New Cars for Sale in Chelmsford

Very disappointing experience, serious safety and after-sales issues. I bought a car from Charles Hurst Used Direct on 14th May. It was advertised as being in “excellent” condition on Used Cars NI, and I also paid extra for car protection and an interior package. The car was sold without an MOT. I was aware of this, but the salesman booked an MOT for me and repeatedly reassured me that the car had been “fully prepped” and was “ready for MOT.” Unfortunately, that was far from my experience. Almost immediately, I started having problems. The parking lights failed before I had even got the car home. When I looked into it further, I found that the oil filter, cabin filter and spark plugs appeared not to have been changed for years and were significantly overdue. The oil was contaminated and the coolant was brown/aftermarket. From what I found, the car clearly had not been properly serviced or prepared as I had been led to believe. I also found tar and iron contamination on the paintwork, along with wrappers and dirt throughout the compartments, despite being told the car had been valeted and paying extra for the GuardX package. On 16th May, I noticed a leak and the car was subsequently left with Toyota Belfast for investigation. Then, on 3rd June, the handbrake failed in a public car park and the car collided with another member of the public’s vehicle. This was a very serious safety issue. I made numerous attempts to contact Charles Hurst but received no response. As I urgently needed the car to travel to university for exams, I had no choice but to arrange for my own mechanic to inspect and repair it. After making a complaint on 4th June, I was told to contact the salesman regarding reimbursement for the parts and labour. After weeks of persistent calls and emails, I eventually received reimbursement for the parts on 28th July, with Charles Hurst acknowledging that the car had not been serviced. However, despite previously being told that the total costs would be covered, the labour costs were not reimbursed, even after I provided the invoices. On 5th August, the car finally went for its MOT. Despite being told that the car was fully prepared and serviced for MOT, it failed on a major brake-system fault — specifically, low effort from the parking brake. I then had to visit the Charles Hurst office in person because it was extremely difficult to get a response by phone. The salesman was apologetic, acknowledged that this was a serious safety fault and stated that Charles Hurst would cover the repair and MOT costs. The car was left with Toyota on 6th August. I was initially told it would be ready that day, but further issues were discovered and collection was repeatedly delayed. I eventually got the car back on 13th August. Throughout this period, I had to continually chase for updates, with very little proactive communication. I completely understand that used cars can have problems — that is part of buying a used vehicle. What really frustrates me is that I was repeatedly told the car had been “fully prepped”, was “ready for MOT” and was in “excellent” condition, yet almost immediately I started finding mechanical and safety issues. The after-sales service has been just as disappointing. I have spent months dealing with faults, repairs, alternative transport arrangements, reimbursement and repeatedly chasing Charles Hurst for information and updates. Based on my experience, I would be very cautious about purchasing a used vehicle from Charles Hurst Used Direct. I expected much better preparation, communication and after-sales support from a dealership of this size. Update- Followed the instructions on the response below and contacted the manager on this number. I spoke to the receptionist (she was a lovely member of staff), who referred me to another department. Long story short after 30 minutes on the phone I was just referred to multiple different members of staff who were unable to connect me to the manager. After 30 minutes on the phone trying to speak to the manager I gave up. Complete Joke for customer service.

Save your hard earned money for VW directly - quick to take your money and provide poor customer service after. I bought a polo gti ‘approved used’ last summer. Within a few weeks I had issues with the infotainment system. They said nothing was wrong. Within a few months, the car left me stranded, unable to start it, in the middle of a roundabout with moving traffic. This happened consistently over several days and when I called Lookers, they said they were ‘too busy to see the car’ and to book in for over a month’s time. It was a safety concern which they did not care about. They told me if I wanted it seen quicker, I needed to call out roadside assistance which I did. Into the garage it went and they suddenly said it needed a new turbo. Bear in mind this car had done just under 10,000 miles. I stated the car was clearly sold with defects - the sales manager laughed and said ‘absolutely not’. I wanted to sell it back for the price I paid, which they said they wouldn’t do. Months later, still with severe infotainment issues, an oil leak was found at another Lookers garage. At this point it was time to sell it back. They offered below market value and still stated nothing was wrong with the car. They said that the issues I’d consistently logged with them were nowhere to be seen. Done with the stress, I agreed to the sale. Before collection, I was given written confirmation that payment would be made on the next working day following collection. I relied on this when agreeing to hand the vehicle over. The vehicle was collected, I completed the DVLA transfer to them online at the point of collection, and handed over the V5C, keys and vehicle exactly as requested. The agreed payment date then passed without payment. Instead of receiving the funds as promised, I had to repeatedly chase for updates. After this, I was informed there was an issue with the V5C and was later told that I should have “put the vehicle into trade - despite that being exactly what I had done using the DVLA’s online process. Throughout the process, communication was poor, I received conflicting information from different members of staff, and I was left unnecessarily stressed chasing payment for a vehicle that was no longer in my possession. My experience was disappointing - the sales manager, Jordan, and dealer principal, Lucy, seemed to lack any understanding of basic customer service. Delays and administrative errors can happen, but when a customer has fulfilled every requirement asked of them, they should not be left chasing payment or dealing with contradictory explanations after handing over their vehicle.

Five-star service from start to finish I recently purchased a car from Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, and Gurarsh made the entire process smooth, stress-free . He was incredibly helpful, attentive, and took the time to answer all my questions without any pressure. His professionalism and customer service were top-tier. If you’re looking to buy a car, I couldn't recommend Gurarsh enough he really goes above and beyond for his clients!

Chris couldn’t have been more helpful! Would 100% recommend going into see him if you’re looking for a car! Amazing experience from start to finish and nothing is a bother! Great service!

Bought my first Renault Clio in Charles Hurst Newtownards on thurs 1st Oct 26 and I absolutely love it. Our sales representative was Jack, who was really friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable regarding the Clio. I did go to look at a different car but realised it was way too big for me and then Jack showed me the clio which I love. I also received a follow up call from Jack today, to check how things are, I was pleased to say everything was great. I would genuinely recommend going to Charles Hurst Newtownards if you are looking for a used car.

Purchased my new car on Friday from lookers , dealt with David Gibbons , must say he was amazing , the part ex on my old car was simple and purchase on my new was was even easier , thank you David due to the customer service I will be back in the future

Ok for parts price to be expected it merc

I had my Mercedes GLC AMG serviced and MOT’d this week, and if I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would! Piers has been looking after me and my car for the past five years, assisting with MOTs, servicing and new tyres, and he has consistently provided 5-star-plus customer service. He is absolutely amazing. I have been taking my Mercedes AMG to this dealership for servicing from new, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the service I have received throughout the years. Piers is always incredibly helpful, professional and accommodating, and nothing is ever too much trouble. He always goes above and beyond to help, whether it’s arranging my MOT, servicing, tyres or helping with anything else relating to my car. I have always felt that my car is in safe and trustworthy hands. Everything is explained clearly, I am kept fully informed, and my car is always treated with greatest care and attention. After five years, the consistently exceptional level of customer service is one of the main reasons I continue to return. It is genuinely a pleasure dealing with Piers and the whole team, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for outstanding Mercedes service. Thank you Piers, for looking after my car so well over the years and for always going that extra mile. Outstanding customer service from start to finish! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️