Avoid Central Car Clearance – Dishonest and Untrustworthy
Central car clearance are part of Bindley group. If you're considering buying a Ford Kuga KU68, be extremely cautious. I recently had to reject this vehicle within 30 days of owning it, due to serious undisclosed issues. What’s even more concerning is that Central car clearance have now relisted the vehicle and increased the price, despite what I discovered. It seems they’re trying to recoup the money they spent fixing issues they initially claimed they knew nothing about when selling it to me.
When I purchased I was advised the car had just been fitted with a new clutch and brakes (discs and pads) and a service had been carried out. I requested proof of these works three times and never received it. That alone raised red flags.
After noticing a few issues, I had the car independently inspected—and the results were shocking. The back box was hanging off, the master cylinder needed replacing, the oil level was too high and the cambelt was making noises and needed replacing, along with a few other problems. When I informed Central Car Clearance, they got the car in and agreed to fix the exhaust along with some of the other minor issues, claiming they couldn’t hear any cambelt issues or feel the clutch sticking after a single short test drive.
I made it clear that if the cambelt wasn’t replaced and the clutch issue wasn’t addressed, I would reject the vehicle, as these could lead to thousands of pounds in damage. At this point, Steve (the manager) falsely claimed that I would need a full AA or RAC inspection to proceed with rejection.
I agreed anyway and told him I’d collect the car immediately to arrange the inspection myself—because frankly, I didn’t trust leaving it with them. Suddenly, 30 minutes later, I received a call saying they had spoken to upper management and were issuing me a full refund. They refused to address the cambelt issue and, rather than risk the inspection proving my case, they refunded me without even reviewing my mechanic’s report.
This is highly suspicious behavior. When I stood my ground and called their bluff, they backed out—I believe, proving they knew there were serious issues. Under the Consumer Rights Act, I was never obligated to provide an AA or RAC inspection to reject the vehicle—that was simply a lie to discourage me.
After receiving my refund, I requested reimbursement for the fuel I had put in the car—a £50 top-up just a week prior—and I had only driven it to school on weekdays. They have completely ignored my request.
For context, the car was handed over to me with just 30 miles’ worth of fuel, and due to the exhaust issues, it was burning far more fuel than normal. This already cost me more than it should have, and now I have money sitting in the tank on their forecourt, which they are refusing to return. Yet another example of their dishonest practices.
To add to the concern, the garage that carried out the MOT must have issued a dodgy certificate, as the exhaust issue alone should have resulted in an MOT failure. Several other problems would have at least been marked as advisories, yet somehow, the car passed with flying colors—without a single advisory.
It’s unclear whether this was arranged by Central Car Clearance or if it happened under the previous owners, but either way, the car was inspected by technicians at the branch when it arrived and during servicing. At the very least, the exhaust and oil issues should have been noticed. This only raises further doubts about the integrity of the sale.
Final Verdict: Do not trust this branch. Get any car you consider buying from them independently inspected before purchase—it may be expensive upfront but could save you thousands in the long run. The complete lack of honesty, accountability, and even a basic apology for the stress and inconvenience speaks volumes. Just to add, I followed the complaints procedure laid out on their website and I still haven't heard from anyone from their complaints team, just got handed back to the Manager at central car clearance. Avoid at all costs.