Dear Audi & Lookers Customer Services,I'm writing to express my disappointment and frustration with the purchase of our Audi A3 from Audi Newcastle. Despite assurances from the dealership that they perform a 150 point full check, the vehicle has proven to be faulty and not fit for purpose.We initially paid a deposit on Thursday 5th Feb 2026 and viewed the vehicle on Saturday 7th Feb. During the viewing, the sales representative, Daryn, assured us that the scuffs on the rear bumper and streak on the bonnet would be addressed, and the alloys would be refurbished. After viewing, we put another £2000 deposit and agreed to collect the car the following week. However, Daryn advised the car wouldn't be ready until Tuesday or Wednesday, so we agreed to collect on Saturday 21st Feb, giving them ample time to ensure the vehicle was properly prepared, cleaned, and checked. We collected the car on Saturday 21st Feb 2026, after being assured that a full 150-point Audi check and preparation had been carried out. However, whilst the alloys had been refurbished, the scuffs on the rear bumper and streak on the bonnet remained, and the engine bay was dirty, indicating a lack of proper preparation. We feel the preparation of the vehicle was not to the high standards expected from Audi.We agreed to accept the car on the understanding that Audi would allow us to get the bumper repairs done locally. However, on Sunday 22nd Feb 2026 (1 day after Collection), we started receiving an error message ("Vehicle electronics: fault, shift to P before leaving vehicle. Please contact workshop") which has persisted intermittently.We've reported the issue to Audi Newcastle, but despite our efforts, we've had no proper support or resolution. We were told to contact the RAC warranty provider, which we've done, and they've carried out a diagnostic check. The RAC-approved garage has indicated that the vehicle has concerning codes, including issues with the Engine Control Module, and we've been advised to monitor the issue. We've had to pay the £78 diagnostic fee out of our own pocket, which we'd like to be reimbursed for.We feel we have been left to resolve all these issues ourselves, with little support from Audi Newcastle. Despite sending multiple emails since Thursday 26th February 2026, including two follow-ups on Saturday, we've not received any acknowledgement or update on the progress of our complaint, despite copying in Daryn and Domanic Flint.Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, we believe the vehicle is not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or free from inherent defects. We request to return the vehicle and receive a full refund, including the £78 diagnostic fee, as well as reimbursement for our travel costs to Newcastle (twice) for viewing and collection.We'd also like Audi Newcastle to arrange and pay for an independent inspection of the vehicle by either AA or RAC to assess the full extent of the issues.Given the inconvenience and stress caused, we expect a full refund and reimbursement for our costs. We've tried to resolve this amicably with Audi Newcastle, but given the lack of support, we're escalating this to you. We'd appreciate a formal response on how to proceed with returning the vehicle and any further steps we need to take.Please find attached our correspondence with Audi Newcastle, the RAC warranty report, and the invoice for the diagnostic fee.Looking forward to your response.Best regards,Mr & Mrs S Sohpal
Verified User
•
Mar 2, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
The whole procedure of buying my new car went very smoothly and staff couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly.
Verified User
•
Mar 2, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
The online booking was very smooth. I was then contacted by a lovely lady from a call centre the following morning to get further details and confirm the appointment- all excellent.Sadly on arrival at the dealership, the experienced was at best disappointing. I was greeted by the receptionist who seemed very confused that I had booked on line and hadn’t actually spoken to anyone in the branch so I couldn’t tell her which sales person I was to see. I was then allocated to a salesman who didn’t give his name and barely acknowledged me. Told me the car I had booked to drive they didn’t have and the Q4 Etron that was available was out and they were not sure when it would be back. He seemed confused that I didn’t know exactly which speck car I was looking for. Sell me something!The car did return so we did manage a quick test drive. On returning I was asked again by the receptionist who didn’t remember us from 30minutes earlier and asked us who we had spoken to. I didn’t know the guys name so had to point him out.I was short of time so I asked him to email me quotes for cars that would be available before the end of the financial year. As far as the speck went - sell me something!I still haven’t received a single email or idea of figures - no follow up at all. I’ve had 3 Audi’s previously and was really excited about possibly having a new one. Based on the customer service in the dealership and the follow up, that’s not going to happen, I’ve bought something else.
Verified User
•
Mar 2, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
I sent an email about an audi A8 and about it being listed as the wrong spec. It said vorsprung which it is not. They have received the email clearly, and then put a note on gen advert about it being the working spec, but didn’t even have the decency to contact me about the car.
Verified User
•
Feb 27, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
Many thanks to Paul Hickson who looked after us on the day, patiently dealing with the demands in front of him and being one of the few sales people in the North East that followed up as promised
Verified User
•
Feb 27, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
True and professional treatment by Richard Dunne.
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
Poor service. The car was advertised online and none of the salesmen seemed to know where the car was. They eventually located the car. I asked for a video of the car and received a 19 second video of the car that an Audi employee seemed to have taken in their personal driveway. I am yet to receive a follow up call about the car which would lead me to believe that it was never for sale. I received much better service elsewhere.
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
I was just after a test drive and spoke to a very helpul chap called Tony Foley who said I could contact him direct to arrange a test drive. I haven’t done this yet but will be doing so in the next few weeks.
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
Adam was very helpful during the process of buying our new car, he was friendly but professional and NOT a pushy salesperson which is my pet hate!My one irritant which was nothing to do with Adam was ‘the process’ and us not being aware that theoretically the car could be taxed in advance as we had a huge problem trying to insure the car with no tax which turned out to be impossible until that was finally done which in the mean time caused a lot of wasted hours and unnecessary stress!
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
Enquiry about a RS3 Hatchback the salesman said he would get back to me he didn’t I made another enquiry and still waiting for a reply so I went elsewhere
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.
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.
Dear Audi & Lookers Customer Services,I'm writing to express my disappointment and frustration with the purchase of our Audi A3 from Audi Newcastle. Despite assurances from the dealership that they perform a 150 point full check, the vehicle has proven to be faulty and not fit for purpose.We initially paid a deposit on Thursday 5th Feb 2026 and viewed the vehicle on Saturday 7th Feb. During the viewing, the sales representative, Daryn, assured us that the scuffs on the rear bumper and streak on the bonnet would be addressed, and the alloys would be refurbished. After viewing, we put another £2000 deposit and agreed to collect the car the following week. However, Daryn advised the car wouldn't be ready until Tuesday or Wednesday, so we agreed to collect on Saturday 21st Feb, giving them ample time to ensure the vehicle was properly prepared, cleaned, and checked. We collected the car on Saturday 21st Feb 2026, after being assured that a full 150-point Audi check and preparation had been carried out. However, whilst the alloys had been refurbished, the scuffs on the rear bumper and streak on the bonnet remained, and the engine bay was dirty, indicating a lack of proper preparation. We feel the preparation of the vehicle was not to the high standards expected from Audi.We agreed to accept the car on the understanding that Audi would allow us to get the bumper repairs done locally. However, on Sunday 22nd Feb 2026 (1 day after Collection), we started receiving an error message ("Vehicle electronics: fault, shift to P before leaving vehicle. Please contact workshop") which has persisted intermittently.We've reported the issue to Audi Newcastle, but despite our efforts, we've had no proper support or resolution. We were told to contact the RAC warranty provider, which we've done, and they've carried out a diagnostic check. The RAC-approved garage has indicated that the vehicle has concerning codes, including issues with the Engine Control Module, and we've been advised to monitor the issue. We've had to pay the £78 diagnostic fee out of our own pocket, which we'd like to be reimbursed for.We feel we have been left to resolve all these issues ourselves, with little support from Audi Newcastle. Despite sending multiple emails since Thursday 26th February 2026, including two follow-ups on Saturday, we've not received any acknowledgement or update on the progress of our complaint, despite copying in Daryn and Domanic Flint.Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, we believe the vehicle is not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or free from inherent defects. We request to return the vehicle and receive a full refund, including the £78 diagnostic fee, as well as reimbursement for our travel costs to Newcastle (twice) for viewing and collection.We'd also like Audi Newcastle to arrange and pay for an independent inspection of the vehicle by either AA or RAC to assess the full extent of the issues.Given the inconvenience and stress caused, we expect a full refund and reimbursement for our costs. We've tried to resolve this amicably with Audi Newcastle, but given the lack of support, we're escalating this to you. We'd appreciate a formal response on how to proceed with returning the vehicle and any further steps we need to take.Please find attached our correspondence with Audi Newcastle, the RAC warranty report, and the invoice for the diagnostic fee.Looking forward to your response.Best regards,Mr & Mrs S Sohpal
Verified User
•
Mar 2, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
The whole procedure of buying my new car went very smoothly and staff couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly.
Verified User
•
Mar 2, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
The online booking was very smooth. I was then contacted by a lovely lady from a call centre the following morning to get further details and confirm the appointment- all excellent.Sadly on arrival at the dealership, the experienced was at best disappointing. I was greeted by the receptionist who seemed very confused that I had booked on line and hadn’t actually spoken to anyone in the branch so I couldn’t tell her which sales person I was to see. I was then allocated to a salesman who didn’t give his name and barely acknowledged me. Told me the car I had booked to drive they didn’t have and the Q4 Etron that was available was out and they were not sure when it would be back. He seemed confused that I didn’t know exactly which speck car I was looking for. Sell me something!The car did return so we did manage a quick test drive. On returning I was asked again by the receptionist who didn’t remember us from 30minutes earlier and asked us who we had spoken to. I didn’t know the guys name so had to point him out.I was short of time so I asked him to email me quotes for cars that would be available before the end of the financial year. As far as the speck went - sell me something!I still haven’t received a single email or idea of figures - no follow up at all. I’ve had 3 Audi’s previously and was really excited about possibly having a new one. Based on the customer service in the dealership and the follow up, that’s not going to happen, I’ve bought something else.
Verified User
•
Mar 2, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
I sent an email about an audi A8 and about it being listed as the wrong spec. It said vorsprung which it is not. They have received the email clearly, and then put a note on gen advert about it being the working spec, but didn’t even have the decency to contact me about the car.
Verified User
•
Feb 27, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
Many thanks to Paul Hickson who looked after us on the day, patiently dealing with the demands in front of him and being one of the few sales people in the North East that followed up as promised
Verified User
•
Feb 27, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
True and professional treatment by Richard Dunne.
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
Poor service. The car was advertised online and none of the salesmen seemed to know where the car was. They eventually located the car. I asked for a video of the car and received a 19 second video of the car that an Audi employee seemed to have taken in their personal driveway. I am yet to receive a follow up call about the car which would lead me to believe that it was never for sale. I received much better service elsewhere.
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
I was just after a test drive and spoke to a very helpul chap called Tony Foley who said I could contact him direct to arrange a test drive. I haven’t done this yet but will be doing so in the next few weeks.
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
5.0/5
5.0/5
Adam was very helpful during the process of buying our new car, he was friendly but professional and NOT a pushy salesperson which is my pet hate!My one irritant which was nothing to do with Adam was ‘the process’ and us not being aware that theoretically the car could be taxed in advance as we had a huge problem trying to insure the car with no tax which turned out to be impossible until that was finally done which in the mean time caused a lot of wasted hours and unnecessary stress!
Verified User
•
Feb 23, 2026
1.0/5
1.0/5
Enquiry about a RS3 Hatchback the salesman said he would get back to me he didn’t I made another enquiry and still waiting for a reply so I went elsewhere