Went to view a car 2 weeks ago, agreed a price for part exchange of my old car and finance was paid for the new car. Went to collect the new car and they suddenly decided they needed to test drive my car (despite giving me rock bottom price and telling me they would ship it off anyway), Returned and said my car needed a new clutch and I needed to give £800 cash to them to cover this cost.... I have no issues if they wanted to test drive my existing car and decided it had issues however why leave it to the last minute?! Anyway they now have the finance for the new vehicle, I am £125 out of pocket for a car I have insured that I do not own and their response to my complaint has been pretty much copy and paste from a below response. 10 years ago this garage told me they weren't there for me to drive their cars around all day (when I asked to test drive 2 cars) so I have avoided them. I had hoped that 10 years down the line they would have improved their service but it would appear not!!! Speaking with friends and neighbours and looking at the below reviews this is a common tactic of theirs.
Reviewer has confirmed their email address
TOP GEAR CAR SALES from Top Gear Car Sales in response to AVOID AVOID AVOID
As per our response: We take all feedback seriously and appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. To address the situation directly: When you initially brought your VW Touran for part exchange, we provided a valuation based on the information available at the time. As is standard practice, we reserve the right to carry out a final assessment, including a test drive, before completing the deal. Upon doing so, it became clear that the clutch was on its way out—something that had not been disclosed to us initially. In addition, we noted that the slave cylinder had been recently replaced, which can often be an indicator of underlying clutch issues. Our policy is to ensure transparency in all transactions, and this includes verifying the mechanical condition of part-exchange vehicles before finalizing a deal. It is precisely for this reason that we conduct a last-stage check, to confirm that the valuation remains accurate. Unfortunately, the issues identified with your vehicle meant that the original offer could not stand. Regarding your request for reimbursement for insurance costs: We will not be refunding any incurred expenses related to insuring a vehicle that was never owned. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate timing of such arrangements, and we cannot be held liable for personal financial decisions made in advance of vehicle collection. While we regret that this experience has led to your dissatisfaction, we stand by our process and our commitment to fair and transparent dealings with all customers.
TOP GEAR CAR SALES from Top Gear Car Sales in response to AVOID AVOID AVOID
Charlotte, We are disappointed to see this review, especially given the full context of your experience. As you are aware, the reason your part-exchange offer was adjusted was due to a previously undisclosed clutch issue, which we identified upon final inspection. Transparency is key in our transactions, and we expect the same from our customers when describing the condition of their vehicles. While we understand your frustration, it is unfair to suggest that our customer service was "appalling" when we were simply following due diligence to ensure a fair and honest deal. We wish you the best with your new car purchase elsewhere.
I bought a car from Top Gear Car Sales, and while the buying process was fine, the aftercare was frustrating. The staff were friendly enough at first and didn’t pressure me into the sale. The car was in good condition, and they quickly sorted a couple of small issues. However, a bigger problem came up that they couldn’t diagnose. They told me to take it to another garage, which I had to pay for. They reimbursed me for the first diagnosis but not the second time. They attempted repairs, but the issue wasn’t fixed. When I brought it back again, they assured me it was sorted—but it wasn’t. After another diagnosis, they told me I’d have to contribute to the repairs because I would be “gaining” from them. I reminded them the car was still under warranty and that I shouldn’t have to pay for repairs so soon after buying it. If they don’t want to honour their warranty, they shouldn’t offer one. After some back-and-forth, the owner finally agreed to cover the cost. When I dropped the car off for the final round of repairs, the attitude from the staff was appalling. They made snarky remarks about how the repairs they had already done were a “waste of money”—even though they were the ones who told me to get it diagnosed elsewhere. Then, when I picked up the car for the last time, I found they had deliberately hidden the locking wheel nut key under all the stuff in my glovebox. This wasn’t where I left it, and it wasn’t where they had put it during previous visits. Given their attitude, it felt petty and intentional. I have been in contact with the owner about all of this, but now he is ignoring me. The car is running perfectly now, but the stress, poor communication, and unprofessional behavior from the staff made this experience awful. I wouldn’t buy from here again—it’s not worth the hassle.
Brought a car end of April for £8,000, within 2 weeks issues started, and now 4 months I have spent over £2,000 getting the car repaired, that doesn't account for days without car and stress....today engine light has come on. They have failed to respond to latest emails and letter, but their stance has been it was fine! They probably hope I will go away. I'm now taking court action and going to trading standards....be careful on some of the reviews as some are from the Manager & owner......avoid at all costs appalling company!
Reviewer has confirmed their email address
AVOID THIS CAR SALES AT ALL COSTS!! Car brought at end of April and have had to paid over 2 grand in car costs!!! They have refused to help!!! Disgusting company and should be ashamed of themselves!! Unfortunately for them, we will be fighting to get this money back whatever it takes!! AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!
We travelled some distance to view a 69 Reg Fiat 500 , that the garage was selling, it was fully described over the phone,, accurately I would say.. Great Service and keenly priced. Thanks Paul and Vince. Regards Anne
Reviewer has confirmed their email address
Owner doesnt know the word customer service!!! Part exchanged our vehicle for one of their cards, which he sold us a car that had gear box problems, engine mount problems and engine management light on - And gave us an MOT with no advisories...!! Staff cant make a decision without him and he is always on holiday - Told us to choose another car as one we brought would cost to much to repair - Arranged in all good faith to pay more for another car - to be told today when was picking it up that the deal was off and he doesnt want to keep paying for cars that are faulty - HIS WORDS I have a yard full of faulty cars!!! DO NOT BUY FROM THEM... Now left without a car to get to work... The owner PAUL could not give a damn!! Reported to trading standards - no business etiquette what soever... Let alone admit he has a yard full of dodgy cars!!!
Reviewer has confirmed their email address
Top Gear Car Sales from Top Gear Car Sales in response to Bad service Avoid at all cost
Top Gear Car Sales appreciate our customer’s comments and feedback. certain aspects of this review have been taken into consideration. Top Gear Car Sales, however, feel it appropriate to elaborate on this review by explaining that, in this case, management felt the necessity to unwind this particular deal due to the author of this review’s dishonesty and failure to disclose numerous faults obtaining to the vehicle she wished to exchange. Top Gear Car Sales always endeavour to ensure their customers receive sublime customer service and are satisfied with their experience. In this instance all guidelines provided by the motor sales ombudsman were adhered to and all legislation in accordance with the sale of goods act and the consumer rights act were abided by. The comment made by management referring to ‘not wanting to pay for faulty cars’ was honest. It is not in the interest of the business to purchase vehicles that knowingly need substantial work. The statement made implying the author was left without a vehicle is false, she in fact had the vehicle she was willing to part exchange. The comment allegedly made by management, in reference to having ‘a yard full of faulty cars’ is categorically untrue and in breach of UK civil laws regarding Libel. Legal action has been filed.
I can see why they have so many poor reviews. Travelled 120 miles to view the Jaguar Estate this garage has for sale. Reg. No. CL64 JAG £12500. I placed a holding deposit on the car and we agreed I would come and view the car on 18th March 2024 at 2pm. On arrival I was shown the car, but told none of the keys worked, and they were waiting for an engineer. They also wanted to charge £800 for the cam belt to be done! He thought he was doing me a favour by telling me he would go halves and i would only pay £400. The car is due a cam belt change and should be done anyway. I would have hoped they could have phoned me to let me me know they couldn't even start the car!!!!, but we're very matter of fact. Anyone thinking of buying the Jag make sure it had some keys and the belt changed. Really poor service and clearly happy to let people down. Rob Stone
Reviewer has confirmed their email address
Poor service poor repairs cars are not of a good quality learn by my mistake save your money and protect your stress levels
Nice guys and so helpful and understanding! Will definitely return !
Never been treated so badly when trying to buy a car. 'Paul' is the rudest sales person I have ever met. Totally bad attitude. Asked some questions about the car I was interested in, and this seemed to really annoy him. The car was not as described, had a really poor service record, and Paul refused to answer questions about it. He virtually threw me out of the showroom. I would rather catch a bus than buy a car from this place. I have only given one star because there is no option for ZERO STARS. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Reviewer has confirmed their email address
Established for over 35 years, Top Gear Motors are a used car dealerhship based in Gillingham. They offer finance, warranry and also buy cars for cash. If you have puchased a vehicle from Top Gear Motors, please share your experience with us and leave a review.
Manufacturers: Sells a variety of makes and models
Independent Dealership
Top Gear Car Sales
Beechings Way Industrial Centre Godden Way
Gillingham
Medway
ME8 6AD
Sorry, we don't have opening times for this dealership
If you're the business owner, you can update this page by getting in touch with us at info@cardealerreviews.co.uk
There aren't currently any photos for Top Gear Car Sales, help complete this page by uploading your own.
What photos are right?
Are we missing anything?
You can help complete this section by emailing us any additional details.
We offer UK dealerships an excellent opportunity to collect those all important reviews on your behalf for as little as £79 + VAT per month.
Learn more about how our service works below.
We know how to speak to your customers and give them a second to none personal service, one they always appreciate.
All reviews collected can be published on your AutoTrader page, you don't need to do a thing. It's that simple.
You can thank your customers first hand for leaving reviews about your business.
We know communication is important so automatic alerts via e-mail will be sent to your business once any reviews have been left for your dealership.
We can provide you with valuable monthly insights on your dealerships performance on cardealerreviews.co.uk.
This can be displayed in your showroom to assure customers of the excellent service you receive.
Upload image of your dealership to give customers a feel about your dealership before they arrive.
You'll become a recommended dealer and we'll send you promo material to boost your reputation.
Ensure your page is always fully updated and accurate, you have control to update all of the information you see.
Want help collecting more reviews for your business?
Enter your email address below and we'll be in touch soon.
Alternatively, you can email us at info@cardealerreviews.co.uk
Here is what happens next:
We also offer Pay Per Review service available upon request meaning you can boost your rating overnight
You send us your customers contact details and we call them up and collect those all important reviews straight away.
See your excellent reviews we collect for you dealership broadcast on Car Dealer Reviews in a matter of hours
At Car Dealer Reviews we go further than other review sites, we ensure that you see the most trusted reviews by asking for verification.
By providing a sales invoice or receipt we know these reviewers have visited the dealership. So when you see this icon, you know it’s from a real customer.