Gates Automotive Reviews 

2,774
TrustScore 4 out of 5

3.9

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 75 reviews, reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the staff for being knowledgeable, helpful, and not pushy, making the buying process pleasant and stress-free. Many people appreciate the excellent customer service, highlighting the personalized approach and clear explanations provided by the team. Reviewers often describe the overall user experience as easy, efficient, and straightforward, with many expressing satisfaction with their new purchases. However, some customers were dissatisfied with the service, reporting issues such as unnecessary upselling during basic services and a lack of timely support after a purchase. A few other people also felt that communication was poor, with instances of being ignored or not kept updated on the status of their vehicle or sale. There were also concerns about product reliability, with some experiencing immediate faults in new vehicles and a perceived lack of understanding from staff regarding these issues.

What people talk about most

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, highlighting many employees as helpful, friendly, and... See more

Service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about service, with some customers reporting excellent experiences,... See more

Product

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with product, with some expressing delight with their new... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer service, with some reviewers praising helpful and welcoming... See more

User experience

Customers had positive experiences with user experience, describing it as pleasurable, rewarding, and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’m not often driven to write reviews however I felt compelled to recommend Anthony McGrath, he was brilliant from start to finish. On point knowledge, not pushy and just the right amount of contact t... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I bought a used car from Gates Wlatham Cross, dealing with Chelsea. She was very helpful, putting forward our options with no pressure and explaining everything clearly. She arranged for a vehicle to... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Off the back of a disaster car experience, walking into stAlbans Gates and meeting Lewis was a big relief. Being in sales I knew straight away Lewis could help me. Honest, supportive and knowledgable... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our experience at Gates St Albans was great from start to finish. We were left to browse without being hassled but the moment we were ready to proceed our sales person Sarrah was there with help, guid... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Car Dealer
  2. Car Repair and Maintenance
  3. Ford Dealer
  4. Motor Vehicle Dealer
  5. Peugeot dealer
  6. Used Car Dealer

Written by the company

Gates are a vehicle dealer group with dealerships across Essex, Hertfordshire and London. Established in 1920 and appointed as one of the first Ford dealers in the UK, Gates continue to be a family-owned and operated company with six generations of the family having contributed to the dynasty of founder, Frank G.Gates. The company are also proud of its employees, many of whom have worked at Gates for over 20 years. They provide a wealth of knowledge with their combined total of nearly 4,000 years motor trade experience. Throughout our history, now spanning over 100 years, Gates have expanded significantly and continue to offer all of the services you'd expect from our dealerships located in Stevenage, St. Albans, Harlow, Woodford Green, Waltham Cross and Braintree.


Contact info

3.9

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

3K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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3.9

All reviews

(2,774)

71 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Car sold with only ONE key

My wife purchased a car on the 1st October, once the deal was done James the salesman told us it only had 1 key but another was on order. We are still waiting for the 2nd key and it's not a good situation to be in! It seems to me that Gates are keen to do the big money deals then don't follow up with timely support!! Feeling very frustrated and angry!

1 October 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi, please can you provide us details with your visit for us to investigate to marketing@gates.co.uk. Many Thanks, Hope - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Collin’s was the person who helped me…

Collin’s was the person who helped me purchase my BYD he gave me a very good deal. If you’re interested in purchasing a car I would highly recommend Collin’s and Gates of Stevenage.

11 September 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Dave, thank you for your 5-Star review and kind words on Collins. We are glad to be of service and hope you love your new car! Many thanks, Hope - Gates.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Avoid this dealer at all costs

Avoid this dealer at all costs.

Gave the garage my vehicle 20th June 2025 and it was returned 22nd August STILL NOT FIXED (after over 2 months later).



1. For the initial £154 testing and analysis expected quotation for fix, quotation provided for £2000,
2. During fix for £2,000 they realised other parts needed replacing, quotation increased to £4,000.
3. During fix for £4,000 they realised other parts needed replacing, quotation increased to £5,000.

The excuses I was provided during these delays were…

1. Staff have left the business (They manage their staff)
2. We have to order the parts (They manage the supply chain)
3. On parts arrival, installation has to be rescheduled (Installation should be prioritised)

The vehicle is only worth £10,000, if I would have know this cost at the initial £154 stage I would not have bothered fixing it in the first place. I have wasted not just £5,000 but also over 2 months of the school summer holiday without a car.

Then after all this they claimed they would clean the car for collection. On collection the car looked as if it was cleaned by a 5 year old child. Both inside and outside the car was dirty and had spiders webs. I had to clean the car again when I got home.

After all this money spent and time wasted took the car for an important planned trip and had to return home as the car was shaking all over the place on a flat smooth road.

I now have …

1. lost £5,000
2. lost over 2 months of time
3. car still does not work

20 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi, please can you provide us details with your visit for us to investigate to marketing@gates.co.uk. Many Thanks, Hope - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Gates!

I feel compelled to write a review on the exceptional service provided by Anthony and Derek. From the first moment of contact, Derek displayed a polite, courteous and professional manner and this attitude was constant throughout our interaction. Not only did Derek make my day by being exceptional, Anthony then added another cherry on top by being attentive and going out of his way to make sure I was provided with a gold star service. If this is a reflection of Gates' team, I am very impressed and I hope you look at this review and go on to speak with them too and find the car you are looking for! Well done guys!

29 August 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi, thank you for your amazing 5-Star review and kind words on Derek and Anthony. We're glad to have been of service and have passed the amazing feedback onto our team! Many thanks, Hope - Gates.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Had amazing service from gates…

Had amazing service from gates Stevenage from Collins sales rep who dealt with our purchase of our fourth car from them this time a Ford puma st line x 23 plate , Collins dealt with the whole process and made everything straightforward from the car itself to doing all necessary paperwork and everything was smooth thank you to collins okoli

23 August 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Robert, thank you for your 5-Star review and kind words on Collins - it really means a lot to us! We're glad to have been of service and hope you love your new car. Many thanks, Hope - Gates.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I can't recommend the whole team enough…

I can't recommend the whole team enough shout out for CJ for everything and I want to actually also give a shout out to Danny the Sales Manager. Honestly some of these reviews . This garage can't do enough to help you . If you're nice and polite and speak to them with respect they will always help you . The problem is too many people are being disrespectful and expect help . I have been to many garages and you cannot beat them they do what they can and go over and beyond what they need to do for their customers. Just try to be nice . I have been purchasing my cars from them for over 9 years now . Some cars have had problems not all but nothing that could not be fixed and trust me this garage has gone above and beyond to help , always been flexible and accommodating .

7 February 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Margaret, thank you for your 5-Star review and kind words on CJ, Danny and the team - it really means a lot to us! We're glad to have been of service. Many thanks, Hope - Gates.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Smelly used vehicles

Purchased a Vauxhall mokka e from there used car sales. The car was delivered from Essex to Yorkshire. When the car arrived it was completely filthy and the smell was ridiculous. Customer service was poor, no real apology from the salesman. No follow ups.
If purchasing a vehicle I would not recommend Gates of Harlow ford

Replied via email 6 days ago, to the email address that they stated. Guessing Gates Ford really don't care.

20 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hello, we're so sorry to hear about your experience, please send your contact details to marketing@gates.co.uk and a manager will be in touch to discuss the issue further. Many thanks, Hope - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Couldn’t have been more helpful

Huseyin couldn’t have been more helpful after I got the renewal date of my finance agreement wrong and left myself 3 days to trade in my old ford. Everything was sorted out with the minimum of fuss, no hard sales, just listening to the spec I wanted and finding a good match. Old car exchanged and new car purchased on a 3-day turn around which is impressive in itself. Would highly recommend as Huseyin and his colleagues were all lovely in each of my interactions!

28 July 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Nicki, thank you for leaving such a wonderful review for Huseyin. We're pleased to hear you received such a great service from them! Many Thanks, Hope - Gates

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ford Ranger pick up Truck

I gave them my Ranger pick up Truck for a service which is only 2 years old , and I also reported an oil leak. This Ranger is under warranty .
I picked up the vehicle and was told I had to re book to have it repaired . Having chased them up ,eventually gave it in and I was told it would take all day .
After three days I complained that this is my work vehicle
and I am loosing work. On the 4th day they loaned me a transit.
the Ranger was returned to me on the 9th day with another fault.
having chased them up several times again.
it was booked in with a promise of a loan vehicle , when I turned up, I was told the previous customer has not retuned the transit.
so no loan vehicle.
I left the premises very disappointed.
I wasted time ,effort , and money.
I do not recommend them ( Gates Ford Waltham Cross)

11 August 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Huseyin, please can you provide us details with your visit for us to investigate to marketing@gates.co.uk. Many Thanks, Hope - Gates

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Customer service is abysmal

Having purchased my last 2 Ford’s from this dealer (Gates Woodford) - the customer service has completely declined from what it once was.

Disappointing all round and best avoided, plenty of alternative dealers out there who still care and will appreciate your custom.

7 August 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Jason, please can you provide us details with your visit for us to investigate to marketing@gates.co.uk. Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Have car dealers gone back in time

Everything went well while I was spending money. Had a problem with a leaking roof in a used car. Four attempts to repair. Told Danny sales manager i wanted to make an official complaint, how do I do this he replied “that’s me” I said so how do we move my complaint forward he replied again “that’s me” I said how are you going to resolve my complaint he replied “as far as I’m concerned we fixed your car and the roofs not leaking anymore. Even told me we could swap the car for something else but mine had depreciated in value by £5000 in seven months. Have now gone to motoring ombudsman to get a resolution.

17 July 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Joseph, thank you for leaving a review. If you would like to escalate this issue further please contact The Motor Ombudsman. Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

spoke to Ettee today in service dept

spoke to Ettee today in service dept, very pleasant and helpful,she was great.If could give her ten stars I would.Thankyou Ettee

31 July 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Stephen, thank you for leaving such a wonderful review for Yvette. We're pleased to hear you received such a great service from them! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

💯 recommended good choice of cars, genuinely helpful.

They are friendly, and they genuinely want to help and care. That takes it all seriously, but it took time to listen to my needs for which car is best. They offered refreshments. Explained that there is disabled access or steps. They are humans not just shop robots that push on you. They really want help and take the time explaining all about the car, what it can do and can't get in the rangers, even in the aftercare with my EV Ford Explorer. Took the time was first time electric car owner and driver, how to use the car, charge where, apps, also, explaining things might help to get what you need. James and Abbie were both so lovely and friendly, and I was nervous but they curbed that. Yes, there are salespeople, but they are still approachable and helpful. Definitely recommend it was a good experience.

29 July 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Flossy, thank you for the 5-star review for James and Abbie at Gates Ford St Albans. We hope you enjoy your new New All-Electric Explorer! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Patient and Practical

James Callow and Abby were extremely patient and practical in assisting us to find the cars we needed within our budget. We feel we got a fair deal.

We were not up to date with the latest car technology but James and Abby put us at our ease so that we could ask questions regardless of how basic.
We are delighted with our two cars.

25 July 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Sarah, thank you for the 5-star review on James and Abbie. We hope to see you again soon! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor dangerous workmanship

My reviews keep on disappearing so obviously a cover up going on saying it’s a malicious review and I’m not a customer.

There was a power shift gearbox fitted in my vehicle ek69mxz in April. I purchased the car on this fact, as I know the gearbox’s are problematic to say the least as I’m
Ford trained at Dagenham motors. So they can’t blind me with science,anyway less than 1000 miles done in the van and the gearbox’s basically become unbolted from the mount that attaches to the gearbox and the bolts was jamming up against the subframe and the steering rack which could have resulted in damage to the steering and serious injury if the bolt went through the casing of the steering rack and jammed the steering gear whilst going around a corner. On top of all this an oil leak that was repaired (rear main oil seal) guess what it’s still leaking. Customer service is crap I phoned them on a Tuesday I think to report the issues and was still waiting for a call back by Friday saying it’s very busy during the hrs of 12 and 2 when I called back. I’ve actually never been to the place but they wanted me to go back so they could rectify it, I was 200 miles away. So I climbed underneath and repaired the gearbox mount myself. I can’t take it back to another Ford dealership for a warranty repair as it’s down to bad workmanship.

Pictures can be provided aswell as an invoice for the repairs and think they’re getting my reviews removed as I’ve never actually been a customer and never will. BUT the van I bought has been there and the sole reason I bought it was because of the service and maintenance history. Looked good on paper. SHOCKING IN REALITY

7 July 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Andrew, thank you for leaving a review. Please email marketing@gates.co.uk with your details and we will arrange the appropriate manager to contact you. Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Appreciative customer

I had a call from James, asking if I was satisfied with my used Ford Puma of 2 years ! For which I was very pleased, he asked if I would be interested in changing it. After a chat he said he had a Ford Puma part exchange coming in that was an upgrade in features and would be a better deal for me. Within a week he had organised the car and the paperwork for Verity. Who was very professional to do the handover she made it very straightforward. Mark was helpful as well in helping with setting the tech up on my phone. The whole team made the experience a great one with a special thankyou to James for going above and beyond. Sue Coleman

28 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Sue, thank you for leaving such a great review for James and the team at Gates Ford Woodford! We hope you enjoy your new Puma! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing service from Phil and Dan …

Went into Gates today had excellent service from Phil and Dan. Wanted new tyres All round and they really tried to help, it wasn’t what was best for them it felt like they had my best interests at heart and gave me great advice which is refreshing, they both really helped.

My car was seen immediately, the fitters had my car ready with the tyres fitted, balanced and the wheels tracked in no time and the car drives as smooth as silk on the new tyres.

Thank you for your excellent service, would highly recommend you both…… superb !!!

23 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Adam, thank you for leaving a 5-star review on Dan and Phil. We hope to see you again! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Danielle at Gates Waltham Cross

I have had a few issues with a car I recently purchased. Needed to take it back to Gates at Waltham Cross to get it sorted. A lovely person called Danielle from the service team, has been amazing throughout, she has gone over and beyond to help me out. She regularly called me with updates and made sure I was completely satisfied before anything was done. She understood my stress and made sure I was always reassured. She organised a courtesy car and even extended it to accommodate my needs.
I truly hope she is given the recognition of being a fantastic, kind, and hard working member of their team and hope she stays for many years

17 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Thank you for the this amazing 5-star review on Danielle. We're glad to here she was able to help! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely poor customer experience.

Absolutely poor customer experience.

I had booked my Jaecoo 7 for a service here and booked it for 19th June 2025. Drove 30 miles in the morning to drop the car, they received it and said it will be ready by 5 pm. All good, agreed and left for work. Then they called me around 4 pm to say they couldn't attend my car because they have only 1 technician who can work on Jaecoo. I was shocked because my first thought was why did you even booked my service then?. It was a very hot day with temp touching 29 and I had to take tube, walk 20 mts from the station and collect my car back. It was at the same spot that I parked in the morning, they didn't even touched it. What a nightmare. Will never go back here.

19 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Prathyash, thank you for leaving a review. Please can you contact marketing@gates.co.uk with your details and we will arrange the relevant manager to contact you. Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is honestly the best dealership with…

It is honestly the best dealership with the best dealer in CJ. We have bought cars through him for 6 years now, both brand new and more recently, used - he is honestly the best. CJ is reliable, efficient, he gets you the best prices and always does the absolute best for you as a client - I honestly can’t see us ever using anyone else - it’s totally worth the over an hour journey to get to them.

13 June 2025
Unprompted review
Gates Automotive logo

Reply from Gates Automotive

Hi Laura, thank you for the 5-star review on CJ. We hope you enjoy your new car! Many Thanks, Harry - Gates

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