Premier Car Sales: A Customer's Dilemma

When considering the purchase of a pre-owned vehicle, prospective buyers often weigh up various factors, from the quality of the cars themselves to the reputation and customer service offered by the dealership. Premier Car Supermarket presents itself as a contender in this market, highlighting a focus on quality over quantity and a commitment to personal customer service. However, as with any significant purchase, it's crucial to examine all available information, including customer feedback, to make an informed decision. This article aims to explore what Premier Car Supermarket offers, what sets them apart, and to address a significant customer concern that has been raised.

What Premier Car Supermarket Claims to Offer

Premier Car Supermarket positions itself as an independent dealership built on trust, quality, and exceptional customer service. They emphasise a curated inventory, focusing on carefully selected used cars, trucks, and SUVs, rather than an extensive, overwhelming selection. This strategy suggests a commitment to ensuring that the vehicles they do stock meet a certain standard. They pride themselves on treating every customer equally, promising the same high level of personal customer service and after-sales support, regardless of the vehicle purchased. A key selling point is that many of their cars may still have a significant portion of their manufacturer's guarantee remaining, which can offer considerable peace of mind to a buyer. The exact duration of this guarantee, of course, will depend on the vehicle's original date of registration.

Services Available at Premier Car Supermarket

Beyond the vehicles themselves, Premier Car Supermarket offers a range of services designed to facilitate the car-buying process. These include:

• Click and Collect: This convenient service allows customers to browse and purchase a vehicle online, then collect it at their own convenience. This is ideal for those with busy schedules who want to minimise their time spent at the dealership.
• Finance Services: Understanding that purchasing a car often requires financial assistance, Premier offers finance services to help customers secure the necessary funding. Details of these services and the types of finance available would typically be found on their dedicated dealer page or by direct enquiry.
• Live Video Viewing: For customers who are unable to visit the dealership in person, or who simply wish to get a closer look before committing, the option of live video viewing is available. This allows for a more interactive and detailed inspection of the vehicle remotely.

Additionally, information regarding business services and on-site facilities is also available on their dealer page. For any specific requirements or to clarify particular questions, potential customers are encouraged to contact Premier Car Supermarket directly using the contact details provided.

The Question of Delivery

A common query for any car dealership is whether they offer delivery services. While the provided information mentions that specific requirements and questions should be directed to the dealership, it doesn't explicitly state whether Premier Car Supermarket offers vehicle delivery. This is a crucial detail for many buyers, particularly those who are geographically distant from the dealership or who prefer the convenience of home delivery. It is advisable for anyone interested in this service to make a direct enquiry.

A Significant Customer Complaint: The Two-Key Issue

While Premier Car Supermarket highlights its commitment to quality and customer service, a customer's experience shared in the provided text paints a starkly different picture. This particular account centres on the purchase of a second-hand Audi and the subsequent discovery of a faulty car key.

The sales process, initially, appeared to be handled professionally. However, upon returning home, the customer discovered that one of the two car keys supplied with the Audi did not work. Despite attempting to change the battery, the key remained inoperable. The customer's attempt to resolve this with the salesman led to a series of responses that were perceived as evasive and unsatisfactory.

The initial suggestion was that the customer might have been given the wrong key, despite the key having a tag with the correct registration number. The salesman then directed the customer to the Aftersales department. The response from Aftersales was particularly concerning:

"It may be that the key needs to be programmed, all our cars are sold with one working key and if a second is supplied it is classed as a spare only".

The customer rightly pointed out that it was reasonable to expect both keys to be functional, especially when two were provided. The subsequent reply from Aftersales stated:

"It can be reprogrammed by the main dealer or there will be auto locksmiths that can do it as well ... On the day of the completion the handover sheet was signed to say you had received one working key".

This response implies that Premier's policy is to only guarantee one working key, with any additional keys being considered spares and potentially non-functional. The customer's request for a copy of the handover sheet, which purportedly stated that only one key was operable, was met with silence.

Implications of the Customer's Experience

This detailed account raises serious questions about Premier Car Supermarket's transparency and integrity. The customer's assertion that the company engages in 'sharp practices' and lacks transparency is a strong indictment. While the issue of a non-working car key might seem minor to some, the customer's perception is that it is indicative of a wider untrustworthiness. The cost and inconvenience of needing to reprogram or replace a key, coupled with the perceived lack of accountability from the dealership, can significantly erode customer confidence.

The emphasis on the signed handover sheet, stating only one working key, can be seen as an attempt to absolve the dealership of responsibility. However, for a customer, receiving two keys suggests an expectation that both should function. The failure to provide a copy of this crucial document further fuels suspicion.

Making an Informed Decision

When choosing a dealership, customer reviews and reputation are invaluable. Premier Car Supermarket's stated values of quality and customer service are commendable, and their services like click and collect and live video viewing are certainly appealing. However, the detailed complaint regarding the car key cannot be overlooked. It highlights a potential disconnect between the dealership's marketing and the reality of customer experience.

Prospective buyers are advised to:

• Thoroughly inspect all aspects of any vehicle before purchase, including all provided keys.
• Clarify expectations regarding the number of working keys and any associated guarantees with the sales representative before signing any paperwork.
• Request a copy of the handover sheet and ensure it accurately reflects the condition of the vehicle and all included accessories.
• Research independent reviews from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dealership's track record.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase a car from Premier Car Supermarket, or any dealership, should be based on a balanced consideration of their offerings, their reputation, and your own due diligence. The information provided suggests that while they aim for quality, potential customers should proceed with caution and a keen eye for detail, particularly when it comes to post-sale support and the resolution of any issues that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Premier Car Supermarket offer warranties on their vehicles?
While many of their cars may have remaining manufacturer guarantees, it's essential to clarify the specifics of any additional warranties or the exact duration of the manufacturer's guarantee for the particular vehicle you are interested in. This information should be available from the dealership.

Q2: What if I find a fault with the car after purchase?
In the event of a fault, customers are advised to contact the dealership's aftersales department promptly. The customer complaint mentioned a specific issue with a car key, and the dealership's response in that instance was to direct the customer to reprogramming services. It is advisable to understand the dealership's returns and fault resolution policy before making a purchase.

Q3: How can I be sure both car keys will work?
It is recommended to test both keys at the dealership before completing the purchase. Explicitly confirm with the salesperson that both keys are fully functional and ensure this is documented, if possible, on the handover sheet. If the dealership states that only one key is guaranteed, you may wish to reconsider the purchase or negotiate for the second key to be made fully functional.

Q4: Can I negotiate the price at Premier Car Supermarket?
As with most car dealerships, negotiation may be possible. It is always advisable to research the market value of the car you are interested in and be prepared to negotiate respectfully with the sales team.

Q5: What should I do if I have a bad experience with Premier Car Supermarket?
If you encounter issues, first attempt to resolve them directly with the dealership through their customer service or aftersales departments. If resolution is not satisfactory, consider leaving a review on independent platforms to inform other potential buyers and explore consumer rights advice if necessary.

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