Customer reviews of Ideal Car Centre

By Anonymous on 31 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

I recommend thoroughly researching this dealership before making a purchase. In my personal experience, I encountered significant challenges within 3 weeks of buying a vehicle here. A pre-existing fault resulted in the vehicle becoming undriveable, and I did not feel I received adequate support from the dealership in resolving the issue.Throughout the repair process, I kept them informed at every step. I invited them to speak directly with the garage handling the repair and to utilize their own parts suppliers, since they claimed they could source parts more affordably. Despite my efforts, they never followed up nor proactively assisted in the process.Ultimately, I had to pay for the repairs myself, only to be told afterward by the dealership that the repair costs were excessive and they would offer less than half of the repair, for which I would also be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. This left me feeling frustrated and unsupported.I also learned, after the fact, that the dealership had recorded at least one of our phone calls without informing me beforehand, which I found strange for a supposedly reputable business.Based on what I’ve seen, there are multiple negative reviews from other customers, and I wish I had read more of them before purchasing in good faith. I expect the dealership may respond to this review at length, but I am simply sharing my personal experience so others can do their own research and make an informed decision.I understand other customers may have different experiences, but I felt it important to share mine.This is the first bad review I've left on here for anyone, for any reason.

Reply from Ideal Car Centre on 01/02/25

Unfortunately we need to correct this review with the true events. In reality the customer has overpaid for repairs despite us telling him not to, he went ahead without our permission and instead of being unhappy with the garage who overcharged him, he is embarrassed and threatened us with negative reviews if we didn't pay the hugely inflated bill in full. The customer had the car inspected by the AA prior to sale which found no faults except a top mount we had already stated we were replacing as soon as he enquired. 3 weeks later a wishbone has snapped and we were pricing up repairs to cover the cost. We told the customer not to have repairs carried out without speaking to us first, but instead he had not only that repair carried out but another repair which he didn't tell us about which wasn't even required as that part had already been replaced. He stated that he was happy for us to cover what it should cost us and he would cover the extra. He then gave us a bill 3x over what it should have been. We actually agreed to contribute 50% despite the extra work we were unaware of and the extra cost, and he then went back on his word and decided he wanted the full bill paying or he threatened bad reviews, all because he could not contact us first or wait an extra day for a repair. We went over and above what was required with this customer to help, but unfortunately we cannot be held to ransom simply because customers have acted against our advice and requests through impatience or ignorance.

By Ash H on 29 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

5 stars all round. From start to finish Andy was brilliant and more than helpful. Put everything in place for us to drive away content and happy. Loving the new car some thank you guys! Would highly recommend iDeal Car Centre if you are looking for your next car :)

By Anonymous on 29 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

Easy, no problems, no messing most importantly no nonsense everyone was friendly from us viewing the car to buying the car we was made to feel welcome. Paul was great straight talking and really did go above and beyond for us

By Haydn L on 27 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

Since buying the car I have on average spen close to 200 keeping it running. Not one month of trouble free motoring. On the way home the bearing was screaming. Somthing you would have thought would have been picked up on via there supposed check list. The suspension arm was dangerously corroded. Again missed on there "check list" my guess would be they buy them from auction but a bit of lip stick on it bath it and wait for the next sucker to come along.

Reply from Ideal Car Centre on 27/01/25

This review is entirely incorrect and the customer has not told the correct story. The customer has had the car over 6 months and contacted us as the car had failed its MOT just now. He was extremely abusive and aggressive using lots of horrendous language and tried to threaten us, actually stating that unless we sorted everything out despite being out of warranty that he would leave negative reviews everywhere. The car was inspected and serviced prior to sale and had no faults. One of the wheel bearings became faulty which was repaired for free by ourselves under the warranty. We have since heard nothing whatsoever from this customer about any further 'faults' or 'complaints' until his very aggressive and abusive phone call yesterday. Despite trying to help, he became verbally abusive and used foul and insulting language when he was informed his warranty had expired. This is a customer who purchased the car on sub prime finance direct through a finance company without contacting us, so it isn't us who described the car a 'delightful'. If he had any genuine issues with the vehicle in this time he could have contact either ourselves of the finance company regarding them, but the fact that he has not contacted either of us shows his complaint is not correct.

By Mrs H on 26 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

We were helped by Paul. He was knowledgeable about the product and made the whole experience pleasurable.

By Emily on 26 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

Absolutely fantastic service, the guys couldn't of made me feel more comfortable.

By Haydn L on 25 January 2025 | Purchase not verified

I recommend reading reviews online before doing business with therse crooks. They say they check thier cars before they leave but I seriously dispute this the amount of money injave had to spend on it which any incompetent inspector would have picked up is rediculess.

Reply from Ideal Car Centre on 26/01/25

This review is entirely false and malicious. The customer has had the car over 6 months and contacted us as the car had failed its MOT just now. He was extremely abusive and aggressive using lots of horrendous language and tried to extort us, actually threatening that unless we sorted everything out despite being out of warranty that he would leave negative reviews everywhere. The car was inspected and serviced prior to sale and had no faults. One of the wheel bearings became faulty which was repaired for free by ourselves under the warranty. We have since heard nothing whatsoever from this customer about any further 'faults' or 'complaints' until his very aggressive and abusive phone call yesterday. Despite trying to help, he became verbally abusive and used foul and insulting language when he was informed his warranty had expired. This is a customer who purchased the car on sub prime finance direct through a finance company without contacting us, so it isn't us who described the car a 'delightful'. If he had any genuine issues with the vehicle in this time he could have contact either ourselves of the finance company regarding them, but the fact that he has not contacted either of us shows his complaint is false.

By Becky on 13 October 2024 | Purchase not verified

Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a car to come here. The previous garages I had been too were very rude, made you feel uncomfortable and just unprofessional. Came here and it was the complete opposite. Paul was very friendly and informative and just let us look around the car without feeling pestered, unless we wanted to ask him something. The most relaxed I’ve felt when looking for a car as I didn’t feel pressured or bothered by any staff. Ended up coming away with a lovely car which I’m hoping lasts me a long time!! Would definitely come back in the future - thank you!!

By Brian P on 02 October 2024 | Purchase not verified

Called in ideal car sales looking for a car . No mither of salesman. Browsed the cars . Went and spoke to a guy called Paul . Super helpful, polite and professional. Walked away with a quality car . Exactly how described on Auto Trader . Found on ideals multi check of the car it needed a New clutch . Paul rang me and explained and had a new clutch fitted for me . Recommended ideal cars to anyone looking for a quality car . Thanks to Paul and his guys

By Andrew F on 10 September 2024 | Purchase not verified

IDeal Car Centre is not particularly easy to find in Little Hulton, but it's worth the effort. TBH it lacks many of the charms of a franchise dealership, presenting more as a fortress than an open site you might meander around kicking a few tires, but that said, they more than make up for all the fluff by providing good honest down to earth service centred around well selected and prepared cars at good prices. I am more than happy with the Golf I purchased. And just to be certain, this is not the same place as the similarly named car seller in Wolverhampton.