Great to buy a car from - terrible if something goes wrong ...
lthough the experience of buying a car from this branch, via the excellent Paul E, was extremely good, the Northampton Spirit franchise is woeful in other aspects of customer service.As a result, it's advised that you should steer clear of this branch. If nothing goes wrong with your car then you will probably be fine, but if something does go wrong (whether complex or simple) you will find yourself in a world of hurt.Having bought my vehicle in March, it suffered a very serious fault, but one common to the model, in the summer. The Northampton branch service team, and the person who seemed to be their manager, were breathtakingly unhelpful. They stated it would be months and months and months before the car would even be examined, much less fixed and the customer service staff seemed oddly pleased to outline the chaos and delay associated with their branch's servicing/repair queue. A very odd attitude matched only by their shocking level of indifference to leaving me stranded without a car for an indefinite, but clearly very long, period. Any chance of a courtesy car or any form of assistance at all, even for a week or a day or an hour? They were very please to say 'no'.Very fortunately, I was rescued by another branch (otherwise I would still be without my car), but less fortunately, my car developed another problem a week or two ago.This time, it was a simple issue with the 12V battery. Could the Northampton branch assist? Well, they said that they could maybe book me in at the end of December. Again, the 'service' team seemed oddly pleased to offer such an unsatisfactory timeline and once again, they trotted out the well-worn story of high demand and servicing chaos at the branch.After expressing my (by now customary) displeasure and disbelief, the bored and indifferent service rep offered an appointment in around four weeks' time rather than in a couple of months - an improvement, but still maddening for such a quick job and pretty much useless.Luckily, the other branch was able to help me again, but I wonder how much reputational damage the Northampton 'service' team is doing/has done to this franchise?It might be reasonable to ask why I wanted a main dealer to look at what seemed to be a simple issue of a failed 12V battery. Well, my experience with the very serious fault in the summer was that Hyundai was desperate to find a way to wriggle out of making the repair under warranty and that would have left me with a HUGE bill. As a result, I'm now determined to keep the warranty pristine, by having any further issues (and I bet there will be plenty) addressed by a main dealer.So in summary, the Northampton Hyundai branch is a great place to buy a car - but if you do, you need to pray daily that nothing ever goes wrong with it. I'd like to think that the branch will get a grip of this sooner rather than later - if they don't it may just sink them.
J t
Avoid Hyundai Northampton - OVERPRICING Practice, Non Transparent Pricing, Additional Unexpected Costs
Avoid Hyundai Northampton – appalling service experience, Non transparent pricing & overcharging. IF you do have to use them GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING! Our 4th-year / 40K service has been a nightmare from start to finish. We were originally expecting to pay around £550, which should include the coolant flush. Then the “Refill Coolant” warning light came on months before the service.It took 4 weeks just to get the car booked for diagnosis, and only AFTER the car went in we were told if it wasn’t a warranty issue, we’d be charged £180 just for them to look at it — something we’ve never been told or charged before and we've taken the car in twice before. They later said the coolant DID need replacing but refused to do so under warranty or a service campaign that we'd been advised about. The coolant apparently isn't a warranty issue but this is a known fault & many dealerships have honoured a coolant flush refill as part of a service campaign. We were told to just get it done on the 4th year service - I asked about the cost being honoured and was told it might be but they'll see on the day and we were quoted £586 for a 4th year service and told that included the coolant flush.Then came up with all manner of excuses not to honour the cost. Escalated to Hyundai UK who I'd phoned twice to try to resolve. Upon emailing my escalation they said they'd already investigated when I called yet I had further complaints which were ignored. When the service was finally booked (another 5 weeks later), the quote changed to £617, which they “honoured” back to £586 .... only to then say the coolant flush would be an extra £180 on top! Nearly £800 for a service, with zero transparency or communication about this upfront! £800 for a 4th year EV service is way above industry standard - even for luxury EV's. Apparently the coolant change is extra - "IF it needs doing" yet their 4th year service states it includes this. Internal communication at this dealership is nonexistent. Staff give conflicting information, management avoid accountability, and no one follows up as promised. I had to chase constantly for updates and clarity. No one calls you back. After numerous complaints, the service cost was eventually reduced to £400, but it should never have been this stressful or confusing. AND we still don't know if they're going to charge us the extra £180 for the coolant change !!It's now been escalated to TMO (The Motor Ombudsman) for review of overpricing, non transparent pricing, lack of communication amongst other things. We've also had issues previously with the same things and parts not being ordered. It’s such a shame because we actually love the car, but this experience has completely put us off the brand. Hyundai Northampton’s customer service is unprofessional, disorganised, and utterly lacking in transparency. Would not recommend. We’ll be going elsewhere and will never buy another Hyundai based on this experience. Will return to VW.
Michelle Simons
Terrible experience with this garage…
Terrible experience with this garage and strongly advise you to use alternative Hyundai dealers instead. Took nearly 3 weeks to misdiagnose a fault then tried to charge me for a second time when they established what the real fault was. Communication is apalling - never ring back when they say they will, never answer the phone if you ring in. Always make you feel like the customer is the issue, not their own service level. 66% of TP reviews are 1 star and I can see why. Also charge £249 for basic diagnostics when Nottingham Hyundai only charge £149. Complete rip off and will never use them again
tim robinson
Excellent technical help!
Needed some technical help with Bluelink on my new Hyundai. Florin was absolutely fantastic and went above and beyond to show me! Explained more in 5 minutes than Murley Hyundai ( where I purchased the vehicle) did in total.
Jiggypins
I had a very disappointing experience…
I had a very disappointing experience with Hyundai Spirit in Northampton. The service department did not communicate properly with the warranty team, which caused confusion and completely messed up my appointment. On top of that, the staff member I dealt with wasn’t helpful and left me feeling ignored. Overall, the service was unprofessional and frustrating. I would not recommend this dealership.
Maria
Nothing but trouble with these guys
Nothing but trouble with these guys, Overcharged me and took weeks, to refund, only after hyundai uk got involved. Parts department never respond to any online requests, and they've just cancelled my service that was booked 3 weeks ago.
Tom
Terrible Dealer.
Terrible Dealer.1. You book a time for a test drive, then given another, they put it back to the original time and then send a message with the wrong time again. They hinted that I had originally booked the wrong time?2. No Hyundai Insters in the showroom just one test drive car which was parked around the corner somewhere3. Appeared they had very little knowledge of the car, particularly the distance per charge. Was told 300 miles when the book says 229 miles4. The manager also said it was 300 miles depending on which of the 2 models you choose. There is infact 3 models, none of which go above 229 miles5. Text messages about questions are ignored and when you ring up they told me to find the information I needed online as they didn't know.6. When you tell them you've never driven an electric vehicle they say it's like driving a go-kart and leave you to test drive it on your own. (I nearly reversed it into the showroom)7. When you ask questions about the car they tell you not to worry about it as you don't need to know to test drive the car.Please do not purchase from this dealer
Chris
Bought tucson from corby branch…
Bought tucson from corby branch excellent car but after sales with these is absolutely appalling i asked for a spare wheel set but wheel is 17in rim when car 19in rim took 3 months to get owner manual and now trying to get service to keep warranty compliant 3 attempts no call back avoid like the plague
jak Williams
Shocking After sales experience
We got an Ioniq 6 from here last year. Its now time for the first service. I have called on FOUR, YES 4 separate occasions, and everytime they've said they're busy right now, but take my details and promise to call me back as soon as they can. Well guess what...they havent. V happy to take your money initially but customer service is shocking.
Shyam Ganatra
Mistakes and terrible customer service
Mistakes and terrible customer service. After using Spirit in the past for services and MOTs we booked our car in for an MOT and received a confirmation text. We dropped the car off the day before, but then heard nothing, despite calling to try to check on progress. At the end of the day Spirit told us that they had booked the car in for a completely different date, well after our MOT would have expired, and nobody had thought to communicate with us. It was only after we showed the staff their original confirmation text that they accepted they might be at fault, but offered no help in resolving the disruption caused by the lack of an MOT. Eventually they agreed to do the MOT more quickly and despite all the problems they had caused there was only a nominal discount on the fee. The mistakes in their booking system were really poor, the lack of communication was terrible, but the worst part was the bad customer service after it obvious that they had messed up.’
Alan
Do not buy Motability car through this…
Do not buy Motability car through this company they will sale you the car and treat you like s….. after sales so yep if your disable go else where like Skoda avoid Hyundai pathetic company and liars and love to cover each other faults and mistaken and give customers false information
Mo
Please think twice before buying a car from this business
I am applaud at the behaviour of this company. I brought a vehicle from this so called professional business. On the morning I was suppose to pick my new car up, the rear back alloy was damaged. The salesman (Danny) tried to state that it was already like that, then completed turned around and stated that it has just been damaged. The salesman stated that he would get it fixed. I waited 4 hours and sent an email asking the salesman, when can I pick up the car. In the end I called the manager of the business and aired my views and he stated please come in and pick up the vehicle. I picked my new car up and was really excited, to be driving it home. All of a sudden the car made a noise and the hazard light came on. This happened when I was driving down the dual carriageway at the speed of the road. I took the vehicle straight into the Hyundai again, by this time I was fuming. I waited 20 minutes to speak to the sales Manager Kelvin Garner, as the operation Director/manager is of sick. I stated what the problem was and he stated what would you like me to do about it? I stated I wanted to see the paperwork on the checks that they completed on the car before they sold it to me. (I just got a blank look)My vehicle has gone into the service department and the car needs two new tyres and more investigations. Both headlights and windscreen has condensation.
Lynette Amey-heard
Poor after sales for Motability users
Our Motability car service light (possibly as it has 11k miles) came up on the dashboard, we have had the vehicle for nearly 12 months. I called Spirit Northampton to book in the service, the receptionist following a Q&A review to determine which service was needed I was told the dates which were available, I also explained in detail my situation as a carer to the car owner to enable minimal waiting time.I live 25 miles away from the dealership but as we ordered and received the vehicle through Spirit N`ton we thought it best to have all dealings with them.I attended on the Saturday and was met with an abrupt lady receptionist who after several questions informed me the service wasn't due.I informed her that I had spent around 20 minutes on the phone when booking in and was told it was due, she replied her system says no. I also explained that I had travelled a long way and had had to make arrangements for me to attend. She replied, ` take it up with the service manager on Monday she then looked past me at to the next person in the now longer que.I complained to the assistant sales manager who promised to look into my complaint and refer this to the after sales manager.Following a prompt email as I had heard nothing i reived a message from the Assistant sales manager saying a few words and `sorry for the inconvenience`` I`m sorry` doesn't really help, will this happen again?appears to be no customer focus regarding after sales which is particularly concerning for Motability customers.I have asked for the Spirt Complaints procedure of which i am still waiting.
Robert Reid
Good car but poor service
The new car was pretty good after looking at sevral reviews. Purchased from Spirit Hyundai Corby (Part of the Northampton dealership) and the whole process has been hit and miss depending on the salesperson you dealt with. Poor communication, not returning calls and not following through specific agreements on personal requirements. The Corby branch felt a bit 'blokey' - alright mate, just 'hello,' on the phone, etc and it felt like no genuine customer care or service. Deadlines for updates were missed and delivery date missed. By all means get your Hyundai if thats what you are keen on but be resiliant and do not rely on committments made or expect even part interested customer service. Note everything and follow up with emails on points agreed after calls or in dealership visits. Many of the staff are letting down the reputation of the Spirity Hyundai brand. Also look at the various online reviews of Spirit Hyundai to prepare for your purchase from them but do not belive all the reviews on JudgeService site (Used on Spirit Hyundai web site). Something is not quitre right there. Overall a good car but poor contact experiences.
Scratch Golfer
Took my mom’s motabilty car in for its…
Took my mom’s motabilty car in for its 1st service - lovely team & lady on desk very friendly. This is our 2nd Hyundai & won’t be our last! Lovely dealership at riverside
Leah S
Low integrity, avoid if possible
Have been taking my car there for service for a while, that is always a good expereince, but I have now experienced the sales team. Low integrity does not really cover it. Over several weeks I had been negotiation a “must complete this September” deal on a car that was a “part of the agreed sales numbers to Hyundai for September”. After many days of them buying time by saying their systems were updating, they eventually sold the car to someone else telling me that Hyundai “took the car back”. I wonder how gullible sales people believe we are sometimes. They didn’t call me to tell me this. I called them. On the 29th to check where this “September deal” was. I was told the car went back to hyundai corporate.
Andy
Excellent service
Just bought my second car from Hyundai Northampton and, as always, had a very happy experience with them: top class service, friendly, efficient, and paid a very competitive price for a second hand i20 in excellent condition. Their agent Neil Sidebottom couldn't have been more helpful. Never had a problem with them looking after my first car and expect the same with this. Highly recommended.
Kevin Buxton
brilliant service
ali was very kind and patient and he was a brilliant help to my family i would really recommend him if you are looking to buy a car
Cameron Irving
Came to collect our new car today and…
Came to collect our new car today and the service we got was from Ali was amazing, very friendly very helpful and he made sure everything was perfect for us, could recommend any more from him.
Stephen Hardy
Hyundai Services Ali
Perfect service Ali is SUPER man, very helpful and friendly. Everything was handled perfectly and immediately. Strongly recommended
Maciej Mrozinski
