Frequently Asked Questions
Q I have found a car I like on your Ash Autos website, what is my next step?
A Call 01993 701001 (Minster Lovell), 01451 844445 (Little Barrington) to check availability. Do visit us as soon as possible; our cars often sell quickly!
Q I cannot find the car I want in your stock, can you find me one?
A With so many years experience in the Motor Trade, we have many sources from where we can locate cars from. Subsequently, we will certainly endeavour to find your ideal car rather than sell you a car that does not fit your needs. Please call or visit us to let us know your needs and preferences. We always do our very best to meet genuine requests.
Q Do I need to make an appointment to visit?
A Although many of our friends and customers do visit the showroom unannounced, we strongly recommend that you call in advance to ensure the car you are interested in is still available and to confirm whether it is at our Minster Lovell Showroom or Little Barrington Site. The Minster Showroom is open daily between 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 9.00am – 5pm and 10am - 1.00pm on Sundays. Please call for an appointment at Little Barrington, as we staff this site by appointment during the week, although at weekends, we are open as the hours for Minster.
Evening appointments can also be arranged, please contact us to arrange this.
Q Can I take a test drive?
A As part of our no pressure approach, we prefer our customers to test drive cars they are interested in. This ensures the car will be correct for you and we believe our cars sell themselves once driven! Please bring your Driver’s Licence as we will need to see this for our Insurance Company.
Q There are so many cars on the market, but which is best for me?
A Ash, Praniel & Stephen have over 60 years experience between them and will happily offer their expertise should you require guidance. We will gladly assess all our customer’s ideal requirements to determine the right car within your budget.
Q How are the vehicles prepared?
A Every Ash Autos car undertakes our highest levels of full preparation before sale. This will include;-
- Full or long MOT
- HPI Report - being inspected for:
- - Written off/Total loss or other major accident damage
- - Existing finance owing on the vehicle
- - Mileage check (from the National Mileage Register)
- - Having never been previously stolen
- Serviced (where due)
- Fully Valeted
Q Are the cars warranted?
A All of the cars are given a free of charge comprehensive parts and labour warranty. (terms and conditions apply, and are subject to age & mileage). Warranty Extensions are also available, offering upgrades to 12, 24 or 36 months. Given that cars are more electrically orientated than ever before, our warranties do include electrical as well as mechanical components. On many of our younger cars, the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty is provided. Please see our
warranties page for further details of cover.
Q Will I have to come back to Ash Autos to make a claim on the warranty?
A We do have our own Servicing & Maintenance facilities located in Minster Lovell that many of our customers take advantage of. However, as many of our customers travel hundreds of miles to buy cars from us, you can take your car to most VAT registered garages for any repairs that may be required. We will explain more about this when you collect your new car, talking you fully through the terms and conditions of the warranty.
Q Can I drive my vehicle away the same day?
A Yes. As we fully prepare our cars before they appear on the forecourt, almost half of our customers choose to drive their new car away the same day. We offer 7 Days Free Fully Comprehensive Driveaway insurance, allowing you to drive your new car home today, then simply giving you the next 7days to organise the best insurance deal at your leisure. If you wish to take advantage of driving your new car away today, please bring the following with you when you visit:
- Driving License (holders of photo ID license must bring counterpart)
- Proof of signature (Passport, Credit/Switch card etc)
- You must bring your log book V5 registration document, MOT, Service history and any bills if you wish to part exchange.
Q Do you offer free insurance?
A We have collaborated with Aviva (the new name for Norwich Union) to offer our customers free comprehensive 7 day cover. Subject to their terms and conditions policies can be made effective immediately.
Q Do I need a deposit?
A Yes, typically we take £500 or 10% of the full vehicle price, whichever is greater. This will keep the car until your full payment is received. Unless otherwise agreed full payment is expected within 10 days of leaving a deposit. Please see our
Payment & Finance Page explaining methods of payment.
Q How do I go about part exchanging my vehicle?
A We are happy to offer a part exchange valuation where ever possible. In order to give you the best price, we will need to see your car, from where we will give it a full professional appraisal. Offers cannot be made over the phone or email for this reason. Please ensure that you remember to bring all the relevant documentation for the car with you, i.e. V5 registration document, MOT, Service history and any bills (if applicable).
Q How will my car be valued?
A Many factors are taken into account when a vehicle is valued in part exchange: Age, Condition, Mileage, Service History, Documentation, specification. Older cars will be considered but please be aware that those which have little or no value may be declined due to disposal costs.
Q Do you offer finance?
A Ash Autos offer a variety of financial packages for UK residents aged 18 and over. We are Licensed Credit Brokers and have access to numerous finance providers. We can scour the market for the best rates subject to your credit rating. This means that regardless of your financial and credit situation we can usually offer the most competitive funding options to you. Please bring both parts of your driving license if you are planning to finance your vehicle.
Q Can I arrange my finance before visiting?
A Yes. To gauge eligibility and save time please call us and we will take proposal details from you.
Q If I have some outstanding finance on my part exchange, can I still buy another car?
A No problem, we often arrange this for our customers and in many cases deal directly with the existing Finance Companies on your behalf.
Q Will I have to take my car to a main dealer for servicing with regards to warranty?
A No. With the block exemption ruling that became law in October 2002, as long as genuine parts are used and the vehicle is serviced according to manufacturers servicing schedule your manufactures warranty will not be invalidated.
Q Can I buy a car over the phone? Do you offer a delivery service?
A No problem, we have many customers from all corners of the country and even abroad. Cars can be reserved and paid for in full over the phone. Furthermore, we can organise to get your new vehicle dropped to your doorstep. There may be a small charge for this service depending on how far away you are.