MINI Hatch 2016 - 1.5 Cooper 5dr

I appreciate the response from the business, from my previous review but I need to clarify that the statement made here is misleading. I was not given a full refund, as claimed. While there were indeed several inspection attempts, the vehicle I purchased had multiple faults from the outset, and I feel the service fell far short of acceptable standards. I accepted a partial refund under pressure, and it did not come close to covering my financial or time losses. I left a 1-star review because I believe the overall experience — from the condition of the vehicle to the aftercare and final resolution — warranted it. Misrepresenting the outcome now does not improve my confidence in how this business treats its customers. I stand by my original review and hope this provides better context for others considering buying from here.

In April 2025, I purchased a green Vauxhall Astra from Cars Under 3000 after a test drive. We were told a few minor issues would be sorted before collection, and we were happy to wait an extra few days based on the dealership’s assurances. Unfortunately, the problems started almost immediately. Within days of taking the car home, it began shaking violently while driving, and the engine warning light started flashing. A qualified relative inspected it and found oil leaking into the spark plugs — a temporary fix helped, but the problem returned almost instantly. What followed was a series of ongoing issues, including: • Loud engine noises • Repeated warning lights • Stalling and difficulty starting • Severe shaking while driving In total, the vehicle had to be returned six times in just three months. Despite these serious and recurring faults, the dealership regularly claimed that no issues could be found. We were made to feel as though we were overreacting or being unreasonable — even though the car was repeatedly unsafe to drive. Customer service was frustrating at every stage. Calls went unreturned, updates had to be chased constantly, and attempts to speak to management were blocked. We were mostly passed back and forth between front-line staff, which made resolving anything extremely difficult. Communication was minimal, and at times dismissive or even confrontational. On one occasion, we were told a part had been replaced — only for the same problem to return immediately. After one visit, a belt supposedly changed had actually snapped completely after a short drive. It became clear that either the repairs were not being completed properly, or the underlying problems weren’t being taken seriously at all. In the end, the experience left us with no confidence in the vehicle or the dealership. We were met with unhelpfulness, delays, and outright rudeness from certain staff members. One in particular expressed openly that they “didn’t want to help” us due to our frustration — failing to recognise the emotional and financial stress we had been under for weeks without a reliable car. To make matters worse, we later noticed that the same vehicle was listed for sale again, despite no confirmation that its most serious issues had been properly addressed. That alone should raise concerns for any potential buyer. This wasn’t just a disappointing purchase — it was a prolonged, stressful ordeal that left us without a dependable vehicle and with little faith in the dealership’s aftercare or integrity. I’d advise others to exercise real caution when considering a vehicle from Cars Under 3000.

Honestly I’m unsure how to even respond to what happened when I went. I went about a week ago with a friend of mine and was really excited to test drive a car. The test drive went amazingly, the woman I was with was nice and answered any questions I had. Afterwards, she asked what I thought and I told her I loved it but it was a bit more than I was hoping to spend so I’ll think it through because I really like it. On my way out, while getting in my car to leave, someone that works there runs out to the car park and proceeds to start telling me off for test driving a car I wasn’t going to buy. I tried to explain to him multiple times that I was really considering it but I just wanted to look at other options, but he kept ranting at me about how I’ve wasted their time and money and if I crashed the car they’d have to pay for it. Feels a bit rich to tell me I’m wasting his time when he clearly has nothing better to do than yell at customers in the car park. Honestly it still feels a bit like I dreamed it, no clue what this guy was on. Looked about 18 and ran out of his job to harass two girls in the car park for doing something everyone does when purchasing a car. Never worked at a garage so I can’t know for sure, but I think telling off customers when they’re leaving just because they test drove a car isn’t very good business practice. Worst part is, I’ve looked around and actually liked that car the best and now I can’t even go back there! I’ll have to keep looking around because god knows I’m not paying someone that humiliated me for doing something the company offers. Congrats on losing the sale buddy!