We’ve been looked after by Horsepower for many years now and never more so than with the recent purchase of our E-Class Mercedes. It is an absolutely stunning car and, as ever, the team at Horsepower... See more
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We travelled up from Brighton to look at a Suzuki jimny advertised at Horsepower. From the start our sales person was great, dealt with all our questions and queries. We decided to have it under se... See more
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We have used horsepower for many years for servicing our cars, so when the time came to replace our car it was the obvious choice to look for a replacement. By chance they had a car that suited our ne... See more
Duncan and the Horsepower team went out of their way to sort the problems on my car, all created by another garage doing questionable work. Highest of praise for the technicians who went above and b... See more
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Company details
Contact info
Unit 1 Sovereign Way, TN91RH, Tonbridge, United Kingdom
- 01732357182
- info@horsepower-motor-centre.co.uk
- horsepower-motor-centre.co.uk
4.5
Excellent
1K reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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Absolutely Avoid
Absolutely Avoid – Dishonest, Chaotic, and Utterly Unprofessional
My experience with Horsepower Motor Centre has been so appalling that I was eventually forced to involve my bank and the Police Fraud team in order to recover funds owed to me. What began as a routine car purchase quickly descended into a months-long ordeal marked by dishonesty, silence, and shocking levels of incompetence.
I purchased a Mercedes E-Class (Reg: WK14TFV), only to return it almost immediately due to serious and dangerous mechanical faults. Upon collection, the car — which had just passed an MOT conducted by their partner garage on the very same day — displayed multiple alarming issues, including:
• The engine management light coming on within hours
• Severe juddering under acceleration
• Complete loss of power while driving
• Worn brake discs that require replacement
Despite these obvious safety concerns, the car was sold to me as roadworthy — something I now view with deep suspicion, given the timing and source of the MOT.
I returned the car in good faith for repairs, but it sat untouched for over two and a half weeks, with no communication from the dealership unless I repeatedly chased them. One staff member even admitted via message that the place was in “utter chaos” — a rare and brutally honest reflection of the situation.
In place of the Mercedes, I was offered a 2004 Honda Civic as a so-called courtesy car. It was in appalling condition, made horrific grinding noises from the brake callipers, and even contained used cigarettes under the seat — presumably left behind by the last unfortunate customer they loaned it to. It was neither roadworthy nor acceptable.
Despite eventually agreeing to a refund, I was forced to wait nearly two months to receive only a partial repayment, with no explanation whatsoever for the missing amount. This is despite returning the car with half a tank of diesel, and the fact that they are still holding both sets of keys and the V5C. My formal complaint was completely ignored, and no apology or accountability was ever offered.
This experience has left me significantly out of pocket, without a vehicle, and with major disruption to my business and well-being. That I had to resort to formal intervention from my bank and the Police Fraud team speaks volumes about how seriously Horsepower Motor Centre mishandled this situation.
If you’re considering buying from Horsepower Motor Centre — don’t. Based on my experience, this is a company that is dishonest, disorganised, and completely unfit to be trading in vehicles. I wouldn’t trust them with a bicycle, let alone your hard-earned money.
July 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Lee,
We’re sorry to hear you felt this way, although we don’t believe your review reflects the full story.
You purchased a used Mercedes E-Class from us earlier this year which developed a fault shortly after collection, totally agreed, that’s always frustrating and we do understand. Unfortunately, these things can happen with secondhand vehicles, especially older, higher-mileage ones. What matters is how it’s handled, and in this case, we acted entirely in good faith: the car was returned to us, booked into our busy workshop, and repairs were already underway by the time you came in for your refund, something you saw with your own eyes.
We were literally hours away from resolving the issue for you, but you opted to cancel, which we respected and accepted. A refund was issued. We never ignored your messages or refused to help, we just had to balance your case alongside dozens of others in the workshop at the time.
The courtesy car provided, a Honda Civic automatic we’ve owned since nearly the day our business began over 20 years ago, actually holds a bit of sentimental value. It’s served us well as a loan car for years. It might not be glamorous, but it’s safe, reliable, and will get you to Timbuktu and back.
Since then, the original vehicle has been repaired and sold again. The new owner is very happy, and it hasn’t come back. It was just a niggle, not a write-off, and we dealt with it.
We’re an award-winning dealership, recently rated Highly Rated 2025 by AutoTrader and proudly recommended by thousands of happy customers. We take our reputation seriously and always aim to be fair, even when things don’t go to plan.
We wish you all the best.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Very helpful and friendly staff
Very helpful and friendly staff, Jason was especially good and made the whole process so easy. From finding the right car to driving it away fully serviced took less than 24 hours. Absolutely incredible
July 14, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Duncan,
Thank you for the brilliant review! We're so pleased Jason made the whole process smooth and easy for you — that's exactly the experience we aim to deliver. From finding the right car to getting it prepped and ready in under 24 hours... we’ll take that! 😄
Enjoy the new car and thanks again for your kind words.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Jessel,
Thank you for the great review! We're really pleased you were happy with the quality and price — and Danny will be glad to hear your kind words too. It was a pleasure helping you!
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Good price friendly staff however car…
Good price friendly staff however car purchased from them needed two new tires tracking and brakes within 500 miles
July 7, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Fulton,
Thanks for your review. We’re glad you found the team friendly and the price fair.
The vehicle would have undergone a visual health check before handover, and anything found to be illegal or below standard would have been addressed as part of our usual process. We fully take on board your feedback and really appreciate you being open and honest with us and taking the time to do so.
We look forward to being of service to you with your future motoring needs as and when you next need us.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Great service
Great service, very helpful and friendly staff who answer questions and fully explain things. Would and do recommend to everyone
June 30, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We're really glad you felt well looked after and that everything was clearly explained. Your recommendation means a lot to us — it’s the best compliment we can receive!
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Fantastic service
Fantastic service, excellent knowledge and the follow up was great too!
June 9, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Julia,
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're really pleased you were happy with the service and follow-up — and that our team’s knowledge made a difference. We really appreciate your support!
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Tats,
Thank you for the great review! We're so pleased you were happy with the service and found the team helpful — that’s what we’re here for.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Service and shock absorber replacement
Service and shock absorber replacement
All went smoothly with competitive pricing and good service and communication from Duncan and team
Thanks
June 16, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi there,
Thank you for the great feedback! We're really pleased everything went smoothly with your service and shock absorber replacement. Duncan and the team will be chuffed to hear your comments — we always aim to deliver good value with clear communication.
Thanks again!
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Karen,
Thank you for the kind words! We're so pleased to hear you had a great experience and are enjoying your new car. If you need anything in the future, just give us a shout – we're always happy to help.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Paul,
Thanks so much for the great feedback! We're glad the car lived up to your expectations and that our team made everything smooth. Wishing you many happy miles ahead!
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Danny was a godsend
Danny was a godsend from start to finish! I am delighted with Poppy my new red Abarth 500C.
The team are great at Horsepower and I love that if you take your car back to be serviced you get your MOT free.
June 5, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Kirsty,
What a lovely review – thank you! We’re so pleased you’re loving Poppy the Abarth! Danny will be over the moon to hear your kind words, and we’re glad our MOT-for-life offer added a nice bonus too. Enjoy every mile, and we hope to see you again for that first service!
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Proffesional team
June 6, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi George,
Thank you for your review! We really appreciate the positive feedback and are glad you found our team professional.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Excellent customer service great car…
Excellent customer service great car and served with a smile
June 2, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Hayleigh,
Thanks so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you’re happy with the car and the service – always delivered with a smile 😊
From all the team @ Horsepower 🚗
I have been using Horsepower for many…
I have been using Horsepower for many years now and they have become like a family to me. Hardworking, Professional, Friendly, Efficient, Excellent Customer Service Skills. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
May 22, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Lynda,
What an absolutely lovely review — thank you! It means the world to us to hear that you feel like part of the Horsepower family. We truly value your continued support over the years and look forward to looking after you for many more to come.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Helpful approach to car's condition
My car was given a good analysis of its condition. The staff were friendly and helpful.
June 2, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Derek,
Thank you for your kind words! We're really pleased you found our approach helpful and that the condition report gave you confidence. It was a pleasure to assist you.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Alex,
Thank you for the great review! We're really glad everything was quick and efficient for you — just how it should be.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Really check vehicle with mechanic
Was told it had a full inspection only too find 2 tyres with bad cracks in wall of tyres wasn't impressed and asked for a new mot did not happen said it would when paid deposit
April 28, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your feedback — we’re sorry to hear you were left disappointed.
To clarify for others reading, the vehicle you purchased was a 2009 Vauxhall Zafira, clearly advertised as a part-exchange to clear. It was one of our lowest-priced vehicles, and the listing did not state a new MOT would be provided — unlike many of our other vehicles where this is included. Instead, the advert clearly stated it had a long MOT until January 2026.
All our cars are available for inspection without pressure — we don’t do pushy sales. You're handed the keys and given space to look the car over at your own pace. This Zafira had been used reliably as an emergency loan car by our own staff and customers, and was safety-checked before sale. The tyres were legal and MOT-compliant at handover. Age-related sidewall cracking can sometimes appear on older tyres, but unless excessive, it doesn’t warrant replacement or result in an MOT fail.
That said, if it’s purely peace of mind you’re after, feel free to pop back in — we’re always happy to help and can do you a deal on new tyres if that would help you feel more confident in the car.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Professional & Friendly
Professional, friendly service throughout. The video feedback of my car was a great touch! Highly recommended.
May 16, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Jorge,
Thank you for the great review! We’re really pleased you enjoyed the service and found the video feedback helpful — it’s a feature our customers really value. We appreciate the recommendation and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
helpful and friendly
As usual, they were helpful, professional and friendly. A good job done.
May 16, 2025
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi Mr Hyde,
Thank you for the kind words — it’s always a pleasure to see you! We’re glad you were happy with the service once again, and we really appreciate your continued support.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
Avoid
Update edit. Following response, no you have not directly refused to help but ignoring calls and not responding amounts in my view to the same thing. The ball was left in your court to contact us to arrange to bring the vehicle back and after several calls have still not done so. There are a number of other things I could say but do not want to get into a text argument on here. Call me, you have my number!
Purchased vehicle from them in March, had a system notification come up within 2 weeks. Asked to bring the car back to check and was told they had cleared the message it was a service message which had probably not been cleared after their presales service. Drove away and error back on within 1 mile. Returned a day or so later and told it was an oil level/pressure switch fault. Loaned a car and left it there. Supposed to call us to say it was fixed. After many calls over several days with no reply, we were told car is ready to collect. Picked up and again within a mile error light back on. Back to garage next day to be told don't worry it's a pressure switch fault, can keep driving it will be fine and we will call you when part is in to fix. Month later, still no return call even after contacting them to book in. After first return checked oil level which was early up to the x, danger mark on the stick. They drained some oil, but it seems odd that on a service they would overfill to that degree. Have given up contacting them now as it seems that once sold they really don't care. Pretty much the same as most, but not all used car dealers. Shame as the car is quite nice. Certainly would not recommend to another
May 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Horsepower Motor Centre
Hi John,
Thank you for your review, and we're genuinely sorry to read your comments.
We do appreciate this situation has been frustrating and agree that communication could have been better at times — for that, we apologise. However, we would like to clarify a few points for accuracy.
After you reported a warning message shortly after collection, we invited you back and investigated the issue at no charge. The initial dashboard message was cleared, as it related to a previously completed service, but when it reappeared, we carried out a deeper inspection and diagnosed a pressure switch fault. You were provided with a loan car while we looked into this further.
The fault in question is not one that presents any immediate risk to engine health, and this was explained to you at the time. However, we completely understand your concern and accept that the delay in getting the part fitted has caused disappointment.
Regarding the oil level, the vehicle was serviced and filled to spec, but we did reduce the level slightly when it was brought back in — just to err on the side of caution. These aren’t mistakes we take lightly, and we’re always happy to re-check anything a customer is concerned about.
We haven’t refused to help you at any stage, and we’re still happy to resolve the outstanding pressure switch fault if you'd like to return. We’d much rather sort it than leave you feeling disappointed.
Please do feel free to get in touch directly — we’re here to help.
From all the team @ Horsepower 😊
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