The Trade Centre UK has strongly rejected allegations that it sold faulty used cars or failed to meet its obligations after dozens of motorists reportedly complained about vehicles bought from the business.
A BBC investigation featured customers who claimed cars purchased from the used car supermarket developed serious faults within weeks and alleged they faced delays securing repairs or refunds.
The Trade Centre UK, which operates dealerships in Coventry and Wednesbury, said the complaints represented isolated cases and were not reflective of the experience of the vast majority of its customers.
Originally focused on Wales, Trade Centre expanded into central England during the last 10 years. It is now the sixth largest independent used car dealer groups in the UK.
Customers report breakdowns
One customer told the BBC that a Vauxhall bought from the company’s Wednesbury dealership began shaking and making a loud noise after less than two weeks following its purchase.
She said The Trade Centre UK warned that repairs could take up to six weeks, prompting her to take the vehicle to an independent garage.
“Obviously when you’ve had the car just over two months, you don’t expect it to be in that condition.”
She said the vehicle had since been returned to The Trade Centre UK for inspection and that the company would decide whether she was entitled to a refund.
Another customer said a car bought from the Coventry dealership broke down after six weeks. He told the BBC he had been without the vehicle for two months while it was being repaired and was seeking to reject it for a refund.
“Financially, it’s really affected me because I’m paying about £200 to £300 in hiring vehicles every week and I’m still being charged the finance for this car. So it has absolutely emptied my bank account.”
Dealer rejects allegations
The BBC also reported that dissatisfied customers had staged a protest outside The Trade Centre UK’s Wednesbury dealership.
The Trade Centre Group said it “strongly refutes any suggestion that we sell faulty vehicles or fail to meet our obligations to customers”.
In a statement, the company said: “Every vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection and pre-sale preparation. Where concerns are raised they are investigated in a timely manner and handled in accordance with customers’ statutory rights.
“While we recognise that a small number of customers can sometimes be dissatisfied with their experience, we take these cases very seriously and remain committed to resolving concerns fairly and responsibly. These isolated cases are in no way reflective of the vast majority of our customers.”
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