What Car? guide to car supermarkets - Arnold Clark, Edinburgh

CHOICE
There was a good choice of popular models on the forecourt. All cars had data sheets in the windows detailing specification, mileage and prices.

PRICES
Prices were an average of 3.5% lower than those in trade guides.

DID IT HAVE THE CARS WE SAW ONLINE?
The Arnold Clark group website let you search for vehicles by location, but we struggled to find the cars we'd spotted online. In most cases, though, comparable vehicles could be found.

HIDDEN CHARGES
There were no hidden charges, although road tax was extra.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THINGS GO WRONG?
Cars only get the balance of the manufacturer's warranty or at least a one-month warranty. Cars are also given an inspection on site before delivery.

FINANCE
Arnold Clark offer finance, but we were told that we could only get a quote once we'd committed to buy a car. The flat rate is approximately 7.5%, an APR of about 15%.

PART-EXCHANGE
We were told that Arnold Clark only give part-exchange valuations once you commit to buying a car. Our salesman did give us a price off the top of his head of about £6000, without seeing the car.

TEST DRIVE
We were told we could drive the car once we committed to buy. However on busy local roads we don't think it would provide a good assessment.

CONDITION
Cars were clean and fairly well presented, but there were scratches on some and the cars in the corners of the site could have been cleaner.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Although salesman Mark greeted us in a friendly manner, we felt underwhelmed
and frustrated by our visit. There were plenty of sales staff hanging around on site, but they didn't seem interested in helping us through the buying process.

By the time we left, we felt distinctly un-loved. Arnold Clark could certainly do with picking up a few tips from some of the better supermarkets. Only those cars that were cheaper than the price guide values made the site worth a visit.

VERDICT
Finance, test drives and part-ex valuations are unavailable unless you commit. Prices are the only redeeming feature.

ARNOLD CLARK
38 Seafield Road East, Edinburgh EH15 1ED
Web: www.arnoldclark.com
Phone: 0131 669 5030