What Car? guide to car supermarkets - Car shock, Newcastle

CHOICE
Choice was limited, but the most popular vehicles were present, including the Ford Focus, Renault Megane and Vauxhall Astra, plus family cars and 4x4s. There was also a selection of 06-plate cars and the odd unregistered Renault. Unfortunately, the cars didn't have spec sheets in them.

PRICES
Car Shock's prices were competitive and on average 3% below those in trade guides. There were some good savings on UK-specification Renaults.

DID IT HAVE THE CARS WE SAW ONLINE?
The website didn't say which of the six sites a car is at, but a member of staff should be able to tell you where a car is.

HIDDEN CHARGES
Top marks to Car Shock because there were no extra charges to pay on top of the screen price, other than road tax.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THINGS GO WRONG?
Cars only come with the balance of the manufacturer's warranty, if there is any. The cars weren't automatically checked when they arrive, but we were told that a check with a local garage could be arranged if we wanted.

FINANCE
Car Shock uses Black Horse finance and offers both HP and PCP packages. We were given a quote on a Vauxhall Astra at a flat rate of 6%, which should work out to an APR of under 12%.

PART-EXCHANGE
We were able to get a good £6500 on our Mondeo from a trade contact of the salesman. Car Shock couldn't guarantee how long this offer would last, though.

TEST DRIVE
Car Shock was happy to let us out on local roads with trade plates to test the Astra. There's a good mixture of roads nearby and in 10 minutes you can get a good idea of how a car drives.

CONDITION
The cars on site had been valeted at some point, but they could do with a re-clean. Some had light scratches and scrapes, too.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
It was mid-week when we visited Car Shock, and despite the small and quiet site, we were able to mooch about unchallenged. Eventually, we went into the sales hut and disturbed salesman James. He was happy to talk about the sort of car we were looking for and find other vehicles at Car Shock sites.

Requests for test drives, part-ex valuations and finance quotes were all dealt with in a quick and friendly manner.

Verdict
A small site with a limited number of cars available, but the sales staff are helpful and there are some good prices.

CAR SHOCK
Sandy Lane, North Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 5HE
Web: www.carshock.com
Phone: 0191 217 0087