Do not buy from Arnold Clark

I bought a Toyota Avensis from Arnold Clark in East Kilbride in Sept. 08. I paid £7200 for it, which seemed reasonable at the time, and before picking it up was quite pleased. Not for long. I picked the car up, without the promised car mats, and then found that one of the tyres was well below legal tread limit and that the fan belt squeeled like hell. After a week i managed to get these things fixed, and again felt quite pleased. After 3000 miles, the car broke down, so i had it towed to Arnold Clark, thinking it best to go to them. They then informed me it would cost £185 to investigate and they wouldnt touch it unless i agreed. No choice but agree. Once they had checked it over they called to say it needed a new clutch, starter and flywheel. At a cost of £1850. On a 3 year old Toyota, with 47000 miles. What!!!!!. I had owned the car for 4 months at this point, and they said my warranty was only for 30 days, so i would be responsible for the cost. I dont think so. I informed them that the car wasnt fit for purpose when they sold me it, if it needed alsmost £2000 of work so soon after. Their reply? Driver error! Apparently i had damaged the clutch/starter and flywheel with the way i drive! Your right i couldnt believe it either. After many phone calls and letters, with my car still stripped on their ramp, they kept telling me they wouldnt fix it. They even tried to charge me storage on it. I have sought legal advice and was told that the sale of goods act 1979 covered me and to stick with it. Eventualy after forking out for an independant inspection (£150) they finally agreed to fix it. I think they may have realised i wouldnt just go away. So now just trying to get my inspection money back. They are by far the worst company i have ever dealt with and their so called customer service dept is appaling. It would seem that Arnold teaches them that if you refuse to talk to people then the problem will go away. My advice to anyone caught like this. Dont give up. It took me 4 weeks of constant phone calls and letters, not to mention stress and worry. But it has saved me almost £2000. Remember, the 30 day warranty means nothing, you have six months under the sale of goods act. Its the law.

tony mcstravick - 01/02/2009 | report this review