2cheapcars.co.nz Reviews 

Writing
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding my experience with 2 Cheap Cars, which has been consistently unsatisfactory, disorganised, and concerning.
I purchased a 2012 Suzuki Swift from the Glenfield branch on 1 February 2026. Shortly after purchase, I arranged a mechanical check, which identified water present in the spare tyre well. I raised this with the dealership, and while the salesperson was helpful and explained the likely cause, this issue was ultimately clarified and resolved.
However, I then began experiencing a separate and ongoing issue with the cambelt, which would intermittently emit a loud squealing noise—even after the vehicle had warmed up and during normal driving conditions. This is not typical behaviour for a vehicle with approximately 66,000 km.
I lodged a formal claim on 1 April 2026. After initially responding and requesting an odometer photo (which I provided promptly), communication ceased for approximately one week. I followed up myself and was then asked to provide a video recording of the issue while driving. I made it clear that this request was both unsafe and illegal, as the noise occurs unpredictably and cannot be safely recorded while operating the vehicle.
Given my personal circumstances, including limitations around travel distance, I requested reasonable alternatives: either that they arrange a local mechanic to assess the vehicle, or that they organise transport of the vehicle at their cost (an option they had previously offered). Instead, I was instructed to take the vehicle to another location, which was not practical.
During the week of 13 April, communication remained difficult and unhelpful. After I escalated the matter formally, the dealership agreed to collect the vehicle. Unfortunately, I was unwell with COVID at that time, and arrangements were adjusted so I could deliver the vehicle to the Glenfield branch on 22 April, with the understanding it would be collected first thing that morning.
Upon arrival, staff were unaware of the arrangement. There was confusion regarding both the vehicle collection and the courtesy car. I was then informed the vehicle would not be collected until midday, contrary to what had been agreed. Only after I raised further complaints was the vehicle collected promptly.
Throughout this process, I was initially told no courtesy vehicles were available, then later provided with one that is in poor condition—struggles to drive, has poor visibility due to dirty windows, lacks basic maintenance (such as washer fluid), and has an unpleasant odour. This is not an acceptable standard.
On 23 April, I was informed that the cambelt tension had been corrected and the belt itself was not damaged. Based on this, I reasonably expected my vehicle to be returned that same day. However, after repeated attempts to contact the dealership, I received no response until I escalated the matter again. I was then told the vehicle was ready but could not be delivered due to lack of transport—and that I would need to collect it myself, which was not the agreed arrangement.
Subsequently, I received conflicting information stating that further checks were being undertaken relating to the previously resolved water issue, and that my vehicle would not be returned until at least Sunday, 26 April—possibly later due to the ANZAC public holiday period. This would leave me without my vehicle for up to a full week.
At this stage, I am extremely concerned. I have received multiple conflicting explanations, experienced poor communication, and now find myself in a situation where my vehicle is being withheld without clear justification. The original claim relates solely to the cambelt issue, not the water concern, which had already been addressed.
The lack of transparency raises serious questions about whether:
the vehicle has been further damaged,
the repair has not been completed as stated, or
the delay is purely logistical and cost-related on their part.
Regardless, none of these scenarios justify withholding my vehicle without clear communication or consent.
I paid for this vehicle in full at the time of purchase, and I expect a reasonable standard of service, communication, and accountability. Instead, I have experienced ongoing delays, inconsistent information, and a complete lack of professionalism.
Based on my experience, I strongly advise others to reconsider using this dealership. The service has been unreliable, disorganised, and deeply frustrating, and the current situation—where my vehicle is not being returned to me—feels entirely unacceptable.

Cowboys. Did a prepurchase check on a car only to find that it had no oil in it and the service that was supposed to be done two weeks ago wasn’t as the oil filter and air filter were both filthy.
Dodgy all round. Stay away.

I would not recommend this company to anyone I purchased a car in December, and within a week it developed serious engine issues along with other faults. I reported everything immediately, but dealing with customer service has been extremely frustrating they’ve been unhelpful and inconsistent with what they say.
The most disappointing part is that I’ve been paying finance on this car for over two months and haven’t even been able to use it. I feel completely let down and misled
If you’re considering buying from them, please be careful and think twice. My experience has been stressful, costly, and unfair

Traveled from Tauranga to view a BMW, car stank of cat urine, when I pointed it out to a member of the sales team, he had a smell and said yes it does, no apologies no we will get that smell out, nothing, out the door I went and purchased elsewhere, the staff member should be out of the door as well.

Never buy again - awful customer service. Should have known by their poor service that the car would cost me a month of stress to get a refund. Tire pressure was low upon purchase, which I pointed out and they said they'd fill for me. When paperwork was signed they told me they had pumped them up but they clearly hadn't (tires were all still under 20psi). I had to push them to understand low tyre pressure is unsafe, and then had to teach the salesman how to correctly fill a tyre. Discovered washer hose was disconnected (absent connection held together with tape) and I had to repair myself. Car claimed a service had been done upon import and WoF, but there was probably only 1-2L of engine oil ever put in it (of 4.5L capacity) so I would question if their mechanics that allegedly check these cars and sign off on a service/WoF are qualified. After two months and a normal amount of driving, the car had consumed all the oil and the engine needed replacing. Poor access to customer support as only a web form (no phone number). Took a full month of working through their bluffs in emails and ghosting me for more than a week at a time before they looked at the car and agreed they had made the mistake and refunded me. Awful customer service with very inconsistent emails and not even an out of office email reply to match their claim that people had been away when I turned up to collect the car after no communication. They did finally accept fault and offer a refund. No confirmation of this except the funds in my account. No offer of compensation for the three weeks where I was without a car and having to use public transport. No courtesy car made available for the period they requested the car to assess. No compensation offered for the work I had to pay for before being able to return it to them (i.e. washer hose & engine oil).

On the 15th July 2024 I have purchased a NISSAN Latio in good faith from 2CheapCars in Palmerston North. My Alternator failed and needed to be replaced. Have NO problems with that, can happen. After replaced and tested the MTA Registered Garage noticed that the wiring in the Fusebox has been tempered with. This has not been mentioned while the car has been inspected by 2CheapCars before has been sold (inspection sheet available). I filed a claim and the review was: WEAR and TEAR. I have send the report to 2CheapAutos from the garage. Also had the information from the CGA (Consumer Guaranty Act).
Still waiting for response before further action will be taken.

Finally writing a review after having a terrible experience with 2 Cheap Cars Christchurch. In all honesty I just wanted to forget the experience it was that bad.

We bought a small Toyota Aqua hybrid from the car yard and the ABS light turned on as soon as we drove it off the yard, I immediately took it back and asked for them to fix it.

Long story short they tried to fix it 4 times and the light continued to turn on, after the 3rd time I asked for a refund of which the local manager wanted to give me but said he did not have the "authority" to do.

I eventually ended up finding the CEO's number and ringing them direct, they to advised that they could not authorise a refund?. On the fourth time back in they advised that they would take the car to a Toyota dealership to get fixed. When I asked for the receipt and job sheet for the work carried out by Toyota they were unable to produce one, and after some strong words eventually admitted that they could not provide this information because they did not end up taking the vehicle to Toyota.

I would absolutely not recommend this car yard to buy a vehicle from, while they do sell the cars for a bit cheaper that comes with a cost to your sanity and stress levels when something goes wrong with the car.

STAY CLEAR!!!

Worst customer service ever!
If there were negative stars I'd award that. Bought a car from 2CheapCars Wairau - in less than 2 weeks it presented a fault. Disappointing of course but okay no one intends that. Thats where problems start - drive car across to their head office, sit around in awful waiting area for two hours, get told mechanic needs a part. Several weeks later told car is ready. Get all the way over there, drive down the road, fault message appears - so not fixed. Take it back to them - that was 9 weeks ago. I havent had my car since then and had one email to say still waiting on parts. I'm now taking them through the Motor Vehicle Disputes Trbunal - and they havent responded to that either. I am not kidding- DO NOT BUY from this crowd.

I bought a car from the Penrose site. They had really reasonably priced cars that were good quality. They have a friendly and helpful sales team and their customer care team has been awesome. If you're looking for a car under $10,000 this is a great place to start.