownership of the car. So they wanted me to pay the mileage that they themselves did. I refused to pay this and told them that I had only driven the car 177 miles. For the next 1hr 30mins, the Sales Executive was going back and forth upstairs to discuss the payment with Franco, despite me asking to speak with him direct regarding this matter multiple times. Not once did he come down to meet us. They refused to budge on the price and so did I. I was then met by the Sales Manager who reiterated that I needed to pay for the mileage they put on the car. He also said that Im actually out of my 14 days as its up to me as a customer to get in contact with the finance company to make them aware I no longer wanted the car. Luckily for me, Im also a car salesman and deal with Alpherafinance every day and I know that its down to the retailer to make the finance provider aware of a rejection, not the customer (which was also confirmed by Alphera themselves when I called them) I feel he said this to try scare me into keeping the car. Eventually, after many hours wasted in this dealership, my wife having to cancel work and stood there in tears, I took it upon myself to go find Franco myself. After finally speaking with him, a payment was agreed which was 150 for the 77 miles I did over the 100. Even though this was paid, I am still waiting for my 50 refund for the delivery I paid as well as the 99 admin fee. Like it mentions in your T&Cs, All payments made by the consumer, will be refunded. I look forward to hearing from you soon to refund these payments.
Apr 16th, 2023

Car was booked in via lease provider. Laura from Chariots was communicative and kept me informed at every step. On arrival car was quickly booked in and loan car sorted. When they found out I was looking for somewhere nearby to work whilst I waited they offered for me to stay on site with acces to a plug, free WiFi and hot/hold drinks. Laura was very good and made sure I was kept full of drink and comfortable for my stay. Car was returned fully cleaned.
Mar 25th, 2023

Excellent sales,clean and tidy premises.
Mar 7th, 2023

Sorry to have to write this review however having done some research my problem is not uncommon. You should all be aware: 1) When you buy a car and they claim it is serviced to manufacturer standards this is NOT true as they failed to check technical service bulletins which are a key part of manufacturer quality servicing. They also left the service light on. 2) In my case their failure to follow the manufacturer guideline means my front brakes are incorrectly fitted and now warped. (issue in 180mph capable 4x4) 3) Failed to follow guidelines on rear brakes 4) When a technical issue (wobbly steering and knock in suspension) was raised under warranty, insisted I had to resolve it myself and send the bill. Unfortunately 3 separate garages struggled to find the issue over a few of months until a full paid for diagnosis by myself discovered: Defective Tyres Incorrectly fitted brakes Failed suspension part No one at Chariot's acknowledged ANY correspondence. 5) Having waited for a response in January I raised a claim with the Finance Company @MannIsland they too have failed to resolve and referred it to the finance broker @carfinance247 who have literally tried every trick in the book to avoid taking responsibility. 6) Chariots response was to again to ignore it, before outright denial that this was anything to do with them. Some brilliant anecdotes from my conversation with the owner Franco where he was mostly abusive, dismissive and apparently its all my fault. a) if I post a negative review he will sue me for slander b) that as a Christian this meant he had done nothing wrong (not sure what this has to do with an unroadworthy car! ) c) his chief mechanic has 35 years experience and is brilliant and he rushed my car through the workshop because someone else was off and would have serviced it correctly. d) the his non response the warranty wasn't his fault e) that I had driven the car f) that i may have driven the car erratically causing the brakes to warp g) that the inspecting garage had made up the allegation, lets just say that they have nothing other than 5 star reviews unlike Franco and friends. h) that i had never contacted them about any of this despite messages between service, Louis (sales man about service light and tyre issues) and a selection of emails entirely ignored until I threatened legal action. The fact is all faults were reported in month 1, again in month 2 of ownership, the car is allegedly under a warranty they provide (worthless right now), the brake discs I could go on but check out similar reviews to mine by googling 'Car Dealer Reviews' current score 3.5 (mostly negative) 'Car buying advisor' 3.7/5 Auto Trader quite good bizarrely. Common themes of poor service in after care, arrogant Franko, shoddy workmanship and above all taking zero responsibility. So overall thanks for the 40K paperweight on my drive! Please proceed with caution.
Mar 8th, 2023