Arnold Clark: A Buyer's Guide

Arnold Clark is a name that frequently appears in discussions about car dealerships across the UK, particularly in Scotland and the North of England. With a vast network of dealerships and a reputation built over decades, many consumers turn to them when seeking a new or used vehicle. However, like any large automotive group, customer experiences can vary significantly. This article aims to provide a balanced perspective on Arnold Clark, with a specific focus on feedback related to their Newcastle and Shiremoor Ford branches, drawing on recent customer accounts to help potential buyers make an informed choice.

Understanding Arnold Clark's Reputation

Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd. was founded by Sir Arnold Clark in 1954. From its humble beginnings as a small used car lot in Glasgow, it has grown into the UK's largest independently owned car retailer. The company prides itself on offering a wide selection of vehicles, competitive pricing, and a commitment to customer service. They operate dealerships for numerous major brands, including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, and many more, alongside a significant used car operation. Their business model often involves large-scale stocking and a focus on volume sales.

Customer Feedback: The Good and The Not-So-Good

When researching any large dealership, it's crucial to look at a spectrum of customer feedback. Online reviews, forums, and personal testimonials offer valuable insights. For Arnold Clark, reviews often highlight the extensive choice of vehicles available. Many customers appreciate the convenience of finding various makes and models under one roof, and the often competitive pricing that comes with a large retailer. The sales process itself can be smooth, with many customers reporting positive interactions with showroom staff.

However, negative feedback does exist, and it's important to address these concerns. Common themes in less positive reviews can include issues arising after the sale, particularly with used vehicles. These can range from minor faults to more significant mechanical problems that customers feel should have been identified and rectified before the car was handed over.

Focus on Arnold Clark Newcastle Ford

One customer recently shared their experience with Arnold Clark Newcastle after purchasing a new Ford Focus Vignale. While the initial interaction with the showroom staff was described as excellent, with the staff being very friendly, the positive experience was short-lived. Shortly after driving the new vehicle home, the engine warning lamp illuminated. The customer promptly contacted the dealership, and the issue was addressed by having the error codes reset. While the dealership responded by asking the customer to bring the car in, the occurrence of a fault on a brand-new vehicle is, understandably, a cause for concern.

A Deeper Dive: Arnold Clark Shiremoor Ford Concerns

A more detailed and concerning account comes from a customer who purchased a 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Ecoboost from Arnold Clark Shiremoor Ford in July 2020. While the purchase process was described as straightforward, and the customer was initially happy with the car despite no movement on the price, significant issues emerged just a week later. These included a loud spinning sound from the front wheels.

The customer took the car to the Newcastle Ford branch for repairs. The work undertaken included:

The customer's primary concern was that these extensive repairs, costing over £1,000, should have been identified and rectified before the car was sold. The car performed adequately for several months, but the spinning sound reappeared in early 2021. An independent garage diagnosed the need for new brake pads, which seemed premature given they were replaced just five months prior.

The spinning sound returned for a third time. This instance led the customer to a Halfords Autocentre for a brake check. While the brakes were found to be fine, the garage identified leaking rear shock absorbers, one of which was leaking excessively. Crucially, this occurred after the customer had driven less than 5,000 miles, much of which was light driving due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the car's Start-Stop technology, which the customer was unaware of, briefly activated after these issues, only to cease working again shortly after.

Arnold Clark's Response and Customer Dissatisfaction

Following these persistent problems, the customer contacted Arnold Clark customer services. The response was one of extreme dissatisfaction. The company stated that the issues were not their problem and provided a final response indicating they were unable to change their initial stance. This lack of resolution and perceived disregard for the quality of the vehicle sold left the customer feeling that Arnold Clark had no regard for vehicle quality once the money had changed hands. The customer vowed to warn others, including through media contacts, about their experience, particularly highlighting the significant repair costs incurred on a recently purchased used vehicle.

Key Considerations for Buyers

This detailed account raises several important points for anyone considering purchasing a vehicle, especially a used one, from Arnold Clark or any large dealership:

• Pre-Purchase Inspection: Even when buying from a reputable dealer, it is always advisable to conduct your own thorough inspection or arrange for an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle before finalising the purchase. This is especially true for used cars.
• Warranty and Guarantees: Understand the terms of any warranty or guarantee offered. What does it cover? For how long? What is the process for making a claim? Arnold Clark, like most dealers, will offer warranties, but the specifics are crucial.
• Post-Sale Issues: Be aware of your consumer rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If a vehicle develops faults shortly after purchase, particularly faults that suggest they were present at the time of sale, you may have grounds for a repair, replacement, or refund.
• Documentation: Keep meticulous records of all communication, repair invoices, and service history. This documentation is vital if any disputes arise.
• Reputation vs. Reality: While a dealership may have a large and established reputation, individual branch performance and the experiences of specific customers can vary. It's wise to look for recent, specific reviews relating to the branch you intend to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arnold Clark Newcastle a good garage?

Customer feedback for Arnold Clark Newcastle is mixed. While some customers report positive experiences with friendly staff and a good selection of cars, others have encountered issues, particularly with used vehicles, that suggest a need for more thorough pre-sale checks. The experience with the new Ford Focus Vignale, while resolved by resetting error codes, highlights that even new cars can experience immediate faults.

Who is Arnold Clark Shiremoor Ford?

Arnold Clark Shiremoor Ford is one of the many dealerships operated by Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd. Based on the provided customer feedback, this particular branch has been associated with significant issues concerning a used vehicle sale, where extensive repairs were needed shortly after purchase, leading to considerable customer dissatisfaction and a feeling of being let down by the dealership's after-sales support.

What are common issues with Arnold Clark used cars?

Based on customer accounts, common concerns with used cars purchased from Arnold Clark can include mechanical faults that appear shortly after purchase, such as issues with suspension, exhaust systems, brakes, and warning lights. Customers often feel that these problems indicate a lack of thorough pre-sale inspection and that the dealership is reluctant to take responsibility for rectifying them under consumer rights legislation.

What should I do if I have a problem with a car bought from Arnold Clark?

If you encounter a problem with a car purchased from Arnold Clark, your first step should be to contact the dealership where you bought the car. Document all communication. If the issue is significant and appears to have been present at the time of sale, refer to your consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If the dealership is uncooperative, consider seeking advice from consumer protection organisations like Citizens Advice or potentially pursuing legal avenues if the cost and nature of the fault warrant it.

Conclusion

Arnold Clark remains a dominant force in the UK automotive retail sector, offering a vast inventory and often competitive prices. The positive experiences of some customers, particularly regarding the breadth of choice and initial sales interactions, are genuine. However, the detailed account from the Arnold Clark Shiremoor Ford customer serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls, especially with used car purchases. It underscores the importance of due diligence, understanding your rights, and being prepared for the possibility of issues, even with a large, established retailer. Potential buyers are encouraged to research specific dealership reviews and conduct their own thorough checks to ensure a satisfactory car-buying experience.