After searching for two months I found the car I was looking for at Auto Village in Cheltenham, only trouble is I'm in Chelmsford Essex, I contacted Mac, discussed the car in detail, reviewed detailed photos and put down a deposit and arranged a collection date. On day of collection my son drove me down, I was met by Mac and shown the car and left to carry out my own leisurely inspection, it was clear the vehicle was well presented as described and benefitted from having had new brake discs/pads

I bought a manual V40 from Autovillage back in early November 22. It was a 65 plate on 87k miles which I took for a test drive and it drove like new pretty much, nothing wrong with the drive of the car at all. There was a few things that it needed like a new interior mirror, service and the cambelt/water pump doing. I was told it will all be done. Only the "engine" work was done but I was told in another weeks time I could pop by when the mirror arrives and they would fit it within 15 minutes. The mirror did not arrive within a week and not only that, it was for a different car. Took until January to have a new mirror. A few weeks after purchasing (200 miles later) the clutch started sticking and gradually got worse. I mentioned this to Mac at autovillage who said no problem, we will look at this for you. I took the car to autovillage end of November, had a courtesy car which was not cleaned! About 3 hours later, I was told my car is ready to be picked up (apparently nothing wrong with the clutch). Picked up the V40 and again, sticking clutch so rang again and said the clutch is still sticking and was told that a new clip will be fitted next time. The car was then taken back to autovillage for the 2nd time mid December. This time the water pump had failed on the journey there. I was told that they DO NOT replace the water pump with the cambelt? About 3 weeks later, I picked up my car with a new master cylinder, cambelt, water pump and a brand new mirror. 3 days after picking up my car, the clutch was sticking AGAIN and this time, the added EML was on! The car was taken up to Autovillage. I then picked up a courtesy car a week later and had a chat with them. I was told a slave cylinder will be fitted (must have been something wrong with the clutch after all!) and the gearbox was out at that moment. I said whilst the gearbox is out, what if I pay for a new clutch and you fit it. I was told yes by Mac and the owner, "I'm sure we can do that, we will check with our master tech on Monday, we'll give you a call first thing as it may be cheaper if we buy it ourselves." Come Monday, no call so we rang early afternoon to be told the car is now back together! I was also told the EML fault was historic so the light just needs switching off which seems mad. If it wasn't for the clutch sticking for 2 months, it wouldn't be up there for an EML also! Picked up the car again two weeks later. Lo and behold, and EML appears the same day the car was picked up! The fault was as clear as day, under the bonnet which if they had bothered to look in the first place, they should have spotted. This time, I asked for a full refund via email because I was disappointed in which I had no response until I emailed the next day asking again. After a lot of back and fourth, the car ended up back at autovillage where it was for 3 weeks. Considering the duration I have owned the car (which is about 4 months), they have had it for a third of the time. I consider the length of this review to be enough warning. I am very disappointed with Autovillage. They have had the car back every time however, slow service (it has taken 4 months to get these issues resolved), no printout of work carried out and barely any communication. I am aware all cars have issues but this experience seems insane.

Undoubtedly the worse service I'e had from a motor factor. They repeatedly failed to call me back despite repeated apologies and assurances when I requested a quote - it took more than four weeks to get the information and that was only when I phoned and lost my temper. My Subaru was booked in for warranty work with a very long lead time 'to accommodate the Covid situation' only to have the appointment cancelled the Saturday before the Tuesday of the appointment (Monday was a bank Holiday) - diabolical service made worse by trying to shift the blame to Subaru - unbelievable.

First visit waste of time as couldn't get in/test drive car due to key safe problem. Revisit following week - little smoke under bonnet after test drive - still interested so asked to fix before purchase. Drove away Tuesday, car nearly on fire by Friday. Autovillage couldn't recover that day so had to leave car in town 30 miles away from home overnight. Back and forward to Cheltenham (25 miles each way) over next week. Car said to be repaired but all confidence lost. At least they provided a courtesy car though this was falling apart and the service/air bag lights were on. Our car also required new clutch or flywheel as big judder in first gear. Refund given a week later - MD baulked at request for pro rata £20 tax (that I won't get back) and number plate purchase for trailer. No other gesture of goodwill offered (I guess he has to maintain the brand new Porsche and designer wardrobe). Now leasing brand new car and can sleep soundly. We are both self employed and estimate three days loss of earnings dealing with Autovillage. Avoid!

My review for Auto Village Cheltenham begins by saying that I had numerous problems from day one. I was supposed to have given the car a bunch of checks before I bought it but 2 really minor things that surely would have been picked up went almost immediately so I doubt they were done. Repairs have been covered by the dealer but I've had to run around and find myself a mechanic to fix them. If I am sharing how I feel I would say that I didn't get the feeling this dealership was particularly trustworthy, just my opinion of course. Barely had the car because I am still sorting out issues to this day.

Great service from orry. Helped me to choose the right car nothing to much trouble Very pleased.