Startin Group Reviews 

Sadly appalling. I don't own a car supplied by Startin and have nothing to do with them. I have asked for my data to be removed / respected and nothing has happened despite numerous requests both verbally and in writing

I recently bought a used car from Startin of Redditch Worcestershire. I had a very poor follow up service from the sales team, however Aman the Service Manager from the service department went out of his way to put things right, much of which was not his fault. My review is for him and him alone. Thank you Aman for great service.

The main thing that annoyed me was poor customer service - this is so important and so easy to get right that I was surprised that this franchise got it so wrong. Having bought my Kia from another franchise whose business transferred to Startin I rang them thinking that they might be able to help me with what turned out to be a simple issue - a missing locking wheel nut key (missing as it hadn't been put in the car when I bought it). Their default position in two calls to them was 'not our responsibility, we can't help'. When pressed I was told that someone would ring me back. They didn't. In desperation I rang Bells Kia and got wonderful customer service - the person I spoke to simply asked for a photo of a wheel nut and I picked a new one up two days later. It only cost £23 which also makes me wonder why Startin couldn't have been more helpful as the cost wouldn't have broken the bank!
To add insult to injury Startin responded to my review (posted on the 28 February) on the 28 May, apologising for my experience and saying they would like to discuss it with me. Surely if they were concerned about customer service they would have responded to me more promptly?! Thank you for contacting me Startin but sorry, I won't be giving you my contact details and if I need a Kia garage in future I will go to Bell's in Northampton.

There is so much I need to write but I can't be bothered, I feel so apathetic towards my ordeal now.

I have a complaint that was being investigated and I was in regular contact with the dealership until Christmas. Since then I have heard nothing. The dealer principle has told the Brand Director he has been in contact with me, which is a lie. Peugeot HQ have made a derisory offer which I am insulted by. And to top.it off, the Subject Access Request I did in December hasn't been responded to.

I am p***ed off.

Don't buy a Peugeot.

Edit 28/05/2024

I have been dealing with Richard Newbold and I am frankly shocked by his lack of professional care. I have made a SAR and what I got back was a joke. I've asked for a full SAR but received nothing. I've already completed half of the paperwork to take you to court and I will complete it soon. The GDPR breach will be added on. I honestly don't think Startin Group are competent. This isn't the first car I've bought and had issues with, I ordered an e2008 in September 2020 and I'm 99% sure you never ordered it. The SAR will confirm this. There's a long saga with that experience too. Mr Newbold was involved in that too.

And the issues I have with the purchase of the car I have now aren't the whole story. We actually ordered two 308 GT Premium Hybrids and had to cancel the other one because you couldn't supply what we ordered.

I wish I'd never set foot in that showroom.

I'm taking you to court. If you want to get in touch to resolve the issues it needs to be a very senior manager and I'll only deal with you in writing.

2nd edit:

You supplied the wrong car initially then a car that was almost right. I'm missing a 3D dash, wireless charging plate and a 7kw charger that were part of the car I ordered. The car I test drove at the launch event had the 3d dash and charging plate and it was still listed on the spec sheets. Richard Newbold claimed I was aware the spec had changed when I ordered the car. This isn't true, I found out I probably would get the dash and charging plate on 13th January 2023 when I joined a MK3 308 forum, I did expect the cost to be taken off but it wasn't. Peugeot UK have told me these were worth £660 and we're prepared to reimburse that in lieu of full and final settlement. That didn't take into account the fact the car was missold by the dealership leaving me unable to accept the offer. Mr Newbold has admitted in writing that the staff at the dealership (including himself) didn't know how VED was calculated and applied to new car sales. I find this unbelievable from a man who has spent his whole career in the car sales industry. I was very clear with the salesman I wanted to avoid the enhanced VED and kept the list price of both cars ordered below £40k. Unfortunately I have discovered, to my cost, that the VED is based on the list price of the car at the point of registration. The staff at the dealership, including Mr Newbold, we're still under the impression that it was based on the value at the point of sale. It has been this way since at least April 2017 and as a layman I wasn't aware, I expected the supplier to provide me with the correct information. You have a duty of care and you failed to deliver it. This lack of care will cost me £1950 more than I expected over the course of my ownership. His offer, despite his admission of guilt, was worth £560 total. I can't accept that. The missing features and effects of misselling will leave me out of pocket to the tune of £2510. That doesn't give any compensation or goodwill, it simply puts me in the financial position I should have been in. Mr Newbold has made it clear he was not prepared to increase his offer and no longer shows me the courtesy of replying to emails.

All I have asked for is to be put into the position I expected to be in when I placed the order. All of the issues have been due to poor product and legislative knowledge on the part of Startin. I have a complete SAR from Peugeot and I can see how little effort the dealership made to resolve the issue beyond asking Peugeot to pay for their mistakes. I have a copy of a communication from Peugeot to all dealerships regarding the spec changes dated April 2022 - I ordered my car in June 2022 so they were aware and should have made me aware before sale.

Resolving this is easy. You just need to reimburse me for the financial impact of your mistakes. As a multi-mullion GBP business you could do it but sadly, you've chosen not to. I am the wrong person to take a hard line with. I will make sure you pay for your mistakes.

Went to Startin Vauxall Redditch got a fair price for my trade in and Paul the salesman was really helpful as I am profoundly deaf, would definitely recommend.

I own a Skoda Octavia I bought new from Startins Worcester 5 months ago. Last Monday the car failed to start with numerous errors displayed. We had to book a taxi rapidly as we were going to a hospital appointment. The AA turned up and the car started first time, but when he connected his computer, it showed up errors. I contacted Startins Service Dept. They stated thy would want our car for 2 days, so I arranged for a hire car and pay the excess charge. only to receive a call 4 hours later confirming the car was ready. They did not charge the excess fee after I complained. I was told a controller was replaced and the software was upgraded. When I got in the car, I had to reconnect my mobile and the saved places on the satnav had disappeared. On the following Saturday I drove to Wolverhampton, a trip I do regularly. it’s about 50/50 that the satnav traffic will suggest we leave the motorway as the traffic on the M5/M6 is at a standstill. On the Saturday we got no warnings therefore carried on the motorway only to land into a traffic jam. This is when we realised the traffic info was not working. We called Startins and initially spoke to Emma who I have since found out is not technical and started talking about forums. I eventually spoke to Tom, we then found out we were not logged onto the Skoda connect. When we logged on, everything sprung into life, but at this point too late for the traffic jam. Tom then proceeded to tell us it was probably a Skoda connect outage. To date we have not experienced a Skoda outage I asked the question on Facebook and the answers I received confirmed no one else had experienced an outage that week. I am really disappointed with the service received from Startins.

Time wasters and liars due to their own oversight/incompetence/greed.

I sold a vehicle via Motorway for them to cancel last minute on collection day under the following false pretences:

1) Outstanding vehicle recall – the Honda website as well as my dealership (main Honda dealer) where I had my vehicle serviced both confirmed that there was no outstanding recall so I have no idea where they are getting their information from.

2) Timing belt not changed - I never claimed this had been done anywhere in the advert so I cannot fathom why they would presume that it had been. Surely, any normal individual would presume that if something is not listed then it is not available? I would not buy a Honda from your dealership thinking that it must have any other feature which is not listed in the advert. In any case, I did enquire about this with my dealership as well and was told that the interval for this was 5-8 years depending on mileage. My vehicle was over 5 years old, however, this was never even suggested to me when I last had it serviced by my main Honda dealership due to the low mileage.

It is evident that the dealership eventually realised that item 2) needed replacing (which was never mentioned to me previously for the relevant reasons as stated above) which would impact their margin on the vehicle so made the claim that the vehicle was not as described so that they would have a means of “legally” pulling out of the purchase under false presences by making me feel like I have done them wrong when it was due to incompetence/oversight from their own procurement function.

Obviously, it was only me that lost out financially despite no fault of my own so it is fine as far as they are concerned.

Motorway confirmed all of the above in their internal investigations i.e. I hadn't misrepresented my vehicle in any way as there was no outstanding recall nor any issues with the cambelt which implies the profit motive as well as Startin Group's utter incompetence.

Edit: I've been requested to provide more personal information to this company to ensure everything is factual even though the ship has sailed months ago and they have no intention in making it right despite me losing a few thousand pounds in the process as well as wasting my time.

Go and see Motorway's reply to my negative review of them and be the judge.

Accept that the review is just and it's a complete failing on your end. Just please leave me alone if you think a no cost apology on your end is going to make it right.

I felt completely mislead following the sale of my 2008e last summer, I purchased the car after checking with the sales person that I would be able to complete my commute of 80 miles round trip with the range on the car I was advised its a 220 mile range and I should be able to go twice off one charge - well that’s absolute rubbish. I drive too and from work and have 19 miles left regularly. This is with me driving in eco mode, no heating in winter no air con in summer, cruise control on no excessive accelerating. I was advised on how to get the most out of my car economy wise but this is rubbish. I have called about the range with no help I know it’s my own stupid fault and I can’t get out of this pcp. I am counting down the days until I get this car gone and I’m so disappointed in this sale. Then following this calling recently to get advice I felt like they just wanted me to have a new car from them which is impossible due to the pcp rather than helping me with my current car

Had a quote to repair my van of £2k agreed the work to be done and was then told they had made a mistake and there was another £855 on top.
Went in to collect the van and take it to another garage who was half their price and they wouldn't even offer me the cost of the diagnosis as compensation for their shocking mistake. I had to pay half. Paid my £60 and have now moved my 3 vehicles to another garage. Bought a new electric car from them which will be replaced in June. Wont use them. VERY DISAPPOINTED

After bad service, the manager told me in an email that he would refund to me part of the cost of the service and repair they carried out. Despite this and several reminders, they have not refunded any money to me.
After the reply from Startin, and after I told them which garage I had dealt with, they said that they will look into my complaint. I have since heard nothing from them. This confirms that their attempt at giving service is simply an illusion.

I have come back from having the car serviced, and as per normal a Will S was brilliant in the service process etc, I have never had an issue with Will and he goes out of his way to assist .
I have to say that I noticed a turn over on sales staff but not the service team, which sums up how good they are!
I also want to mention Tim, who has always given me great service and sorts alot of things out for me.

I was seen by Nicole Higginson at starting vauxhall redditch she was very professional and explained everything in detail and answered all my questions in a way that was easy to understand went above and behind would like to give her a rating of 10 and would just like to say a big thank you to her personally

Overall an excellent professional company from the minute we walked into show room and the receptionists acknowledged us to all the staff we saw. The atmosphere was friendly it seemed the staff all supported each other.
From the outset Mark Cruikshank was very professional guiding us through the purchase of a new car. We came away feeling that he actually wanted to make sure we were happy a with our choice. He was very clear with all the information and options and advice. He kept in touch with us and always phoned back for any more information we needed The Company director should be very proud of his staff at this branch.

Sadly I would not purchase a car again from Startin. I was sold a 2020 Picanto and found out after my tyre pressure warning light came on and took my car to Kwikfit that my tyre pressures were all over the place and that the tyres were old 2004 and 2007! The after sales and service department were not helpful and finally the service manager took control of the situation and is going to replace the tyres with new ones. Sadly I have lost all confidence in this garage which is so sad as my first impressions when I purchased my car were really positive.

Outstanding service from Julian in the Service Department. I wanted to order a replacement tyre puncture repair kit and compressor for my Suzuki Vitara. Other Suzuki dealers at Telford and Bilson were completely unhelpful and not interested in helping me. Julian was so helpful - located and ordered the item the same day and I collected a day later. Totally recommend this dealership.

Advertises test drive cars that aren't actually for sale.
The company is persistently trying to get this review removed. As they are insistent on wasting my time I have provided further evidence of this.

Having taken some time to look through the details and then pictures of the car I was interested in, I read the long description of the car. Only right at the end did I see this is not actually available. While some other sellers advertise cars for future sale (I disagree with this practice), they at least say in the details you can see before you click on the advert. This company wastes your time by advertising cars not available for 7 months and that will accumalate many miles in that time. They should just advertise what is available and not what might be available in 7 months time.

"Startin Honda (Worcester)
4.5(4 reviews)

(01905) 417763

Visit website

Home Delivery

Free delivery up to 20 miles, £2 per mile thereafter.

Overview

Front & Rear Parking SensorsMileage information3,000 miles2,353 miles above average

Fuel type

Petrol Hybrid

Body type

Hatchback

Engine

1.5L

Gearbox

Automatic

Doors

5

Seats

5

Emission class

Euro 6

Here at Startin Honda Worcester we have a lovely example of a Honda Jazz Hybrid SR 1.5. This car is currently being used as a demonstrator vehicle so the mileage will differ to what is advertised so please ask for mileage when enquiring. The Jazz is finished in lovely Premium Sunlight White metallic paint and has black cloth interior. Some of the main features of this car include front & rear parking sensors, magic seats, lane keep assist, sign post recognition, cruise control with speed limiter and much much more. Car comes with the remaining months of Honda Approved warranty with no claim limits and breakdown assistance with the AA giving you complete piece of mind. In addition to all this the car also comes with a 5 year service plan saving approximately £1500 is maintenance costs. Nationwide delivery can be arranged. Click on (startingroup co uk) for further used cars. Book your test drive today or location depending we could visit you. For further information please call 01905 423322. This vehicle cannot be sold until December 2023. Ref- WFA , Black Cloth interior, Metallic Sunlight White, Startin of Worcester - 01905 423322 - where peace of mind comes as standard, £21,990"

The Service department let me down this time.they phoned me 2 days after at home,and I said I did not want to comment as I will put it on the survey, which I did not receive, I was told about the tyres but not the brakes i was told it would be done by 10am not 11`15 no one informed about brakes all we from the girl was about courtesy car for someone else, and we was 1st customer the other 2 people said they felt guilty we was still there waiting that’s why it’s 2 stars STARTIN Worcester Peugeot

A response from Startin has sorted out my complaint.
If you can get to the right person ,this helps.
It appears that Startin have no record of any agreement or conversation about a warranty/service extension and the person who I agreed this has since left the company.The overcharge error has been reimbursed to me which is all I wanted in the first place.
Now I have the facts then my star rating has increased to reflect a different Startin to the one I dealt with in 2020, and new staff. just to add, they did service my Dacia in 2021.
The vehicle, a Dacia Duster SUV petrol150 Tce Prestige has been extremely reliable, being a Renault engine the power is amazing, very smooth and comfortable, and at an extremely competitive price. Hope the dealership ups their game to match what is a good car.

Dal a great customer sales advisor, only caring for the client and their needs.
Came in to look and test drive it, ended up doing part ex and came home with the new car the same day thanks to the financing director , Richard .
Very polite and caring staff .
Took a while and was able to have good banter with Fenton and Dal.
Access to free hot drinks machine and were offered very regularly.
Thank you Dal for helping us get our car sorted , 10/10 would recommend especially Dal !

Just bought my 3rd Suzuki from the Startin Worcester showroom. As usual, fantastic customer service from the sales team. Ross Jack did a brilliant job of organising a great deal for me and arranging everything so efficiently. Great customer service from start to end, and I felt I was treated like a valued customer. Thanks also to Josh Jones. A great team!!