Cargiant stock thousands of cars, most of which i wouldn't touch with a barge pole. They are obviously the cars the main dealers wont touch. They are Ex lease or mobility cars, which is fine BUT most of them have a fair amount of bodywork damage. (Chips and dents). The reason they are cheaper than a main dealer is NOT because they make a small profit margin on high sales volumes, but because they buy inferior cars cheap and sell on with a good profit margin, at slightly cheeper than main dealer prices. If you are not bothered about scabby bodywork then maybe Cargiant is for you!
I would like to say you get what you pay for, but you don't even get that at Cargiant!
THE CAR: Long story short. I road tested a higher mileage clean VW Golf. (I say road tested what i mean is a two and a half minute spin around the block, with a max speed of 30 mph). The car drove fine as far as i could tell at that speed. I decided to go ahead with the purchase. When driving at motorway speeds there was a massive amount of road noise. The car was inspected at a garage and both the rear tyres had distorted tread patterns. Also the brakes had excessive corrosion. On speaking to Cargiant they said that the car was inspected and was safe. (NOT TRUE The brakes would fail and MOT and one of the tyres). They do not prep the cars properly or carry out any work that isn't absolutely essential. (In this case work that was essential). I have now spent an additional £350 to bring up to scratch. Bringing cost nearer to main dealer prices!
THE FINANCE: I was told by two people that the loan rate would be 8%. I made clear that i would not purchase if the rate was higher. Checking my paperwork i now find it is over 14.5% (I will be letting the FSA know about this).
SUMMARY: Do not go there! Too big, impersonal, dishonest with poor service. I saw a total of 9 different people throughout this tranaction, from road test to picking up the keys! - bizare!!! If you do decide to go there, just try giving them a call and select the option 'If you have a problem with the vehicle you have purchased' See how long it take for them to answer the phone! In the last few days i have tried several times, hold on for over 20 minutes and give up.
Next time i will just buy from private or a main dealer or possibly even auction!
NOT CARGIANT!!!
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Advantages: Purchased a very low mileage car for a reasonable price including part exchange. Disadvantages: You are treated as if you were on a conveyor belt.
Aug 9th, 2009
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