Goodwood Sportscars

In the past month I have both sold to and bought from Goodwood Sportscars. On both occasions I found Steve to be exceptionally straightforward and easy to deal with. The car purchased was accurately described over the phone and again in person. If you're in the market for a good MX5, he's definitely worth speaking with.

This man has a passion for MX5's both Marks 1 & 2 ...and is thorough with the description of the cars that he sells. It won't be long before I make a purchase from this business.

Steve supplied a superb MK1 import mx5 for me that has been a joy to own. Customer service was also great with a replacement roof fitted without question when a problem occured with car after purchase.

Bought three cars from Steve at Goodwood, always gets my business when I'm looking for a new car. He even sourced a non MX5, Alfa Romeo for me. Perfect service!

I purchased a Mk3 2.0 Sport MX5 from Steve in July. In the advert the car was described as “An exceptional car in superb condition”. After speaking to Steve on the phone & placing a £200 refundable deposit, I travelled to Berwick-Upon-Tweed & Steve collected me from the station. He came across as very friendly and knowledgeable about MX5’s and, having satisfied myself with the condition of the car, and after Steve confirmed a number of details, I purchased it. As part of the deal Steve said he would send me a replacement fold-up wind break (as the factory fitted one was broken) and a set of floor mats. He explained that his business partner, Anthony from AK Automotive, would have both available from having race prepared other Mk3’s. Both items were detailed on the purchase receipt.I checked with Steve and he confirmed that the car had just been given a full service (including oil, filters and plugs being changed). I had also noticed that there was the sign of water corrosion / rust in the passenger footwell (on the screws on the bottom of the air blower). As this is a well-documented problem with the Mk3’s with water leaking through perished windscreen cowl grommets I pointed it out to Steve and, following a phone call to his business partner, he confirmed that the grommets had been checked & that they were fine.I was very happy with the car, but within 300 miles it developed a misfire and a problem with the clutch. Eventually the misfire (identified as a faulty connection to one of the coil-packs) and the clutch were repaired, but in the process of diagnosis it became apparent that none of the servicing described had taken place. The plugs had not been changed (in fact, the ones fitted looked in such poor condition, with badly corroded electrodes, that my local garage was amazed the car was running so well), the air filter was old, and it appears that the last oil change was done six months earlier by the previous owner. In fact, apart from a good valet (and a re-MOT test at my request) there appears to have been little else done to the car by Steve. Also, following the first heavy downpour, water started leaking into the passenger footwell. Upon checking, both windscreen cowl grommets were badly deteriorated. This was a cheap & easy fix, however it is particularly frustrating as Steve had assured me that they had been checked.Communication throughout the problems with the car have been very poor, both via phone and email. It was only following the threat of court action that the costs of the warranty repairs were finally settled. Three months on and I am still awaiting the car mats.Steve tried blaming the lack of servicing and the cowl grommets on his ‘unreliable’ business partner, Anthony. Even if this is the case, I bought the car from Steve and, not only is it his responsibility to ensure that the information that he is giving me is correct, but it is also his reputation and integrity at stake. I am not unrealistic and would not expect a 10 year old car not to have any issues at all. It is how these issues are dealt with that is important, but crucially it’s about honesty. Don’t tell me that something has been done if it hasn’t.What I find particularly frustrating is that I researched the company prior to buying. There are a number of positive reviews on various forums, but not much in the way of negative ones. I have since heard anecdotally of negative reviews of Goodwood Sports Cars being removed from forum posts, leaving only positive ones, and I have now experienced this at first hand. I totally disagree with this 'policy' as it gives a false impression to buyers.In summary, apart from the initial good impression when buying the car I have been thoroughly disappointed with the service that I received from Goodwood Sports Cars and would definitely not recommend them to anyone else.## Edit## It was the dealers suggestion to have the car repaired at my local garage as it was a cheaper option for him. He supplied the clutch and agreed to cover the labour costs. This amount was never paid.