I went to view a car at Tyneside Autoparc yesterday ( Astra 2.0 diesel) for my wife. I looked over it and the salesman offered me a test drive. I accepted and was quite happy overall. I explained it was for my wife and I'd let her know and get back to him. He was friendly enough. She'd also noticed a Honda Civic, similar price (2.2 diesel), but no-one was in that garage (Autonet). I went back today and found a salesman offering a lady a test drive of the car she was viewing. He asked if I needed help, then told me his colleague was inside. Inside was the most miserable sod I've ever come across. He gave me the keys, I asked if I could start it, MAKE SURE IT'S OUT OF GEAR!!! he mumbled (I've been driving for nearly 30 years). I was very impressed with the car and would've advised my wife to go for it. I asked to arrange a test drive....No was his reply, we only allow test drives at the point of sale. What?? I said I'd never commit to buying a car without first testing it! You misunderstand me he says, you need to know what you are after, yesterday you tested an Astra petrol, now you want to test this? Totalling different beasts. WTF I asked? It was actually a diesel I tested, although what's that got to do with it or with you? Also you have allowed a lady a test drive right now I said. He replied..you need to know what you are looking for. I've viewed 2 cars I'm interested in, so at that point I told him to forget it and he'd cost himself a sale. What respectable garage or salesman would go on like that. I would advise NEVER go to Auto-net.

Dealt with Tyneside Autoparc and can only say it has been one of the worst experiences of buying a car I have ever experienced. Once they have sealed the deal they do not want to know anything further. The car we purchased had faults from the onset and they took it back to repair it. Weeks later nothing was resolved. No reply from emails and you ask for them to ring back and they don't. You have to constantly hassle them and you get vague answers in return. Take my advice and stay well away.

Dealt with this firm recently and next thing I know I have bailiffs seizing my partners car and giving untrue statements about me to the police, my partner now stands to lose over £10k