Dominic B

Don’t buy a car without seeing it

DO NOT buy a car from Georgesons without inspecting it yourself and don’t believe the assurances given on their website relating to vehicle condition and preparation. I recently purchased a Hyundai I10 from this company. I do have high expectations but the car price was basically what it would have cost new. The salesman Chris P knew that I wanted a car in the best possible condition for its age and mileage. As this was a Distance sale we would have no opportunity to examine it ourselves so asked the salesman to check it over critically and thoroughly - he assured me he has similar high standards and would do so. I was given assurances including that “The car goes on a well lit turntable where it is examined in detail and if it isn’t right it’s rejected and goes back through reconditioning again. “It wouldn’t be down on site if it didn’t pass. Don’t worry, I will give it a full going over before it leaves us. I’m sure you will be happy with the car ” This company operates a Fixed Price Policy so the salesman would not negotiate on the price, not even to replace the floor mats that were damaged. When the car was delivered and I had washed it I discovered that it was in a very poor state cosmetically. No way had it been given a proper valet. The area around the door hinges was filthy and covered in grease and dirt. The engine bay was filthy and covered in cobwebs and dirt. There was tar on the lower wheel arch despite this having been specifically pointed out to the salesman in earlier conversations. Inside hadn’t even been properly hoovered or cleaned. At some point the car had been repaired and resprayed on the front wing and the black valance was covered in white paint. There was white paint overspray on the front tyre and inner wheel trim. I was so disappointed that I wanted to return the car. However it would have cost me a lot more to have it transported back to the dealership which I was told in no uncertain terms would be at my own expense. The dealership offered a derisory £100 in compensation which I felt obliged to accept. It took me two days to clean the car, remove the paint from the lower valance and bring the car into an acceptable condition cosmetically. I feel that the salesman misled me and this was compounded by the apparent attitude of the management that the cars are sold only as they come into the dealership with no room for negotiation. Customer satisfaction does not play a part in their operation. If you want a well prepared car at a reasonable price I recommend that you go elsewhere.