Found a car from there dealership off autotrader, initially called them up and asked if I could place the deposit and come view it a week later as it was quite far away from where I live. Phone call was well handled and deposit taken. I asked to view the car for the following Sunday and all was good, on the Friday before the Sunday I go to view, I had a call from the sales team asking if I was still coming to view it on the Sunday. I explained I would and asked them to please have the car positioned somewhere I can view it where the car also does not need to be started for any reason before I get there and do the cold start myself. This was very confusing for them and they said they would be unable to do this. To me this is a red flag as most problems can be hidden once the car has warmed up. However, they agreed to not start it and have it left for me. Saturday I rang them and reminded them I will be coming to view the car when they open and not to start it, they told me that the car is in there valeting bay and won't be started. Now. I arrived at 9.45, they open at 10. When walking in I was greeting by some very confused people sat behind a desk as if I'd walked in unannounced and into a restricted area. After explaining the reason I was there they stated that the car was in the detailing bay and they will drive it round shortly to the viewing area. I stood there in disbelief as I specifically had spoken on 2 separate occasions about the car not being started. I went to the detailing bay and asked how they got the car to the spot they were cleaning it in. The detailer explained they drove it there this morning. I was absolutely p*ssed. Also to bare in mind. When I placed my deposit they removed all adverts of the car and refused to send me any photos of the car as I hadn't screenshot any before placing my deposit. When sat negotiating the price and I brought up the fact I managed to get all the photos off a paid vehicle checking site, the man instantly went very quite and sheepish. Anyway, managed to knock them down a bit and brought the car due to the way they took photos it hid alot of scuffs and damage etc, which now the cars been in use for a few weeks and the sh*t shine polish they used has worn off. I can now see alotttttt more scuffs and damage that they clearly hid. About a week later when my insurance started for the car, I drove it to work via the motorway and noticed some clutch slipping at the higher speed than the little country lane he let me test drive down. Called them up and they refused to fix it, also refused to fix the heated wing mirror which wasnt heating up. I understand the clutch is a wear and tear item, but the car had just been brought and I expected some help towards it. But to refuse the side mirror was shocking. I also stated I could very easily drop the car back to them (3 weeks have passed now since I brought it) and have a full refund. To which he stated "no you can't". Here is a statement directly off a lawyer which I told him. Repair, replacement or refund 30 days to 6 months If a defect is found once the 30 days have passed, but within 6 months, you are entitled to request a repair, replacement or refund free of charge. The law assumes that the fault was there at the time of delivery, unless the seller can prove otherwise. Where this right is exercised, dealers only have one chance at repair or replacement. If they fail to repair or replace the car, you are entitled to a full or partial refund. He then stated that they will not repair it and if I want to go down that route then it's upto me. Clearly humbled him by knowing my rights. Honestly I would never purchase from these again, and the whole office area just felt very sleezy and gave a pretty uncomfortable buying procedure.

The worst buying experience ever. Stratus cars in Hook. We arrived at the appointed time to view an A Class Merc, having been told over the phone that the car would be cleaned and presented ready for a test drive. The salesman Ross then handed us the keys he did not accompany us to the car, which was not clean. It was covered in cobwebs dirty & in a very untidy state. When I asked why it had not been cleaned his answer was “ we are very busy & I wasn’t here this morning” 1st disappointment. Then after a test drive & inspection I noticed badly worn front discs and badly worn front tyres indicated the tracking was out. Also a very large cut in one of the front tyres. The car had plainly not been prepared for us at all. We then when in to talk to Ross. When I asked about replacing the tyres with like for like ie continentals to match the rears he explained that & I quote “ No we would fit budget tyres…. It would cost us too much if we fitted expensive tyres” I was so shocked I nearly fell off my chair. Disappointment 2. As The car had all the options we were looking for & was everything we wanted, we did come to a deal. But I was unsure of the quality of the work to be done. We came away feeling very unsure of the deal. However when we returned to buy the car we were treated very differently by William , a professional well-spoken polite sales person. He has saved Stratus cars reputation by the skin of its teeth. I would however never go back to Stratus car because of the lack of respect and general unhelpfulness from the 1st interaction. Additionally when we returned to pick up the car. Ross who we had the appointment with was nowhere to be found, he did appear as we were leaving, ignoring both of us completely. Unfortunately the 1st sales person has tarnished Stratus car reputation completely. I would advise the sale Manager that he replaces his sales force with more Williams.

From start to finish, Jim and the team were first rate, I was a first time customer at Stratus after finding my car of interest on Autotrader. I had decided to traded in my MB E350 cabriolet to which I was offered what I thought was a really fair and reasonable price, allowing me to purchase my Infiniti QX70S, again at a fair and reasonable price. The QX70S was serviced, alloys refurbished, and it was given a new MOT, and fully checked over prior to my collection, it looked like it had just came out of the showroom, as brand new. At no time did I feel pressured into buying, every thing was done at my pace and very professionally. The QX70S is a dream to drive and after 24 hours of owing it, I am loving it even more, it is such a lovely car to drive. Thanks Jim, I will be back, but not just yet !