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Leave a review for Saxton 4x4 Ltd
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957 reviews from our car dealer reviews community

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

Me and my husband found a car on their website and called and queried about it. We spoke to a salesman Jason and he booked us an appointment to come and see the car. This was in between Xmas and New Year. We went to see the car and liked the car but there were a few things we queried (scuffs, paint damage etc) we were told that these would all be fixed as best as possible, as a standard weather we were purchasing the car or not. Jason was very pushy and advised us that we needed to have the car sale go through before the new year, otherwise prices would change etc. We were happy to wait until the new year, but also happy to go ahead with the sale if we could get the right price. We went though the finance options and Jason managed to get us a price just slightly above what we wanted to pay so we agreed. At this point he hadn't actually submitted this to the finance company and all we had signed was an order form. We left feeling excited that in a couple of days we would be picking up our new car. We hadn't heard anything from them on the day we were supposed to collect, so we called them to be told Jason was not working until after the new year now and he would call us back then. We advised we were supposed to be collecting a car today and was told someone would call us back. We finally got a call back from Jason (after being told that he was not at work) who told us they were having problems with the finance, and he would get back to us ASAP, but it probably wouldn't be sorted now until the new year. We asked what the problems were but he didn't tell us anything and just said he was waiting to hear back from the finance company. At this point we were a bit concerned that if there was a problem with the finance it would affect our credit rating so asked Saxton to cancel the order as we no longer wanted to go ahead - and we were advised we were unable to cancel the order now and that if we did we would lose our deposit (even though at this point we hadn't actually been accepted for any finance) they told us they were going to try and get the finance accepted by the end of the day so we could still collect the car that day, but it got to the end of the day and we hadn't heard anything back from them. We then had to wait until the new year to be able to contact then and find out what was going on. When we called back we just kept getting told the same thing (still waiting on the finance) we asked again if this could be cancelled and again got fobbed off. We finally received a callback from them saying all good news the finance has been accepted, however the first finance they applied for was rejected, so was the second and third and they then called the third company and got it accepted at a higher rate. So without our permission they had applied for finance from 3 different companies. The new price was not within our budget and we told them we needed to cancel this now and get our deposit back to which we were told no if we don't want it they keep our deposit. They then said that they had to charge us for any work that had been done on the car (even though they advised it was a standard that they would carry out this work) after countless phone calls where they refused to cancel the order and pay our deposit back, we contacted citizens advice, They advised us that as we hadn't signed a finance agreement, and hadn't authorised them to apply for multiple finance we were entitled to our money back. We had to write them a letter and quote this along with a reference number from Citizens Advice recorded delivery. After a few days we had still not heard anything back, so we once again called. We were told this time that they would refund us our deposit but just take off the cost for the works done on the car, which we didn't agree with. They said they were speaking with the manager and would get back to us. Again we didn't hear anything back, so phoned again. To be told - your deposit will be refunded in full. This all took over 4 weeks, and was a very stressful experience (i am also pregnant) They were so full on when we first went in to see the car and so keen to get a sale, as soon as we paid the deposit and signed an order form they weren't bothered about customer service/after care! I wouldn't recommend anyone gets a car from them - since this experience we have spoken to lots of people who have also said the same about them!!

"No Problems with Saxton"
3.8 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

We found the Saxton staff to be helpful and knowledgeable with no 'hard sell'. The car was offered at market rates and delivered clean and tidy. The process was unrushed and we have confidence that Saxton will stand behind their obligations.

Michael Poole from Saxton 4x4 Ltd in response to No Problems with Saxton

Many thanks for your review. It is much appreciated...

Michael Poole from Saxton 4x4 Ltd in response to No Problems with Saxton

Many thanks for your review. It is much appreciated.

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"Unplanned car purchase - great result"
5 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Was only half thinking of changing and visited Saxton between Christmas and New Year. The showroom is very slick with a huge range of high-end luxury, sports and 4x4 vehicles. Our sales agent Luke was great - not pushy but very knowledgeable and helpful arranging test drives when the space was quieter. The price on the car we bought was competitive and Saxton gave a decent trade in so the purchase process was very slick and easy. Highly recommended

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+0 Found this review helpful

Staff from Saxton 4x4 Ltd in response to Unplanned car purchase - great result

Thank you very much for your review and 5 stars on Car Dealer Reviews. It is much appreciated on this site.

"Do not buy from Saxton 4x4!"
1.2 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Where to start? Firstly, I wish I could give zero stars! Bought a Volvo XC90 from Saxton. The sales process was very frustrating. It took a week for the car to be prepared for collection and on arrival, not all of the paperwork was available (vehicle checks, log book etc). Saxton said they would forward it all on. Drove the car away and immediately noticed problems with a faulty wing mirror and electrics. Called them straight away to report the issues and 4 months on, we're still waiting for everything to be resolved with the car. Their promise to post me the log book (which had disappeared from when I first viewed the car) plus the correct car mats and a missing part for the in-car entertainment have never materialised. Once the sale is made, Saxton lose all interest. Customer care is non existent and Sales/Service/Management don't reply to emails or phone calls. In desperation I emailed the Directors and they didn't bother to reply either! The warranty supplied is worthless (read the small print and it covers hardly anything) and Saxton are not truthful. Lost paperwork, missing car checks, claims to have serviced the car which when I pushed for proof, turned out to be false. They hadn't serviced the car. The whole experience was unpleasant and stressful. When trying to get the faults repaired, and only after threatening to reject the car under consumer rights, Saxton asked me to take the car to a local garage to fix it (from the approved warranty list) and they would pay. £25 in lost cab fees and a day off work later, and the garage said they weren't skilled enough to deal with it and it would have to go to Volvo. More unanswered calls followed until finally, they agreed to pay Volvo to fix the car. They also promised that Volvo would supply me with the missing car parts at Saxton's cost. When I went to collect the car, Volvo informed me that Saxton had revoked the parts agreement and asked Volvo to tell me that they would be sending me the missing log book, car mats and entertainment part themselves. I'm still waiting and nobody at Saxton's returns my calls or emails. They are not a premium dealership. They are a quick turnover, dodgy outfit that happens to sell premium cars. There's a big difference. If you're lucky enough to buy a car from them that is fault free you may be OK, but if you need any after sales help be prepared to look up your legal customer rights and to settle in for a long battle. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. If you search the reviews, you'll see a clear pattern with their failure to fix problems. I just wished I'd paid more attention to them and that I'd never bought from Saxton. I'm still waiting for my missing items. I've tried to contact them again today and have been told that the person who was dealing with the issues has left. Through my dealings with them over the last 4 months, the 3 staff members who I've managed to get a response from have left! I'll update my review if the issues are resolved.

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+7 Found this review helpful
"Waste of time"
1.2 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

I called about a Discovery Sport and spoke to Mo (who was enthusiastic and friendly on the phone). I explained I had 2 young children and didn't want to do a 7 hour round trip from Dorset if there was any damage to the car. He reassured me and so we set off. After arriving at 5pm (they didn't shut until 6.30pm), we were informed by another sales person after waiting for 15 minutes might I add, that Mo had 'done some sales today' and had gone home early! Charming - clearly purchasing a car for £20,500 is small fry to this company! Anyway, someone else gave us the keys and left us to it for 20 minutes. Then nowhere to be seen and sat in an office. Upon checking the car, almost 80% of the car was non original panels./resprayed shoddily/bits in the paint. Imagine our horror when the bonnet was opened and there was MOSS in the engine bay and all underneath the car. Has clearly been off roading. What an absolute waste of time carting my poor kids up to Essex and back. Poor car and poor service. If I'm ever lucky enough to have the money for a £100k Range Rover I certainly wouldn't take my money here. And as for Mo achieving his sales for the day - that's not a good work ethic where I come from.

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+7 Found this review helpful
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"Best Avoided, Dishonest"
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

I would advise that this place is avoided. I trusted the dealership and was sold a car with a known fault which I am arranging to have repaired through Mercedes dealership. They phoned me because they were not happy with my feedback on a survey they sent to me which is 100% honest, unlike Saxton 4X4 . When they called to complain about my feedback I suggested they cover the cost of the Mercedes dealership which they refused to do. The fault can only be repaired by Mercedes dealership. Also, from an admin perspective, despite telling them the car should be in my wife,s name they put it in my name, basic error. I had hoped that Saxton 4X4 might be the one dealership that one could deal with in an honest and trustworthy way, sadly not. There were others on the day, in their showroom, also complaining about being misled, enough said.

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+10 Found this review helpful
"Terrible"
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Terrible service, these guys trick you into buying a car by filling you with rubbish that is untrue. Too late once money paid

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+14 Found this review helpful
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"BEWARE!! Cannot be trusted"
1.8 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

If you want to buy a car from these guys, the attention you’ll get is full on, immersive and fills you full of confidence. After you’ve made your purchase however, the story is a polar opposite! I bought a car from them and paid for it in full, no finance required. Of course, I tried to negotiate, but ended up paying the full asking price. A nice, simple, pain free and profitable transaction for the dealer. When I got the car home, I discovered that it did not come with a spare wheel, but a puncture repair kit. A little disappointing, but understandable in today’s market, but the kit was missing. I called them and was told that a new one would ‘wing it’s way’ to me, ‘pronto’. Four weeks later, I sent an email requesting an update. I thought this rather patient of me! No reply. I sent another a few days later, copying in a director. Still no reply. I called and asked to speak to a director and was firmly told that would not be possible as ‘directors don’t speak to customers’. Hmm… let me figure… the business is selling cars to… customers! No customers=no sales=no profit=no business. I’m fairly sure that’s the way it works? I was finally advised that a sales manager would call me. To date, I have STILL not heard from anyone at Saxton 4x4. I’ve not only managed individual companies in my career, but also groups of companies. As ex. CEO of a large manufacturing and sales organisation, I made it perfectly clear that customers could ALWAYS liaise directly with me or indeed my teams of managing directors and directors if they were unhappy about any aspect of their purchase. Without customers, we had no business, so the customer was and is always ‘King’. I’m not suggesting that they’re always right of course, but if you don’t interact with them, how can you know how your business is performing? Basic common sense really. But not at Saxton 4x4 it seems! What’s the cost of a puncture repair kit? £50. £100? I’ve really no idea, but in whole scale of things, extremely inexpensive. ‘Give us your money, then go boil your head’ appears to be their mantra. As I’ve always said, you live and learn! Well, some of us at any rate! I thoroughly recommend that you DO NOT buy a car from this bunch if you want the peace of mind that comes with good after-sales service, because you will not get it at Saxton 4x4.

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+11 Found this review helpful
"Do not purchase a car from these cowboys"
1 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

Made the mistake of not dealing directly with an authorised dealership (frankly land rover dealers are by and large bloody terrible as well but at least they stand behind the cars they sell). The discount you think you are getting likely isn't worth the trouble. April 2018 we purchased a "new" Disco 6 - this is not a cheap vehicle, cost was about 78,000 from memory but likely saved us 5g over a main dealer. However, before i get into the weeds, I've just had to spend £1,700 on fault finding where water started coming into the front of the car over the driver and front passenger. In a nutshell, the car was imported from malta, likely that the windscreen was smashed in transit and the replacement windscreen (which was not made known to us) hadn't been sealed correctly. For sake of ease i'll post the reply from the dealer. This was after having attempted to get them to look at the problem but after being ignored were then directed to go and have it checked out elsewhere. (The amazing warranty that came with the car clearly not worth the paper it's written on). ***** Good morning, I have had a discussion with my manager regarding your email. Unfortunately we will be able to cover the amount on the invoice you have sent us. Firstly anything that we pay would need to be authorised prior to the work being carried out. Also due to the length of time you have had the vehicle and we have evidence that there wasn’t a leak from the vehicle at point of sale, this also is why its something that we are unable to support. I do apologise that I cant give you better news but my hands are tied. Kind regards Mike Rogers Service Advisor Tel: 01245 351 234 Fax: 01245 351 212 Email: M.RogersatSaxton4x4.co.uk - So the weeds on this dealer; Customer service doesn't really exist. It's a cattle market in the showroom. That was both on the way in and post sale. Frankly once you are out of their hair with the car they frankly couldnt care less. Was thinking of prattling on about the service but no point. It's poor. We've then spent a fair bit of money (latest insult aside) actually getting the car to function properly (they forgot to do the internet registration / configuration etc.,) buying floor mats etc., We're also not altogether convinced that the electronics function correctly either (nagging doubts over the windscreen wiper setting etc.,) Whats really quite irksome is that when we try to get them to deal with a fault they have little to no interest. When we go elsewhere and they discover that the fault was due to the dealers poor workmanship in the first place we then get mugged off with the reply above. I particularly like the evidence they purport to have regarding how it didnt leak when they sold it.... Is there a does windscreen currently piss water where we've replaced it checkbox these days? In short, am annoyed with myself, if (the saving) looks to good to be true, it probably is.... Avoid.

"Would never step foot in again. "
1.4 out of 5 stars
Dealer's knowledgeable
Vehicle cleanliness
Value for money
Resolving issues

SAXTON 4X4. This is my story with Saxton 4x4, I advise you to make your own mind up on this companies practises, competencies and quality of customer service. I initially saw an advert on auto trader for a vehicle advertised as £19250. There was no pictures as it was ‘new in stock’. The description stated it was everything that I wanted as in specification, model, mileage and within my price range. I raced down to see the car and upon walking in the door was told that the car had been underpriced and should have been £2500 dearer, but they would honour the price on auto trader and their own website if bought today. I looked at the car, stunning looking car apart from a few bits and pieces which I was assured would be completely taken care of and back to being like a new car. These were some paint lacquer damage on a door (repaired very well by an different bodyshop), a tyre that had been driven flat and had damage to the wall of the tyre (was told would be changed) scrapes and scuffs to rear bumper near boot lid (told would be cleaned up) bodywork damage to front bumper (told would be smart repaired). So I ask about the price, again got told that it was underpriced. I asked if I could go home, do some research and call back in an hour to pay a deposit if all was ok. I was told if I left the showroom the price would go up to the ‘correct price’. Being already late for work I felt I had to agree to the price and put a deposit down. They said I HAD to collect the car within a week, no longer.I went home and onto work and did some research where I found out that the car had not been underpriced in the slightest and if anything, was a little dearer than some similar alternatives. So I was lied to and forced to make a decision on the spot and denied the opportunity to do some research with the fear of loosing the car. The car was also advertised as having a ‘black pack’ extra which it didn’t, but was told that they can’t guarantee that their listings are correct. A quick check on the Range Rover website brought up the build specs and can clearly see the black pack extra was not fitted from new. I then began to sort out my finances within a week which having not sold my old car within that week, involved having to take out a loan and increase my credit card limit and pay their charges just to get the money together within that week. I got the call to say it was ready, I said ill drive down to check it over, then drive home and sort insurance and tax before getting a lift back to collect shortly after. I was asked “why can’t you just take it now”. It is lucky I stuck to my guns because when I got there hardly anything had been done. The lacquer issue was done, but the damage to front bumper and boot trim wasn’t and instead of changing the tyre, they swapped them about, no doubt hoping I wouldn’t notice. The salesman hadn’t even checked if the car was ready in person before telling me to collect. I then had to argue with the service guy that the tyre that had been driven on flat for quite some time which had rubbed all of the branding off of the side and created a thick groove around the edge of the tyre wall half way down wasn’t safe. Eventually they said they would fit a like for like tyre. Also told that all body work would be repaired by the next day. I then had it out with the salesman who said that because of the issues, he would deliver the car in person and include a full tank of fuel. So, the car arrives a few days later, 3/4 of a tank of fuel and I get handed a tenner for the rest. (not sure why) I took the car, looked it over and seemed ok. Later that day and the lighting had changed and I noticed that the car had been delivered to me with a massive stone chip and crack in the windscreen. Not in the danger zone but directly in the drivers vision when looking to the left of the road. On top of this the airbag light was on, I made a call to the salesman and after initially being told that the airbag light was the passenger one that must have ‘just been turned off’ I got it booked back in to be looked at. I drove up and service guy said that the airbag light is a common problem and will be a faulty plug under the seat. 5 minutes and apparently it was fixed. There was no way they could have fixed it in this time so clearly they just reset the fault code on the computer. Which is evident as 10 minutes after driving away the light came straight back on again!!! I spoke with the manager there about the windscreen and was told “if its not an MOT failure we won’t do anything about it”. When I said it wasn’t there when I test drove it he snapped back at me “can you prove that can you?”. Luckily I could as I took pictures on the day I went to see it and had a copy of the photos from their website and auto trader from when they eventually did put pictures on there and there was no damage. After 2 hours of waiting there they finally agreed to fit a new windscreen on a date to be arranged. On the drive home I also found that the passenger door lock made a horrible grinding noise when unlocking along with the drivers seat adjustment (which adjusts every time you get in the car). Driving the car I noticed that it was heavily pulling to the right all of the time (something that wasn’t present during my test drive) there was no service book stamp, no vehicle inspection checklist, no warranty information nor breakdown cover that should have been 12 months free RAC cover (more of that later). When I parked up at home I then noticed that in a bid to save £3 they decided to fit a cheaper tyre to the vehicle. Same brand, but different model and tread pattern and not all weather like the rest, clearly a big no no. I made a list and took the whole thing to them a couple of weeks later. I was given a Merc as a courtesy car. I have never seen so many lights on a dashboard but whatever. 2 weeks later!!!!!… and I’m told it’s ready. I go and pic it up and find it to an acceptable standard. Albeit the windscreen was a used windscreen (they hadn’t even bothered to spend 20 seconds cleaning the old sticker marks off from when it was in the old car) The tyre was also a used one but at least it was the same model and tread pattern. I tested the airbag/seat thoroughly and all appeared to be fine. Got the service book and warranty information printed so was relatively happy, other than it was over a month from when I bought the car and it is only just now roadworthy. I then call to activate my 12 months complimentary RAC breakdown cover to find I need a code from the dealer. I call the dealer, speak to the manager who says “no we are not an approved RAC dealer”. When they have cardboard cutouts advertising this in their showroom alongside posters on every car on their website and auto trader stating that they are, it was a bit of a silly statement. He then said he has never ever given a code for the breakdown cover and has no idea what it is. He asked me to send the advert and information over so he can look into it, of course he didn’t and didn’t reply to my chase up email either. I have now made a complaint to the RAC about them and THEY have given me the code. I will categorically never ever buy a car from this bunch of cowboys ever again and I strongly urge anyone else to steer a wide birth if you want a hassle free, genuine and honest car purchase with no problems. Buying a car is supposed to be a happy and exciting time as its usually the second most expensive thing you will buy in your life next to your home, and this was completely ruined for me and instead replaced with stress, anxiety, frustration and danger.

steve in response to Would never step foot in again.

In light of the above, I have been contacted by Saxton4x4 today and have been offered a very generous apology to restore my faith in their company. We went through several issues that I experienced, some could be explained and a heartfelt apology was given for the rest. It does seem that I just had extremely bad luck with this car and as now that all has been put right, I can now finally enjoy the car.

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Dealership Information

UK’s number one used 4×4 dealership

Saxton 4×4 is the UK’s number one independent 4×4 dealership, having traded in the world’s leading marques for over fifty years. We are proud to be an official Overfinch, Kahn, Urban and Onyx centre, offering a diverse range of expertly modified 4×4s and specialist cars. Our state of the art showroom is the largest of its kind in the UK, scaling over 100,000 square foot and houses more than one thousand prestige vehicles and premium brand 4×4s. You will find the most prestigious 4×4s handpicked from the likes of Land Rover, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Volvo, Volkswagen and many more over two floors, all under cover. So whatever the weather you can view our vehicles all year round.

Deals in: 4x4s, Cars
Manufacturers: Sells a variety of makes and models
Independent Dealership founded in 1970

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
957 reviews4.7 out of 5 stars — Rated Excellent
Excellent
867
Very Good
24
Average
10
Poor
21
Terrible
35

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    Contact Information

    Address

    Saxton 4x4 Ltd
    Westway
    Chelmsford
    Essex
    CM1 3BH

    Get in touch

    01245 351234
    http://www.saxton4x4.co.uk

    Opening times
    Mon 09:00 - 21.00
    Tue 09:00 - 21.00
    Wed 09:00 - 21.00
    Thu 09:00 - 21.00
    Fri 09:00 - 21.00
    Sat 09: 00- 18:00
    Sun 09:00 - 17:00

    Dealership Statistics

    88%
    Would recommend this dealer to family and friends
    51%
    Percent of reviews responded to by this dealer

    Additional Information About Saxton 4x4 Ltd

    Company Formed: 1970
    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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