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45 reviews from our car dealer reviews community
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45 reviews from our car dealer reviews community

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"Significant Faults & Poor Communication,"
1.6 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

We bought a used Skoda Kodiaq from Oakwood Specialist Cars (Whitley Bay) in March 2025 and regrettably had serious issues almost immediately: Day 1: The car shook violently on the motorway. Within a week, drivetrain faults arose — Haldex system, rear differential — followed by an ECU fault. The car spent over 40 days off the road, during which we had to chase them constantly for basic updates. Communication was infrequent and vague. An independent Skoda dealer later confirmed the vehicle was not roadworthy due to multiple drivetrain issues. Oakwood’s only solution was a 2008 courtesy car — unsuitable for our veterinary work — which was returned the next day with no replacement offered. After weeks of persistently chasing them — involving multiple inspections, repairs, and tows — Oakwood finally issued a full refund, which we accepted. While the refund was appreciated, the entire experience was frustrating and debilitating. We were left significantly disadvantaged in terms of time, trust, and family logistics (our second car also suffered during this period). Final advice: Oakwood eventually rectified the situation, but only after relentless pressure. If you’re considering a purchase here, be sure to get an independent inspection beforehand — and be prepared to follow up frequently if anything goes wrong.

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Oakwood North East LTD T/A Oakwood Specialist Cars from Oakwood Specialist Cars in response to Significant Faults & Poor Communication,

Hi Danijel, Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the vehicle did not meet your expectations and that the situation took longer to resolve than either party would have liked. Firstly, we must point out that the vehicle had covered over 3,000 miles in the two months you owned it, which we believe supports that it was fit for purpose during that time. The only reported fault initially was a minor and very intermittent knock at full lock at approximately 2 mph. We also noted, based on the condition of the underside, that the vehicle had been used off-road during this period. The diagnosis from your chosen Škoda dealership stating a Haldex pump fault was incorrect, as we explained at the time. The actual issue was the ECU on the differential. Unfortunately, based on their diagnosis, and with your agreement, we had already ordered and fitted the Haldex unit, which ultimately delayed repairs. The invoice you forwarded from Škoda related to a standard service, and no reference was made in it to the vehicle being unroadworthy. As with all electrical faults, we sent the unit to a specialist — in this case, ECU Testing Ltd. — and were reliant on their turnaround times. To ensure you were not left without transport, we initially offered a courtesy vehicle. Our primary loan car was unavailable at the time, and you informed us the Mini Cooper offered was unsuitable. We then offered to cover the cost of a larger rental vehicle, which you accepted. We expected the ECU to be returned within one week, but unfortunately, it took two. During this period, we received daily emails from you, many of which appeared AI-generated, some amounting to over 10,000 words. At that point, the only update we could provide was that we were still awaiting the return of the unit. While we understand your frustration, the volume and nature of correspondence became difficult for our small team to manage, particularly while focused on resolving the fault. Ultimately, we agreed that the best course of action for both parties was to issue a full refund. The vehicle was repaired and in full working order the same day and was sold to a new owner three days later. We wish you all the best in finding a vehicle that meets your needs.

"TOTALLY HONEST DEALER "
5 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Found my nissan Navara on Oakwood website. Phoned them and spoke to a very helpful, polite and professional dealer. Four days later we had agreed a deal. I had only seen pictures and a video walk around. Done deal on pure human trust. RAMI Paramythas is a rare man. TOTALLY HONEST DEALER. 5 star service and staff . Traveled 345 miles was well worth the time and fuel. Don't understand bad reviews. Would recommend you buy from this company ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Great service highly recommended"
5 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Nothing too much trouble, assisted with all queries and extremely happy with the condition of the converted camper van we bought and feel we got a bargain. Courteous friendly staff, was a pleasure doing business with them. Would not hesitate to recommend,

"Dishonest owner/sales man "
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Travelled 12 hours to pick up a car which I was told was perfect, negotiated a price £500 off screen price and paid a deposit. On arrival it was obvious car wasn’t perfect and rear light full of water - attitude of owner was shocking “use the £500 off to buy a new one”! Very untrustworthy company and really bad attitude especially when I said they had been dishonest which they clearly had. If you are local no problem in walking away but id never buy from these if travelling a distance.

"A fantastic service 5 stars all day long"
5 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

I bought a Ford Ranger from this company I live 230 miles away and they went above and beyond and did everything they said and in the time frame they said I can not fault this company and the bad reviews baffle me to be honest I would recommend this company to my family and friends and think you should give credit when its due.

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"Friendly, helpful and impressive service"
4.6 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

I bought an Audi Allroad from Oakwood and it was one of my best car buying experiences. The price was fair and the trade-in excellent. The car was delivered to the door four days from paying the deposit and was exactly as described in the advert. The only small issue was a defective rear parking sensor which was replaced straight away and the car has been both impressive and faultless since then. Overall a very good experience.

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"worst dealer ever"
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

please say away from this dealer this dealer just wants your money the after care is shocking dont phone you back . i had the car 8 weeks and the cam belt went this had been done before i got the car ye rite. So am £25000 OUT OF POCKET iv been trying to get them to pick the car up to fix it but just keep fobbing me off THIS PLACE IS A JOKE SO PLEASE PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THEM JUST RIP YOU OFF

"Disgusting "
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Absolutely shocking !!!! I paid £1000 deposit for a JDM Subaru I waited several weeks for them getting the log book back, I since found a car that was in stock and decided to go for that car from a different company I rang up and explained the situation, he was disappointed but fine at the time telling me he would refund my money in 3-5 working days I the got an email from the accounts team seating that refunds are none refundable , I pushed and pushed and managed to get half of my money back! Not good enough They told me they would have to re advertise the car that wasn’t even advertised in the first place Also David the sales person lies through his teeth clearly, and what was most shocking the customer in the too Before me he called him special and on the spectrum after he left the room, me and my mate were left speechless Avoid this company at all cost, I am currently building up my case to take things further

"Worst dealership EVER"
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Owner is a crazy man. Threats to police/lawsuits when you walk away from deal

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"Keep away from this garage "
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Purchased a range rover sport from this garage, a very expensive cash purchase. Within 2 weeks of buying the car there was a problem which we had taken the vehicle back and they had corrected that problem for us as when we purchased the car it came with 6 months warranty. We also asked if they could fit us some side steps which was an extra cost which they done no problem. Always spoke with Dave who was very helpful as long as they were taking my cash! Fast forward to September 2022 the car broke down which we had to be towed home. We then rang the garage the following Saturday morning as the car still had a 10 days warranty. We had the car towed from the house to their garage, they told us to ring them on the Tuesday. Which we tried ringing but they never picked up the phone after several failed phonecalls. We then had to bus to their garage 9 miles away. We were told an auto electrician had looked at the car he couldn't find the fault what was wrong with it. They were going to have to book it into land rover. Fast forward to now 3 weeks they have had our vehicle their attitudes started to change towards us, when we went through again they said land rover couldn't find the fault so it had come back to their garage. They then said they were getting another auto electrician out by now this is 5 weeks. As phonecalls were not getting answered we had no choice but to bus back through to the garage. It Wasn't a very nice welcome we received, told we were not getting intouch with you as there was nothing to update you on! He got quite abrupt saying they have replaced the alternator, a fuel pump and a fuel filter to which the car has still got the fault and won't pull away. All he kept saying was this car stands us £700 considering we paid £29k cash!! Then he told us it was going back to a specialist land rover garage to which at this point we were fed up and felt we were being lied to and fobbed off. They were also offering to go down the trade in route but we were set to loose a lot of money having only bought the car just over 5 months ago. So we came to a decision in the office with them to take our car home unfixed and we had to pay for a tow truck to take it straight to a land rover garage for the work to be paid for by ourselves. Please just drive past this garage dont go in like we done. The customer care is beyond shocking and once they have your money they don't care! When we retrieved the car it had been standing in their compound the whole 5 weeks untouched. There was no alternator or fuel filter and fuel pump replaced after having land rover look at it when we dropped it off.

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Dealership Information

Quality used cars from the coasts first RAC Approved Dealer

At Oakwood Specialist Cars we are an RAC approved dealership which means we can offer their warranty and free membership with all our cars, to give all our customer's peace of mind. Our ethos is to source the highest quality top-spec vehicles mainly sports, performance diesels and 4x4's with good service history and low mileage.

Our stock is changing daily as we are hand-selecting cars from all around the UK from a number of our good suppliers. If we don't quite have what you're looking for, please just give us a call and we will do our best to source it for you. We offer low rate finance packages to suit every need.

Manufacturers: Sells a variety of makes and models
Independent Dealership founded in 2001

Services available
Car Hire
Car Leasing
Car Repairs
Car Sourcing
Finance
GAP Insurance
Motorbike Sales
New Car Sales
Part Exchange
Sell Your Car
Servicing
Used Car Sales
Van Sales
Warranty
Ratings
45 reviews3 out of 5 stars — Rated Average
Excellent
21
Very Good
1
Average
3
Poor
7
Terrible
13

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  • Contact Information

    Address

    Oakwood Specialist Cars
    Oakwood House Foxhunters Road
    Whitley Bay
    Tyne and Wear
    NE25 8UG

    Get in touch

    0191 2523445
    https://www.oakwoodspecialistcars.co.uk/

    Opening times
    Mon 09:00 - 17:00
    Tue 09:00 - 17:00
    Wed 09:00 - 17:00
    Thu 09:00 - 17:00
    Fri 09:00 - 17:00
    Sat 09:00 - 17:00
    Sun Appointment Only

    Dealership Statistics

    44%
    Would recommend this dealer to family and friends
    4%
    Percent of reviews responded to by this dealer

    Additional Information About Oakwood Specialist Cars

    Company Formed: 2001
    Company Registration: XXXXXXXXXX
    Dealer Group: XXXXXXXXXX
    Directors: XXXXXXXXXX
    FCA Ref: XXXXXXXXXX
    FCAStatus: XXXXXXXXXX
    Premises Type: XXXXXXXXXX
    Registered Name: XXXXXXXXXX
    VAT Number: XXXXXXXXXX


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