Carbase Reviews 

6,225
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.3

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 1,231 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the staff for being extremely helpful, polite, and professional, making the entire vehicle purchasing process completely smooth, easy, and stress-free. Visitors truly appreciate the welcoming environment and the detailed, patient explanations provided by representatives during the initial test drives and vehicle selections. However, some customers also noted frustrating difficulties with aftercare support, mentioning excessively long waiting times on the phone and heavily delayed responses regarding post-purchase vehicle problems. A few people also experienced unexpected mechanical issues shortly after driving away from the dealership, such as slow tyre punctures or unresolved dashboard warning lights.

What people talk about most

Staff

Customers consistently note positive experiences with staff, highlighting that team members are extremely... See more

Service

People report ambiguous experiences with service, as consumer feedback is heavily divided. On one hand,... See more

Product

Users describe ambiguous interactions with product, reflecting mixed views on vehicle quality and... See more

Customer service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about customer service, highlighting stark contrasts between initial... See more

User experience

Clients share positive opinions on user experience, describing the process from initial phone inquiries to... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Will at Carbase Lympsham was really helpful. He met us immediately as we arrived and got us straight into a car. He was very helpful and even allowed us to listen to another similar car engine running... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Heith was extremely helpful and kept me fully informed about what and who I needed to do when collecting my car. Heith and the young lady (sorry forgotten her name) who dealt with the Road Tax etc we... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I'd definitely recommend Carbase Bristol because it has loads of choice and the setup feels very professional. My only issue was the receptionist made me feel a bit like a time waster and didn't provi... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Easy no pressure car sales with good and clear advice on financing and warranties for your car / paint / wheels and tyres. Overall good experience. On my test drive the check tyre pressure indi... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Car dealer

Written by the company

Established in Somerset in 2003, Carbase has grown into the South West’s largest independent used car and van supermarket. Proudly named Used Car Supermarket of the Year, we’re committed to providing an exceptional experience for every customer. With multiple locations in the South West, we offer thousands of RAC Approved vehicles, from compact hatchbacks and family SUVs to reliable vans, ensuring there’s something for everyone. In 2024, we celebrated the incredible milestone of over 100K customers now driving a Carbase car or van. Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our Rated Excellent status for customer service and our Great Place to Work certification, a recognition of our fantastic team. Alongside our vehicle range, we offer expert servicing, MOTs, and repairs at our Auto Centres, ensuring your car or van stays in top condition. Visit us to explore our extensive stock and enjoy a seamless buying experience.


Contact info

4.3

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

6k reviews

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4.3

All reviews

(6,225)

1,186 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

My visit and subsequent purchase of new…

My visit and subsequent purchase of new car was very pleasant and professional from start to finish.polite staff and good customer service.

20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your kind feedback. It’s great to know the team made a positive impression with their polite approach and customer service. We really appreciate you choosing Carbase and taking the time to share your experience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Customer service was great 👍 very…

Customer service was great 👍 very trusted towards us .made us feel very comfortable and welcoming as we was didn't have appointed Steven and the other man sorry can't remember your name but told us to get go and get a coffee come back in 30 mins and the car was ready for a to test drive amazing service test drive we are so happy Customers are son was also there and couldn't believe the service we had compared to the service they had at the bristol carebase which wasn't as good . Thank you again paul &Lisa

18 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you Paul and Lisa for sharing such a lovely review. We’re delighted to hear the team made you feel welcome and that everything was arranged so smoothly for your test drive. It’s fantastic to know you felt comfortable throughout and were pleased with the level of service you received. We really appreciate your kind words and will be sure to share them with Steven and the wider team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great

My experience at Carbase Weston Super Mare was cracking because Neil was really helpful, explained everything and offered a test drive to a second car that we haven't booked. I found him very helpful and honest, didn't try to push us and made us feel safe.

15 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re pleased to hear that Neil was helpful, informative and gave you the opportunity to consider another vehicle without feeling pressured. Creating a relaxed and straightforward experience is important to us, We’ll be sure to pass your feedback on to Neil!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very personable customer service issues…

Very personable customer service issues with car dealt with quickly before the sale. Answered all questions I had

14 August 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Carbase

Thank you for sharing your feedback. It’s great to hear that you found the service personable and that your questions were answered clearly. We’re pleased that the points you raised were dealt with promptly before you made your purchase.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Joe made the experience easy and…

Joe made the experience easy and reassuring. Gent 👍 10/10

17 August 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Carbase

Thanks for the great feedback. It’s good to hear that Joe made the process feel straightforward and reassuring. We’ll make sure your kind comments are passed on to him.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Berlingo E van

Fantastic communication and professionalism.

11 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you found the communication and professionalism from the team to be fantastic. Your comments are greatly appreciated and will be shared with the team.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Purchased a van

Purchased a van from here on monday, brilliant service from the team, they looked after me really well after a long train ride from folkestone in kent. Thank you very much 😊

Addition, aftersales experience has not been the greatest, on hold for 25 mins to get cut off. 1 email responded to but a reply to it has been ignored

17 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It’s fantastic to hear that the team looked after you so well, especially after making the journey from Folkestone. We really appreciate you choosing Carbase for your van purchase and are delighted that you received the level of service we aim to provide.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Max and Steve were so helpful when purchasing my new car, they were both so patient with me and explained everything fully. Brilliant customer service and would highly recommend:) Thank you!

18 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your lovely feedback. It’s great to hear that Max and Steve made your car buying experience so positive. We really appreciate your recommendation and will be sure to pass your kind comments on to the team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I cannot believe how easy it was

I cannot believe how easy it was. From the moment I contacted Blake at Carbase I was put at ease. I mentioned that as I was coming from 3 hours away I would appreciate being able to drive the car home the same day.
Nothing was too much trouble for them and at no moment was I pressured to take on any additional products that I did not want. I would recommend them to anyone as the car had been through their inspection, it came with new brake pads and discs at the front and new tyres. It was like buying from a main dealer without the extra expense and time wasting.
I would recommend them to friends and family with no hesitation. If you would like a friendly hassle free experience ask for Blake !

16 August 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Carbase

Thank you for such a detailed review and recommendation. We’re delighted to hear that Blake made the process straightforward from start to finish, particularly with the distance you had travelled, and that you felt comfortable with the experience throughout. It’s fantastic to know you were pleased with the preparation of the vehicle and the overall service you received. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Blake and the wider team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What wonderful care and consideration…

What wonderful care and consideration given by a great family firm. Thomas was nothing short of outstanding. Well done Carbase. Thank you so much

17 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It’s great to hear that Thomas made such a positive impression and that you felt well looked after throughout your experience with us. We’ll be sure to pass your thanks on to him.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service and care

Great customer service and care. Many thanks to Tony/Tiger for helping us choose a car best for our family. Didn’t feel any pressure to buy and was very considerate throughout. Many thanks!

15 August 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to share such positive feedback. It’s great to hear that Tony was considerate throughout your visit and that you felt comfortable taking the time to choose a car that suited your family. We’ll be sure to pass your kind comments on to him.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Matt went out his way to accommodate us…

Matt went out his way to accommodate us on a very busy day and arrange a test drive in car that we eventually bought. Very pleased with the service. Highly recommended.

16 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for the recommendation! It’s great to hear that Matt was able to accommodate you on such a busy day and help make your visit a positive one. We’re delighted you found the right car and were so pleased with the service. Enjoy your new car!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We dealt with Jaydon today for the…

We dealt with Jaydon and Wayne today for the purchase of our new car and part exchange of our previous carbase car. Jaydon was responsive from the initial enquiry and dealt with us from start to finish. He was so helpful, polite and understanding of our needs. Wayne went above and beyond for us and explained everything. Would definitely recommend and will be back when we want to do the same again.

16 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

What a lovely review, thank you! It’s fantastic to hear that Jaydon and Wayne looked after you so well, from your initial enquiry through to the part exchange and purchase of your new car. We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again when the time comes for your next one!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Emma was most helpful in purchasing my…

Emma was most helpful in purchasing my van nothing to much trouble thank you Chris

16 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you, Chris! It’s great to hear that Emma was so helpful throughout the purchase of your van and made everything easy for you. We’ll be sure to pass your kind comments on to her.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

My experience with Carbase was Tom he…

My experience with Carbase was Tom he is who i dealt with and as good as they come, second to none.

9 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

It’s brilliant to hear that Tom made such a strong impression during your experience with us. Thank you for taking the time to recognise him, we’ll make sure your comments are passed on!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Steve and Max were great

Steve and Max were great

15 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thanks for the great feedback! We’re really pleased Steve and Max made such a positive impression. We’ll be sure to pass your comments on to them.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great staff

All the staff I interacted with were great, especially Joe - he was engaging, interested in me and not a pushy car salesman at all. Alistair too, we had common interests, therefore it was like speaking to a friend. One criticism would be the display boards in the car only tell you the price, I think they should include all details....engine size, fuel type, transmission etc. But overall was an easy enjoyable experience. Thanks

14 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for such thoughtful feedback. It’s great to hear that Joe and Alistair made the experience relaxed and enjoyable, without any pressure. We also appreciate your suggestion about including more vehicle information on the display boards. It’s useful feedback and something we’ll pass on to the team. Thanks again for choosing Carbase!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Avoid at all costs and don’t buy from them ever.

Avoid, Avoid, Avoid at all costs. They are not helpful with the after sales service and happy for you to purchase a car that has a historical issues that need resolving. From day one of collection the car has so many issues that I was advised would be resolved. 6-7 months later still waiting for the car to be fixed. They don’t help you when your car has a warranty and drag this out for weeks and months to be fixed to avoid dealing with the repairs under 6 months of ownership under Consumer Rights Act 2015. The customer service for after sales is appalling. Forget about getting your car fixed and do not go through the stress I have experienced and don’t bother with this company. If any thing goes wrong after 6 months of ownership you are not covered nor will they help fix the car.

6 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

We’re sorry to hear that your experience has left you feeling dissatisfied, particularly with the length of time you feel you have been waiting for matters relating to the vehicle to be addressed. We take concerns regarding after sales support seriously and would like to review the history of the issues raised, including the correspondence and any work that has been discussed, so we can establish the circumstances and ensure the appropriate information is considered. If you would like to discuss your experience further, please feel free to contact our team on 0117 911 5428, or via email at complaints@carbase.co.uk.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AVOID AT ALL COST!

The worst company I have ever dealt with.
Buying the car was easy enough, but the moment they have your money, you cease to exist to Carbase.
The true test of any dealership is how they handle things when something goes wrong after purchase. In Carbase’s case, the answer is: they don’t. Their after-sales care isn't just poor—it is completely non-existent.
I have sent multiple emails regarding unresolved issues with the vehicle, and not a single one has been acknowledged, let alone answered. It is a complete communication black hole. You can send polite follow-ups, urgent requests, or detailed explanations of the problems, and you will be met with absolute silence. It is clear that once the sale is finalized, customer service is thrown straight out the window.
Trying to get any post-purchase support or accountability from this dealership is like screaming into a void. They are more than happy to take your cash, but as soon as you need them to honor their commitments or resolve basic issues, they go completely dark.
Save yourself the stress, headache, and money. Do not buy from Carbase unless you are comfortable being completely ignored the second you drive off the forecourt. Unprofessional, dismissive, and utterly disappointing.

14 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

We’re sorry to hear how disappointed you are with the support you’ve received since your purchase. We will review the recent correspondence and the concerns you’ve raised so we can better understand what may have gone wrong with communication and what remains outstanding.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very disappointing and distressing…

Very disappointing and distressing experience at Carbase Bristol

I have taken a while to write this review because the experience I had at Carbase Bristol in December 2025 was extremely upsetting and left me feeling very uncomfortable.

I attended the dealership with my nine-year-old daughter to purchase a car outright. I made it very clear to the sales executive, Keenan Spence, that I did not require finance. His reaction was immediately noticeable, and he went to get his manager.

The manager then questioned me about why I did not want finance and even asked where my money was coming from. I explained that I had a good job and did not need finance. Despite this, I felt pressured and intimidated into reconsidering. The manager made comments about me potentially not having enough money to deal with future problems with the car and told me that I would be better keeping my money in the bank and earning interest rather than paying for the car outright. His manner, including sarcasm, tutting and eye-rolling, made me feel very uncomfortable.

I was then told during the part-exchange assessment that my existing car was "unsafe to drive." I had only recently had an MOT, so I was very concerned by this and relied on what I was being told. I subsequently part-exchanged the car for what I now believe was a very low amount. In hindsight, I have concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the assessment.

I was also told that I had to pay £349 for the Carbase Owners Club. I specifically asked whether this was compulsory and was told that it was part of the purchase and that I had to pay it. When I got home, I checked the Carbase website and found that the Owners Club was described as an optional add-on.

When I returned later that day to collect my new car, I challenged this and asked for a refund. I was initially told again that I needed to have it. After a lengthy and uncomfortable discussion with the sales executive and manager, I pointed out the information on Carbase's own website stating that the package was optional. Eventually, the manager agreed to refund the £349.

Although I received the refund, I find it extremely concerning that I had to challenge the matter so strongly to receive it after specifically being told that the product was compulsory.

There were also other aspects of the experience that I found concerning. My driving licence was retained while my car was being prepared, and I was not given a clear explanation as to why this was necessary. I was also told that my new car would take several hours to prepare, so I left in the vehicle I had been told was unsafe to drive, with my nine-year-old daughter, and returned later when it was dark. I found this particularly concerning given what I had been told about the safety of my vehicle.

Overall, I completely lost trust in Carbase during this experience. I felt pressured regarding finance, uncomfortable with the way I was spoken to, and extremely concerned about being told that an optional product was compulsory.

I cannot say whether I would have been treated differently if I had been using Carbase finance or if I had not been a woman attending with my daughter, but I was left with the strong impression that declining finance affected the way I was treated.

Based on my experience, I would not use Carbase again and would advise other customers to carefully question anything they are told, particularly regarding finance, additional products and part-exchange valuations.

13 December 2025
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

We’re sorry to hear that you feel this way following your visit. We take your concerns seriously, and we’d like the opportunity to review what happened and the information provided at the time. If you would like to discuss your experience further, please feel free to contact our team on 0117 911 5428, or via email at complaints@carbase.co.uk

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