SMALLBONE Avaliações 64

I bought my 2017 BMW X5 30D from here and within a few weeks started noticing a few concerns, these were intermittent and unique to certain driving conditions and something the garage would not have known about. The main issue being a gearbox stutter between first and second on a cold start, which developed into a drivetrain warning light a week later, the car also started dropping into park unexpectedly on stop/start.

I called on a Saturday to raise the faults and got a call back from Chloe fifteen minutes later with a plan. Car was collected first thing Sunday morning. That kind of responsiveness sets the tone for everything that followed.

I agreed to no courtesy car as I had my partner's car I could share in the meantime and it sounded like a quick fix.
Monday they were already in touch to say the car was with a gearbox specialist who had confirmed a leak and was tracing the source. By Wednesday they'd identified the issue, a gearbox sump leak causing low oil levels, which explained the symptoms. Part ordered, full gearbox service carried out and fitted the next day.

Friday they called to say the repair was complete but they wanted to leave it overnight to properly test it before returning. I followed up via WhatsApp to keep a record, and they responded. The communication throughout was clear and consistent.

When they tested there was still something not quite right, so rather than push it back to me they kept it and replaced the mechatronics unit (anyone who knows their BMWs, knows by now a fortune had been spent). Nick, the owner, called me and was incredibly apologetic that I'd gone so long without the car. Although I wasn't really in need, he personally delivered a car to me (2hr journey to me, with a 4hr return trip by train for him) with a full tank of fuel for me to use for as long as needed (a top spec Ford Kuga).

He explained there was still the stop/start dropping into park, they reset the codes, changed the battery and paid for a software update from a BMW main dealer (another small fortune). Eventually, the root cause was identified, a faulty solenoid inside the gearbox that was intermittently working when tested.

All sorted by 28th February. Took a few weeks from recovering the car to getting it back to me, but not once did I feel in the dark, not once did a call go unreturned, and not once did I feel like they were trying to cut corners or fob me off. I was kept in the loop almost everyday even with a "sorry, but we have no updates today but will call again tomorrow". Every stage was communicated, every concern I raised was noted and acted on.

Honestly, buying a car from independent dealers is an absolute minefield at the moment, but I genuinely wouldnt want to consider going anywhere else for my next purchase. I've already asked them to source my partner's next car, that tells you everything.

I can’t recommend Smallbone Cars enough. From start to finish they were absolutely fantastic and provided the most honest, trustworthy, and straightforward service I’ve ever experienced. They kept me fully updated throughout the whole process and responded straight away to my many questions, always explaining every detail clearly. Everyone I dealt with was so lovely and helpful, which made the whole experience stress-free. They got me a deal I simply couldn’t turn down and really tried their hardest to fit my budget, which I truly appreciated. On collection, they made my new private plates for me and placed them in the boot of the car ready, so I didn’t have to order them myself, and they also assisted with sorting my tax there and then. I’ve genuinely never had better service when buying a vehicle, and I’m so grateful for how easy and smooth they made everything. Highly recommended.

The whole procedure of seeing the car, taking it for a test run and then buying it was really easy, the guys who own it and work in their are amazing made us feel very welcome, totally recommend this business five star service 🤩

What a pleasure it was to deal with Smallbone. From start to finish, the whole process was seamless. We purchased a beautifully presented caravan, and the experience couldn’t have been easier. Chloe was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and never applied any pressure—just genuine support and guidance throughout.

To top it off, as we hadn’t had our towbar fitted in time, Chloe personally delivered the caravan to us—now that’s service! It’s clear that Smallbone is a family business that truly cares about its customers. We’ll definitely be recommending them to others and will be back ourselves in the future. Thank you again, Eamonn & Mandy

I bought my Toyota Hilux from Michael recently and the experience was totally hassle free and seem less. I was able to view the vehicle at my leisure and once I had agreed to buy it was then prepared for me. The care given to customer and vehicle was better than I have experienced at other dealerships.
Really happy with the new truck and will and have recommended you to others.
Cheers
Ian

We visited Smallbone cars Clitheroe in response to an advert, we called Michael who was polite and friendly.
Our experience however on this little car pitch was a little different to what was expected, by this i mean you can only ever expect to rely on the information provided in both photo and description.
So on viewing the vehicle bearing in mind we had spoken on numerous prior occasions regarding said car, the bodywork was not at all in good condition, it had some age related marks, ( which was not mentioned in the advert or in any conversation thereafter ) some traders will actually say "some age related marks" which is open and honest because why not if there going to be seen anyway by the buyer. But there's a big difference between having a few age related marks (which were plenty) and accident damage which was badly repaired.
needless to say everyone wants to make a vehicle presentable but when you appraise a vehicle it should be should always be factual as people spend a time effort and money to view and sadly for us this was a very disappointing experience.

Fantastic family prestige car yard
Excellent service ,nothing to much trouble
Love my new car 🚗

Excellent service from start to finish on buying my dream car.
Thank you!!

Recently bought a Mazda MX5 from Smallbone and the whole process was so straightforward and painless. No pressure selling of the car (nor of unwanted insurance add-ons!) and it was all ready and prepared on day of collection. Small issue a few weeks down the line but sorted same day. Fabulous service and great people to deal with.

Smallbone cars are great to deal with
Michael & Chloe kept me informed at every stage
Very polite and respectful. There was no pressure sales like some places
I enjoyed the whole experience

A warm welcome , ample parking , we were allowed to view the caravan on our own , with no pressure from sales people ! The caravan was all ready prepared for us to view , even the heating was on to make it more pleasing experience

A great company to deal with. All issues dealt with properly. Smallbone could not help any more than they did and have great customer service.

Bought our second car from this excellent retailer is as many months.
The car was in fantastic condition and the detail that went into preparing/ servicing it was excellent.
Honest and open team who are great to deal with. I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

Just sold my car through Smallbones. They gave me a very fair price, held that price for 4 days till I was 100% about selling,came to collect the car & paid me immediately before they even took the car away.

Excellent service & integrity👍

We bought a swift caravan from Chloe from Smallbones. She was very knowledgeable.& communication was great throughout highly recommend this company.

From the initial meeting, through the selling process, to completion and beyond a tremendous experience. Nick, Chloe and Michael were extremely approachable and knowledgeable about all aspects of the motor industry, especially understanding my requirement’s. Whether buying or selling this family business should not be overlooked.

The owners was extremely helpful. They gave me a full walkthrough of the car and showed me how to use all the features. The price was really fair compared to larger dealers. Would highly recommend.

Perfect from start to finish purchasing my new car from this family run business. Chloe arranged for me to view the car with a Sunday appointment & Michael was very helpful throughout the process and sorting my private number plate retention so made my life far easier. Thank you once again :)

Great service all round, nice family run business, seamless purchase, thanks for all your help 🙏

Would definitely recommend, chloe was fantastic, couldn't help us enough, no pushy sales, give us what we wanted for our caravan, would use again, thanks jayne & kev xx