Charles Hurst Budget Direct Belfast
3.9/5
3.9 /5
213 Verified Reviews
ABOUT US
At The Lookers Group we are proud to represent more than 30 of the world’s leading car manufacturers, offering our customers the widest choice of new cars and approved used cars in the UK. We also have motorcycle dealers throughout Northern Ireland, making the Lookers Group one of the UK’s most established automotive retailers.
213 Verified Reviews
I am writing to formally complain about the unacceptable handling of the purchase of a vehicle from your showroom and to place you on notice that I believe you are in breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.On Wednesday 18th March 2026, I attended your site to purchase my daughters her first car. I viewed the vehicle with your sales representative, Chris, and took it for a test drive. During this visit I raised several concerns:• The driver’s wing mirror was badly marked at the rear – I was told the cover would be replaced.• There was a large scrape on the driver’s side front bumper – I was told this would be resprayed.• The parcel shelf was missing – I was told a replacement would be ordered.All of the above were described to us as “easy fixes”.I advised Chris that I would go home and confirm my decision the following morning. On Thursday 19th March at 9:30am, I telephoned to confirm that I would be purchasing the car. At this stage Chris informed me that he would require 7–10 days to prepare the vehicle due to limited mechanics. I made it clear that our daughter had her first driving test booked for Friday 10th April and that the agreed timeframe would allow her two full weeks to practice in her own car prior to the test.One week later, having heard nothing further, I contacted your site for an update. After several unanswered calls and a request for a callback that never came, I followed up by email—again receiving no response. When I eventually spoke to Chris on the Friday, I was told there was a delay and that the car would not be ready until the following week.The same pattern of poor communication continued the following week. After sending a direct email on Friday 3rd April, I finally received a call from Martin, who identified himself as the manager. He advised that further issues had arisen, notably that an incorrect electric window switch had been ordered, and that the site would be closed for Easter until Wednesday 8th April.At this point we had been waiting over two weeks, and as a direct consequence of these delays we incurred £140 in additional costs to source another vehicle so our daughter could complete her driving test.Despite this, we again experienced complete radio silence on Wednesday 8th April. On Thursday 9th April I contacted Chris and was told we could collect the car at 1pm, but that we would need to take it for an MOT ourselves. This was not presented as an issue, as we had been assured the vehicle was fully serviced and MOT ready.On Monday 13th April, the vehicle failed its MOT due to pitted and rusted brake pipes—a fault that was clearly visible and indicative of poor, lazy, and cost cutting workmanship.My husband contacted Martin, who stated that he did not want Chris to hand over the vehicle until the dealership had completed the MOT themselves—despite the fact that we had already paid for the vehicle and had now been waiting approximately three and a half weeks.This raised serious concerns:• If the vehicle was MOT ready, why would it matter who presented it for MOT?• Why was the car released to us in an unroadworthy condition?• Why was there such a complete lack of ownership, communication, and customer care?Martin stated he would call back with a plan. No call was received. After 5pm the same day my husband rang again and was informed Martin had gone home and Chris was busy with customers. My husband made it clear a return call was expected, otherwise we would seek legal advice. Chris eventually returned the call.It was agreed that the vehicle would be collected from my workplace the following morning and a courtesy car would be provided. The driver asked if my insurance was in place. When I attempted to arrange cover using the registration number, I discovered that the courtesy car was out of MOT since March and SORNed, meaning you left me with an uninsured, illegal vehicle.The purchased vehicle was returned on Wednesday 15th April, accompanied only by a photocopied MOT certificate. On inspection, it was discovered that the brake pipes had not been replaced at all but merely sprayed over, rendering the MOT highly questionable and entirely unacceptable.Breach of Consumer Rights Act 2015Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods supplied must be:• Of satisfactory quality• Fit for purpose• As describedThe vehicle supplied to us clearly meets none of these criteria. Additionally, the extended delays, misinformation, poor workmanship, provision of an illegal courtesy car, and persistent lack of communication represent an appalling level of customer service.This has been an extremely distressing experience, particularly given this was our daughter’s first car purchase, which should have been a positive milestone.Resolution RequiredI am now requesting:• A full written explanation of how this situation was allowed to occur• Confirmation of whether the MOT is valid, given the brake pipes were clearly not replaced• Reimbursement of £140 incurred due to your delays• Details of your formal complaints processShould this matter not be resolved promptly and satisfactorily, I will have no hesitation in escalating this complaint to Trading Standards and seeking legal advice regarding my rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.I expect a response in writing within 14 days of the date of this letter.

1.0/5
1.0 /5
Advertising a car and taking a deposit for a car sold the previous month

1.0/5
1.0 /5
I reserved a vehicle online only to be informed in store that the vehicle had been sold. No explanation given about how this happened or apology. I am still waiting for my refund of my reserve deposit.

1.0/5
1.0 /5
No one replied to my email.

I bought a ford focus reg cgz5832. I went to pick it up on friday 27th marchThe car has mouldExterior wing mirror has marks on itBoot lid/cover was brokenStart/stop does not workPrevious customers old rubbish still in the centre cup holdersBrake fluid is low and warning lights appeared on car almost immediatelyCar was not cleaned or had a valetI paid extra for guard x treatment which was not put on the carThe car stinks of damp and mildewI have chest issues and so does one of my children and i was told i have to wait until the 7th or 8th april for a valetI paid £6999 for the car and then extra for guard x and after seeing what ive been given it is not worth what i paid and i would appreciate compensation for having to1. Clean mould off surfaces until it fi ally gets a valet2. The stress in which this has left me as i have no choice but to drive the car as i traded in my old one and spent all i have thinking i was getting a decent car

refund chaser - Richard Craig - UFZ3370 - 07752013776

Ticket: 86110791Charles Hurst Usedirect Belfast | 2046Feb 20, 2026UnassignedClosedSylvia Mcnameemcnamee_sy@matalan.co.uk|07841871271Webform (June 2024)Taken: February 17, 2026 10:44:49 AM | Completed in 00h 01m 33sCharles Hurst Usedirect Belfast - 2591608Locale: English (United Kingdom)PeopleSatisfactionDiagnosisParts Order / AvailabilityWait timeVehicle Delivery / ReturnRepair WorkMaintenancePaperworkDiscounts / RebatesSales StaffCustomer Comments:Fandi have confirmed that they will b dealing with point 4. Dear Sir or Madam, Car Purchase Lookers Boucher road Belfast GXZ 4990 I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding the purchase of my Hyundai i35 (2014) from your dealership in August 2024. From the outset, my experience with this vehicle has been extremely disappointing and has caused me significant financial and personal stress. 1. Vehicle faults and loss of use Shortly after purchase, the vehicle was waiting for a part when I did get it, it broke down on two separate occasions. As a result, I did not have use of the car for approximately the first six weeks, despite paying finance on the vehicle during this time. The car was returned for repairs multiple times, which is not what would reasonably be expected of a vehicle purchased from a dealer. 2. Service promise and misrepresentation At the point of sale, I was advised that instead of an MOT which I asked for, I would be better served by a full service, which was verbally agreed and formed part of my decision to proceed with the purchase. I was also told this would happen on its next service due alert. When the vehicle was later taken in for this service: • No service book stamp or written record was provided • No documentation detailing what work was completed • The service reminder was disabled rather than properly reset • The service was not carried out by Hyundai, despite earlier repairs having been done there This does not align with what would reasonably be considered a “full service”. 3. Ongoing avoidance and lack of resolution Attempts to follow up regarding the service and wider concerns were repeatedly delayed. More recently, when I raised concerns about the vehicle’s value and negative equity, I was told nothing could be done, despite earlier assurances that I would be “sorted out”. 4. Financial impact I have since discovered that I am in approximately £3,000 negative equity, leaving me unable to change the vehicle. This is particularly significant as the vehicle was purchased to tow a horse trailer something that is no longer required and I would not have chosen this vehicle otherwise. Resolution sought Given the above, I am requesting that you: • Formally investigate this matter • Provide written clarification of what service work was completed • Consider appropriate redress, whether via financial contribution, service reimbursement, or assistance in resolving the negative equity position If this matter cannot be resolved directly, I will have no option but to escalate my complaint to the finance provider and relevant external bodies. I have tried to purchase a BMW from Family cars NI and can not due to the £3000 difference of a short fall. This was only after I requested support from the Lookers Sales man I originally dealt with and provided him with pictures of the cars I would be interested which he refused to help me with. I look forward to your written response within 7days. Yours faithfully Sylvia Mcnamee 07841871271

The day after purchase the tire warning light came on. We emailed the sakes associate and got no response, after approx 1 week, I called the the associate who advised that we could bring the car to the tyre workshop, he would email the details across so they would be aware of the issue. A few days later we arrived at the tyre workshop, they had not received any email. Upon looking at the car they stated the sensors were missing and that we had to contact Chris to order them. We did this and two weeks later when we called Chris for an update he said to leave it two days and he would call me. To date I've received no call(last spoke to Chris 2 weeks ago) from yesterday I have attempted to call three times, each time he was busy, my contact details were left however I have not received a call back. I am absolutely tired of this now, I should not be the one having to chase a parts, spending time emailing and calling l. I fell really let down.

5.0/5
5.0 /5
Shannon had helped me find an affordable car that met all my expectations. I didn’t feel pressured into anything and was able to shop around without it being any hindrance or inconvenience!

Before purchasing a car in November I viewed it and was satisfied. However, I viewed at nighttime and did not notice damaged paintwork . I noticed it immediately when I returned to my car the next day during daylight hours. I highlighted this immediately. Repairs were agreed. I took the car to have paintwork repaired just before Christmas. The new paint did not match the car colour and the chipped paintwork I now more visible. I was advised to arrange a more specialist repair in the new year. I have tried contacting the dealership twice by email with regard to this but have received no acknowledgment or response.