I initially called after seeing a vehicle on AutoTrader. The individual who answered the phone, Annie, was both prompt and courteous in her service. Then, I was forwarded to Peter Earnshaw, a sales rep for Arnold Clark. He invited me down to see the vehicle and offered to reserve it for me for a fully refundable £100 deposit - pretty fair in my opinion.
So, I visited the showroom and saw the vehicle (BMW 3 series - £18,500). It had a few tiny defects/flaws, which I pointed out to Peter. He promised that by the end of the week, they would all be fixed, at no additional cost (alloy buff, repainting of front offside bumper, valet, and touch up paint of driver's side door).
Unlike other car companies, Peter offered me a test drive for as long as I wanted - not a 3 minute journey up and down the road. This drive confirmed that the vehicle was right for me, after driving it over normal roads, bumpy roads and then the motorway (massive bonus points for this - it shows they have nothing to hide about the car).
So, back on Monday to re-inspect the car after the touch-up work. Unfortunately, I arrived a bit later than agreed (traffic) but regardless, Peter made time for me and ensured I received his full attention. True to his word, the car was immaculate.
He didn't rush me, answered my (endless) questions, and was a genuinely nice guy. He didn't use any of the slimy sales tactics you can sometimes expect at showrooms, but was honest and direct and his approach.
After discussing the different payment options, including finance, I opted for a cash purchase. Despite this, obviously, not generating as much revenue for the company, Peter wasn't pushy or forceful.
Then, opposed to the usual drivel of going through the 650,392 add-on products available (alloy insurance, extended warranty, etc.), Peter simply offered a single product: GAP insurance to cover the write-off cost versus the cash price. He explained this product to me once, I responded with no, and we moved on. Again, massive bonus points for not trying to force or use scare tactics to sell the product.
Finally, after paying for the car and getting ready to drive away, I noticed the spare key had a dead battery. Straight away, Peter offered two resolutions: leave it with him to fix, or bring it back the following Monday to have it done on-site while I wait. This is despite me paying for the car and him having "done his job" - indicative of good service.
To top it off, I mistakenly left my driving license at the showroom (I didn't know) and received a phone call a few days later. They are posting it back to me, recorded delivery, for free of charge.
Honestly, based on my experience, I do not know how this place has a single negative review. I unreservedly recommend both Arnold Clark and Peter Earnshaw to any prospective customers. read more