What Car? guide to car supermarkets - Jefferies Farm Trade, Crawley

CHOICE
There were more than 750 cars for sale, with everything from Audis to Volvos. There was a selection of prestige and sports cars, as well as low-price 4x4s, but the majority were from Ford, Renault, Vauxhall and VW. Most cars were less than three years old; there were also some new, unregistered cars.

PRICES
In the main prices looked pretty competitivebut we also spotted some vehicles that were 9% higher than trade guides suggest.

DID IT HAVE THE CARS WE SAW ONLINE?
It took a little hunting, but we did find the cars spotted online.

HIDDEN CHARGES
There is a £51 fee to cover the costs of checking and preparing cars for sale. Jefferies Farm claims this is optional, but on our visit we were told we'd have to pay it.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THINGS GO WRONG?
Every car comes with a minimum warranty of 90 days. An extended warranty is available, costing from £399 for a year's cover.

FINANCE
The supermarket advertises a rate of 6.9% APR, but on our visit we were unable to get a quote. We were told the figures would only be worked out if we agreed to buy a car and filled in a full loan application form.

PART-EXCHANGE
It was hard work getting a trade-in value for our Mondeo, but eventually we were told it was worth: 'about £5000'. We felt they were reluctant to give a firm value unless we committed to buy a car.

TEST DRIVE
Our test drive consisted of a 10-minute route up and down a dual carriageway.

CONDITION
The cars looked clean and shiny, but closer inspection revealed some to be quite dusty. Most had a silicon-type polish applied to make them gleam – this disguised light scratches on some cars.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
The staff were quick to greet us, and we were frequently asked if we needed help. Salesman George was friendly, although his knowledge of the cars in stock was a little limited.

We felt things were progressing well until it came to the question of obtaining a part-exchange valuation and finance quote. The company's decision not to provide quotes until you commit to a deal doesn't make buying a car easy. This stance also doesn't compare favourably with many other supersites, which are happy to give buyers this information.

VERDICT
A good selection, well displayed – but attitude to finance quotes and part-ex values is frustrating.

JEFFERIES FARM
Eastman House,
Fleming Way,
Manor Royal,
Crawley
RH10 9UH
Web: www.jftc.co.uk
Phone: 08444 78 1000