I purchased a 2012 Toyota GT86 fromâŠRidwaycars
I purchased a 2012 Toyota GT86 from Ridgway Cars end July and paid for the car in full, including a 3-year warranty. From the beginning, the staff were very polite and reassuring. I was told the car would be properly checked and supplied with a new MOT.
Unfortunately, my experience changed very quickly after collecting the car.
On the second day, after driving just over 100 miles, I noticed a noise from the brakes when braking at very low speed. I immediately contacted Ridgway Cars by phone and email to raise my concerns.
I was told that brake components are considered âwear and tearâ and therefore were not covered under the warranty. I found this extremely concerning, particularly because I had only owned the car for a few days and had been reassured that the vehicle had been checked and had a new MOT.
I then explained that I was considering rejecting the vehicle under my consumer rights, as I was still within the relevant 14-day period. I was told that I could not reject the car.
I was then asked to bring the car back to their premises, but the earliest appointment offered was 24 August. I live approximately 65 miles away, so this was not a practical solution for me, especially given that I had concerns about the safety and condition of the vehicle.
After further discussions, Ridgway Cars agreed that I could take the car to my local garage and confirmed in writing that they would contribute up to £65 towards the diagnostic cost. The diagnostic cost was £48, which I paid.
My local garage identified a number of issues and provided me with a report, attached report from my local garage after had to take the car back to Ridgway Cars subsequently had the vehicle assessed by their own garage, and their findings differed from those of my garage. At one point I was also told to collect the vehicle or potentially face a daily storage charge.
I was then told that my £48 diagnostic refund was being processed and would take up to 10 working days. However, I have now today received an email stating:
âAs there was no mechanical or electrical failure identified, unfortunately we are unable to reimburse the diagnostic costs.â
This is particularly frustrating because the £48 diagnostic cost had previously been agreed by Ridgway Cars, with the written confirmation that they would contribute up to £65.
I have now paid a further £150 for an independent AA inspection, which is due to take place next week. At this point, I am concerned about whether the vehicle is safe to drive and whether the issues identified will be properly addressed.
What concerns me most is the experience of buying a vehicle that was presented as checked and supplied with a new MOT, only to experience problems almost immediately after purchase and then have significant difficulty getting a satisfactory resolution. How did pass MOT without any advisories!!
I am now considering taking legal action on Trading Standards and The Motor Ombudsman
My advice based purely on my personal experience: be extremely careful and make sure you fully understand your rights before purchasing. If you are considering buying a car, keep all emails, reports, receipts and communications, and consider getting an independent inspection before committing to the purchase.
I paid for the vehicle in full, and I genuinely wish I had considered using finance, as I now understand that there can be additional protections . MY ADVISE AVOID THEM AS YOU WILL NOT GET ANY SUPPORT IF THE CAR GOT A FAULT
MY LOCAL GARAGE DIAGNOSTIC:
NEARSIDE FRONT TOP STRUT MOUNT PERISHED
REAR BRAKE PADS HAS A PLAY INSIDE THE BRAKE CARRIERS (MISSING SHIM KIT)
FRONT BRAKE PADS HAS A PLAY INSIDE BRAKE CARRIERS(*MISSING SHIM KIT)
BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATED (NEEDS REPLACING)
OFFSIDE TAIL LIGHT CRACKED
FRONT BUMPER POORLY REPAIRED/PAINTED
BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS BALL JOINT DUST COVERS CRACKING
CLUNKING NOISES WHEN MOVING FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS
Ridgwaycars answer:The technician has inspected the car based on the findings previously provided by your garage.all is wear and tear no parts needs to be replace .








