15/09/2024
When seeking a pre-owned vehicle, consumers often look for a reputable dealership that promises quality, reliability, and excellent after-sales support. Dave Fowler's Garage, established in 1988, presented itself as a family-owned business aiming to deliver just that. With claims of 'hand-picked quality pre-owned low mileage cars' and a 'dedicated Service + MOT centre' on site, the initial impression was one of trustworthiness and comprehensive care. However, a closer examination of customer feedback paints a starkly different picture, raising serious questions about the business practices of Dave Fowler's Garage and its related operations, including 'Fowlers' and 'anycolourcar Limited'.
Initially, Dave Fowler's Garage positioned itself as a pillar of the motor trade. Their self-description highlighted a commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles to suit most budgets, backed by a 'comprehensive parts and labour warranty'. They proudly stated their reach, selling to customers 'from all over the U.K.', and encouraged prospective buyers to check out their Google, Facebook, and Autotrader reviews. The promise was clear: a friendly, professional team assisting in choosing the right car, ensuring a quality vehicle from a reputable dealership.
The Unsettling Reality: A Torrent of Customer Complaints
Despite the initial assurances, numerous customer reviews depict a pattern of deeply concerning issues, often emerging shortly after a purchase. The core of these complaints revolves around vehicle quality, the efficacy of warranties, and a severe breakdown in customer service once the sale was complete.
Sudden Decline in Service Post-Purchase
A recurring theme among the negative feedback is the stark contrast between the attentive service received during the sales process and the subsequent lack of interest or outright evasion once problems arose. Dean, reviewing in January 2023, highlighted this perfectly. He reported that while the dealership was highly cooperative in arranging finance, their interest vanished once the car was purchased. Within a month, the starter motor failed, and the timing belt and clutch needed changing. Despite promises of reimbursement for the new motor he had to pay for, Dean was met with 'b.s excuses' and a perpetually 'sick' director. This sentiment is echoed by others who felt 'sweet-talked' into buying, only to be ignored later.
Alarming Vehicle Defects and Safety Concerns
Perhaps the most critical complaints relate to the poor quality and even dangerous condition of the vehicles sold. An anonymous reviewer in February 2021 recounted purchasing a car that developed a 'loud banging rubbing noise' within three days. A local garage inspection revealed the wheel was 'not fitted correctly', with the mechanic advising that 'if I would have gone 3 more miles it would have been detrimental!!!' The dealership's response, or lack thereof, to such a severe safety breach, especially with children in the car, was particularly egregious.
Kieron Downing-Thompson's experience further solidifies these concerns. After buying a car from someone renting part of the forecourt, an oil leak was discovered. A VOSA check confirmed the car 'should not have passed' its recent MOT, as crucial work had not been carried out. Similarly, Michael W in July 2020 described a car taken on finance that had its engine light illuminate on the drive home. RAC inspection revealed the car was 'an absolute mess and should not of been on the road at all putting myself and my partner life in danger'. These incidents collectively paint a worrying picture of vehicles potentially being sold in unsafe or unroadworthy conditions.
Unfulfilled Warranty Promises and Financial Burden
The 'comprehensive parts and labour warranty' advertised by Dave Fowler's Garage appears to have been largely ineffective for many customers. Rachel, in December 2019, detailed being 'forced into taking out extra cover' which proved useless when her car's engine failed. Despite repeated attempts, she received no answer from the company. Anonymous, who was promised reimbursement for a £360 repair, was only offered £100, and then completely ignored. These accounts suggest that the warranty and repair promises were often empty, leaving customers to bear significant financial costs for repairs on recently purchased vehicles.
Persistent Harassment and Communication Breakdown
The dealership's aggressive sales tactics and subsequent communication failures are another significant area of complaint. Sharon A (March 2021) and Lynzi (January 2021) both reported receiving up to '10 times a day' phone calls for car finance, describing it as 'harassment'. Once a sale was made or a problem arose, the communication channels seemed to close. Anonymous struggled to get replies to calls or letters, feeling like a 'nuisance'. S S (February 2020) reported being 'constantly being passed around to near enough everyone in the company' without resolution. This breakdown in communication left customers feeling abandoned and frustrated.
Recurring Gearbox Issues and Substandard Repairs
A particularly damning review from 'Anon' in February 2020 detailed a car whose gearbox broke after a year of payments. While the company eventually repaired it, the gearbox failed again a year later. The shocking revelation was that the dealership allegedly 'didn't even use the right parts for the gear box', a claim they then denied, telling the customer they 'cudnt prove they put wrong ones in!!!' This points to not only selling potentially faulty cars but also performing inadequate or incorrect repairs, further endangering customers and their vehicles.
Company Name Changes: An Attempt to Evade?
Rachel's experience in December 2019 brought to light a significant detail: upon visiting the premises, she discovered Dave Fowler's Garage had changed its name to 'Car Finance Today'. While a company changing its trading name isn't inherently suspicious, in the context of numerous unresolved complaints and allegations of evasion, it raises questions about whether this was an attempt to distance the new entity from the historical issues of the previous one. This perception of avoidance only adds to the distrust felt by customers.
Understanding Anycolourcar Limited: The Finance Connection
The provided information also introduces 'anycolourcar Limited', a company registered at the same address (Genn Lane, Barnsley, S70 6TF) and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under number: 946186. Anycolourcar Limited operates as a credit broker, not a lender. This means they work with various credit providers to offer finance options for car purchases. They disclose that they typically receive commission from these lenders (either a fixed fee or a percentage of the borrowed amount), which 'may or may not affect the total amount repayable'.
The role of anycolourcar Limited as a credit broker is important because it connects to the numerous complaints about aggressive finance calls and the process of obtaining finance. Reviewers mentioned being 'sweet talk into buying the car' and receiving 'harassment' calls for finance. While credit brokers are a legitimate part of the car sales industry, the aggressive and persistent nature of the calls, as described by customers, suggests practices that could be considered problematic under consumer protection guidelines.
Your Rights as a UK Car Buyer: The Consumer Rights Act 2015
For anyone purchasing a used car in the UK, understanding your rights is paramount, especially when dealing with issues similar to those reported against Dave Fowler's Garage and its associates. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is the cornerstone of these protections:
- Satisfactory Quality: The car must be of satisfactory quality, taking into account its age, mileage, and price. It shouldn't have defects that weren't pointed out to you.
- Fit for Purpose: The car must be fit for the purpose for which it was supplied, including any specific purpose you made known to the dealer.
- As Described: The car must match any description given to you by the dealer, whether in advertising, verbally, or in a sales contract.
If a fault develops within the first 30 days that makes the car not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described, you have the right to a full refund. After 30 days but within six months, the dealer gets one attempt to repair or replace the faulty part. If this isn't successful, you can claim a refund (minus a deduction for the use you've had of the car) or a price reduction. After six months, the burden of proof shifts to you to demonstrate the fault was present at the time of purchase.
Steps to Take When Things Go Wrong
The experiences of customers with Dave Fowler's Garage highlight the importance of knowing where to turn when a car purchase goes awry. Here are some actions taken by the reviewers that could serve as guidance:
- Contact Citizens Advice: This organisation offers free, confidential advice on consumer rights and can guide you through the process of making a complaint. Kieron Downing-Thompson successfully sought their help and received a full refund.
- Report to VOSA (now DVSA): If you suspect a car should not have passed its MOT, or if safety work was not carried out, contacting the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA, formerly VOSA) is crucial. They can investigate MOT fraud and unsafe vehicles.
- Small Claims Court: Several reviewers, including Anonymous and Anon, mentioned pursuing action through the Small Claims Court. This is a legal avenue for resolving disputes without needing extensive legal representation.
- Trading Standards: Reporting issues to your local Trading Standards office can lead to investigations into unfair trading practices. Rachel mentioned contacting them.
- Financial Ombudsman Service: If your complaint relates to car finance, and you are unable to resolve it directly with the credit broker (like anycolourcar Limited) or lender, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Police for Harassment: If you are experiencing persistent, unwanted calls that you deem to be harassment, as reported by Sharon A and Lynzi, you can report this to the police.
Comparative Overview: Promises vs. Reality
| Claim by Dave Fowler's Garage | Reality from Customer Reviews | Relevant UK Consumer Right |
|---|---|---|
| "Hand-picked quality pre-owned low mileage cars" | Vehicles with immediate faults: failed starter motors, timing belts, clutches, oil leaks, engine lights, incorrectly fitted wheels, unroadworthy conditions. | Goods must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. |
| "Dedicated Service + MOT centre" | MOTs allegedly passed when crucial work was not done; repairs done with incorrect parts (gearbox issues). | Services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. |
| "Comprehensive parts and labour warranty" | Warranties proving ineffective; customers forced to pay for significant repairs themselves; reimbursement promises unfulfilled. | Contractual promises must be honoured; effective remedies for faulty goods. |
| "Friendly and professional staff" | Aggressive sales tactics; dismissive and evasive post-sale; "director always 'sick'"; constant excuses; no response to complaints. | Professional and transparent conduct. |
| "Selling to customer's from all over the U.K." | Customers left stranded with faulty cars from a distance; difficulty in resolving issues remotely. | Access to effective remedies regardless of location within the UK. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if a car I bought from a dealer has issues immediately after purchase?
A: Contact the dealer in writing immediately, detailing the fault. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a fault develops within 30 days that makes the car not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described, you have the right to a full refund.
Q: How long do I have to return a faulty car?
A: You have 30 days from the date of purchase to reject a faulty car for a full refund. After 30 days but within six months, the dealer has one chance to repair or replace the fault. If this fails, you can request a refund, though a deduction for usage may apply.
Q: What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015?
A: This Act sets out your legal rights when buying goods and services. For car purchases, it ensures goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
Q: Can a car dealership change its name to avoid previous issues?
A: While companies can legally change their trading names, if it's done to evade liability or mislead consumers, it can be considered an unfair trading practice. Legal entities (company numbers) are generally what maintain liability.
Q: What is the role of a credit broker like anycolourcar Limited?
A: A credit broker acts as an intermediary, helping consumers find finance for their purchases by connecting them with various lenders. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must disclose any commission they receive.
Q: Where can I get independent advice if I have a problem with a car I've bought?
A: Citizens Advice is an excellent first port of call. You can also contact your local Trading Standards office, and for finance-related issues, the Financial Ombudsman Service. Legal advice from a solicitor specialising in consumer law is also an option.
Conclusion
The journey through the customer experiences with Dave Fowler's Garage, Fowlers, and anycolourcar Limited serves as a potent reminder of the vigilance required when purchasing a used vehicle. While the initial presentation promised a reputable, family-owned business with quality cars and comprehensive support, the numerous reviews detail a concerning pattern of alleged vehicle defects, unfulfilled warranty obligations, aggressive sales tactics, and a profound lack of customer service post-sale. The reported name change and the operation of a related finance broker, anycolourcar Limited, further complicate the narrative.
For consumers across the UK, these accounts underscore the vital importance of due diligence before making a purchase. Always research a dealership thoroughly, read independent reviews (but be aware of potential manipulation), and inspect any vehicle meticulously. Crucially, know your consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and do not hesitate to seek advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or Trading Standards if you encounter problems. Your safety and financial well-being depend on it.
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