Beware of Platinum Car Centre: A Buyer's Nightmare

In the competitive world of car sales, trust and transparency are paramount. Unfortunately, some dealerships fall drastically short of these expectations, leaving customers with faulty vehicles and a bitter taste in their mouths. Platinum Car Centre, as evidenced by numerous customer accounts, appears to be one such establishment. This article delves into the alarming experiences shared by individuals who have unfortunately purchased vehicles from this dealership, highlighting a pattern of deceit, poor quality, and a shocking lack of accountability.

A Litany of Faults: The Reality of Platinum's Vehicles

The stories emerging from customers who have dealt with Platinum Car Centre paint a grim picture. One customer, who purchased a BMW nearly a year prior to sharing their experience, detailed a series of issues that were present from the outset. The vehicle had a noticeable dent, a mark on the bumper, and a broken window regulator. While the dealership initially promised to rectify these problems, the reality was far from satisfactory. The dent was indeed fixed, but the bumper issue was dismissed with the dismissive advice to simply purchase a 'tester pot' of paint. Furthermore, the promised courtesy car never materialised.

The saga of the window regulator continued to plague the customer. After a two-week wait for a supposed 'main dealer' part, the regulator was finally replaced. However, the problem was not truly solved. Within a short period, the regulator on the opposite window also failed, incurring a substantial repair cost of over £400. When the customer sought to have the initial repair examined, as wind was entering the cabin even while driving, the original garage refused, citing the use of non-main dealer parts by Platinum. This raised concerns about the quality and authenticity of the parts used by Platinum, leaving the customer facing the prospect of further costly repairs.

Adding to this catalogue of woe, the BMW was sold with a significant stone chip in the windscreen, which subsequently cracked and necessitated an insurance claim. A closer inspection revealed that the vehicle had failed its MOT for a hole in the front left tyre in the two years preceding the sale. The fact that it passed three MOTs after this, with the tyre eventually costing over £100 to replace, raises serious questions about the integrity of the MOT testing process associated with Platinum Car Centre, suggesting potential for dodgy MOTs.

The issues extended to other critical components. Washer jets, which failed during an MOT, were subsequently passed, only to be found still broken upon collection of the car. This again points to a disregard for proper inspection and a potential manipulation of the MOT system. A flexipipe on the exhaust, described as having a "dodgy repair," also threatened to fail another MOT and required professional attention, which Platinum only agreed to pay for after the customer escalated the matter through their finance company.

Deceptive Sales Practices: The Case of John Morgan

The accusations of dishonesty are not limited to the quality of the vehicles. One particularly damning account involves a salesperson named John Morgan. A customer, based in Brighton, contacted Platinum Car Sales Ltd after seeing a van advertised on social media. John Morgan, the salesperson, allegedly described the van as being in "amazing condition" and "faultless," even claiming to have designed the body kit himself – claims that were later found to be outright lies. The van was also advertised with a full Ford history, another fabrication.

Enticed by these false promises and living too far away to inspect the vehicle in person, the customer transferred the full payment of £14,995. Upon delivery, the van was found to be in a deplorable state. Mould was present on the roof liner, the dashboard was covered in cigarette ash, and cigarette butts were found between the seats. The service book was also a fake, bearing non-original Ford stamps and consistent handwriting, easily identifiable as the type found on eBay. When confronted, John Morgan allegedly laughed off the concerns, offering a mere £20 for valeting and continuing to peddle lies about the service book's authenticity.

The van's mechanical issues became apparent almost immediately. After approximately 60 miles, the van entered limp mode with an illuminated engine malfunction light and emitted black smoke. A mechanic diagnosed a faulty DPF and injector, requiring a repair estimated to cost several thousand pounds. The mechanic advised the customer to return the vehicle, knowing it had been transported on a trailer.

A Battle for Resolution: Refusal and Deception

When the customer contacted John Morgan about the van's dire condition, they were met with aggression and accusations of tampering. Despite the clear evidence and the customer's request for a full refund and arrangement for the van's return, John Morgan continued to evade responsibility. He initially refused to acknowledge the issues and, upon the van's return, was reportedly seen speeding away in his Range Rover to avoid direct confrontation. He then proceeded to offer further untruths, claiming he was busy and would not return until the following day.

Two weeks after the van was returned, John Morgan sent a video of himself driving the van at 100mph on the motorway, claiming it was now fixed. This was clearly an attempt to mislead and avoid issuing a refund. Despite the customer being entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act and the dealership's own website terms, John Morgan offered a paltry £12,000 to buy the van back – an offer that was understandably refused.

The situation escalated to the point where the customer had to file a court claim, incurring over £800 in costs, simply to recover their money. It was only upon receiving a summons from the court that John Morgan finally repaid the £14,995, leaving the customer out of pocket for the delivery and return of the vehicle.

Customer Service and Online Reputation

Beyond the specific incidents, the overall customer service experience at Platinum Car Centre appears to be severely lacking. Customers report rude interactions when attempting to contact the dealership, with the exception of the salesperson who made the initial sale. Furthermore, when negative reviews are posted online, the dealership is accused of responding with lies and sarcastic comments, further demonstrating a lack of professionalism and a clear attempt to manipulate public perception.

There are also claims of fake reviews, with customers urging others not to be swayed by glowing testimonials, suggesting they are as fabricated as the service histories provided with some vehicles. The ability of the dealership to get negative reviews removed also raises concerns about their methods of managing their online reputation.

Key Takeaways and Advice for Potential Buyers

The experiences shared by customers of Platinum Car Centre serve as a stark warning. The recurring themes of faulty vehicles, deceptive sales practices, and a general disregard for customer satisfaction are deeply concerning. If you are considering purchasing a vehicle from this dealership, it is imperative to:

• Conduct Thorough Research: Look for independent reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Be wary of overly positive or generic reviews.
• Inspect the Vehicle Meticulously: Never purchase a vehicle without a thorough in-person inspection. Bring a trusted mechanic with you if possible.
• Verify Service History: Scrutinise any service history provided. Look for inconsistencies in stamps, handwriting, and dates.
• Understand Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with consumer rights, such as the Consumer Rights Act, which provides protection against faulty goods.
• Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, receipts, and agreements. This documentation will be crucial if any disputes arise.
• Get Everything in Writing: Any promises made by the salesperson, such as repairs or additional services, should be documented in the sales contract.

The stories from Platinum Car Centre highlight the importance of due diligence when purchasing a car. While the allure of a good deal can be strong, it is essential to prioritise honesty and integrity in a dealership. The experiences detailed here suggest that Platinum Car Centre may not be the place to find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the main complaints against Platinum Car Centre?
Customers have reported receiving vehicles with pre-existing faults, poor-quality repairs, deceptive sales tactics, and a lack of post-sale support.

Q2: Is it true that Platinum Car Centre uses fake service histories?
At least one customer has provided detailed evidence of receiving a fake service book with non-original stamps and consistent handwriting, suggesting this may be a recurring issue.

Q3: What should I do if I have a problem with a car bought from Platinum Car Centre?
It is advisable to gather all documentation, communicate your issues clearly and in writing, and if necessary, seek advice from consumer protection agencies or consider legal action, as some customers have had to do.

Q4: Are the positive reviews for Platinum Car Centre reliable?
Some customers have expressed scepticism about the authenticity of positive reviews, suggesting they may be fabricated. It is recommended to approach all reviews with caution and conduct your own independent research.

Q5: What is the Consumer Rights Act and how does it protect me?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If a vehicle is found to be faulty within the first 30 days, you are typically entitled to a full refund. After 30 days, you are entitled to a repair or replacement, and if that fails, a refund or price reduction.

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