This branch of Petch doesn't do parts for the cars they sell. A bit disappointed but I guess that's what they do, sell cars. Staff helpful though in supplying telephone number for the branch that does. read more

Fiat 500 - Save up for a big repair if you drive carefully. A well known problem among the Fiat forum contributors but not to the everyday public. If you drive your Fiat 500 carefully and have low mileage then you're going to have to expect an expensive repair bill. Fiat and S G Petch (Main Dealer) told us it was our fault for driving it too carefully (''that's your problem right there'' - he said) and we should do more miles (it's on a low mileage contract) and drive 'like a lunatic' (its engine / suspension / brakes are too flimsy for that) if we wanted to avoid replacing the EGR valve and sensors. It was replaced under warranty 12 months ago, but now its happened again, 9 weeks out of warranty. This is quite common apparently and excess oil coats the sensors and valve when exhaust gases are recirculated back to the engine There is a new 'procedure' advised by Fiat and apparently we have to pay for all these new parts. What about the warranty on the original repair, never mind that this happened, both times, immediately after the main dealer services the car (a bit suspicious?). The customer service has been non-existent and they are hoping we will just pay and go away. We have been without the car for two weeks and have just been told by Fiat, that despite it being a design fault and the car is 3 years old, 14K miles and dealer serviced, that we have to pay. How can city car not be suitable to drive in the city? Has to be design fault if it happens twice in two years and they have a 'new' procedure to fix it! This is a time bomb that all Fiat 500 owner need to be aware of. Don't expect any help or customer service (they left my wife stranded for hours and originally refused to come out to the breakdown, despite it being covered for rescue). I have the email listing all their ridiculous comments (funniest I have ever heard from a main dealer) and they have told me they will send an email response (Fiat and SG Petch) but this has taken numerous calls from us and no concern or interest form them. Greg at Fiat actually started 'sighing' and wanted to get off the phone as he wasn't interested. IF you have to buy a Fiat (don't say you weren't warned) then go elsewhere if you want any customer service at all. read more

Bought an ex fleet Hyundai i30 from Darlington branch, and there was a small problem which they agreed to sort out. Having made an appointment 3 weeks in advance, I was asked (after waiting 50 minutes) if I could come back another day! Eventually the problem was fixed (after they collected the car on another occasion), but no one returns calls, or shows the least interest in customer issues. Evenually the manager got onto the case and assured me the service dept issues were resolved. I also needed a service book - none in the vehicle when purchased, and it took more calls and letter to the manager to get one - two arrived, with the correct serial numbers, but different car models! I would never buy from them again, not even a lightbulb. Now use Hatfields at York, who give faultless service - what you expect when you buy a car. read more