Car sales
Star rating: 1 (would be 0 if possible)
This review is written to inform and warn potential customers about an experience with Muggiemoss Auto centre Bucksburn Aberdeeninvolving the purchase of a used vehicle that was later found to be costly and problematic.
Vehicle Purchase
On 09/01/2025, a Range Rover Sport was purchased from Muggiemoss Autos for £18,000, with a Suzuki Swift (low mileage, good condition) used as a part‑exchange.
The vehicle was not driven for the first couple of months due to ill health after purchase and was stored in a garage. During this period, it was started regularly to maintain the battery.
Initial Faults
Once regular use began, the vehicle developed electrical faults, which required the vehicle to return to the dealer on two occasions. These issues were eventually repaired.
Major Mechanical Issues
Within five months of ownership, the vehicle developed a hydraulic oil leak from the ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) system. The issue was reported to the dealer, but assistance was declined unless additional costs were paid by the owner. When this was disputed, the dealer refused further involvement.
Following advice from Advice Scotland, multiple written notifications were sent to the dealer regarding the fault. These communications went unanswered. The vehicle remained off the road for approximately one month awaiting a response.
Based on further advice, the vehicle was taken to an independent garage for inspection and repair, and small claims court proceedings were initiated against the dealer.
Legal Outcome
The court case was unsuccessful, due to insufficient evidence that the faults were present at the point of sale, despite the faults being reported within six months, as referenced under consumer protection guidance.
Repairs Required (Within 10 Months of Ownership)
All of the following repairs were required within ten months:
• Front ACE system hydraulic pipes and fluid (leak) – £1,187.00
• Offside front cracked steering knuckle – £1,303.60
(identified following a request for a thorough inspection)
• Rear ACE bar and hydraulic lines (leak) – £3,723.29
Total repair costs: £6,213.89
These repairs were necessary to make the vehicle roadworthy.
Consumer Protection Concerns
The experience raised concerns regarding:
• The quality and accuracy of advice received from consumer support services
• Lack of feedback or progress updates from regulatory bodies after reporting the dealer
• The difficulty of proving fault origin in court, even within the six‑month period typically associated with consumer protections
The outcome suggests that it is possible for a second‑hand vehicle to develop serious and expensive faults within a short ownership period, with the financial burden falling entirely on the buyer.
Advice to Future Buyers
Consumers considering purchasing a vehicle from any used car dealership are strongly advised to:
1. Obtain as much vehicle history as possible (available online)
2. Review all previous MOT records
3. Pay close attention to MOT advisories
4. Check the logbook and full service history
5. Have the vehicle inspected by an independent garage, AA, or RAC immediately after purchase
Importantly, under UK consumer law, buyers generally have 30 days to reject a vehicle if it is found not to be of satisfactory quality. Independent inspections within this period are strongly recommended.
I am sharing this to warn consumers of this garage, the terrible customer service, lack of accountability and the loop holes in the flawed consumer law system.