Carbase Reviews 

6,234
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.3

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 1,231 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the staff for being extremely helpful, polite, and professional, making the entire vehicle purchasing process completely smooth, easy, and stress-free. Visitors truly appreciate the welcoming environment and the detailed, patient explanations provided by representatives during the initial test drives and vehicle selections. However, some customers also noted frustrating difficulties with aftercare support, mentioning excessively long waiting times on the phone and heavily delayed responses regarding post-purchase vehicle problems. A few people also experienced unexpected mechanical issues shortly after driving away from the dealership, such as slow tyre punctures or unresolved dashboard warning lights.

What people talk about most

Staff

Customers consistently note positive experiences with staff, highlighting that team members are extremely... See more

Service

People report ambiguous experiences with service, as consumer feedback is heavily divided. On one hand,... See more

Product

Users describe ambiguous interactions with product, reflecting mixed views on vehicle quality and... See more

Customer service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about customer service, highlighting stark contrasts between initial... See more

User experience

Clients share positive opinions on user experience, describing the process from initial phone inquiries to... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Will at Carbase Lympsham was really helpful. He met us immediately as we arrived and got us straight into a car. He was very helpful and even allowed us to listen to another similar car engine running... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Heith was extremely helpful and kept me fully informed about what and who I needed to do when collecting my car. Heith and the young lady (sorry forgotten her name) who dealt with the Road Tax etc we... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I'd definitely recommend Carbase Bristol because it has loads of choice and the setup feels very professional. My only issue was the receptionist made me feel a bit like a time waster and didn't provi... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Easy no pressure car sales with good and clear advice on financing and warranties for your car / paint / wheels and tyres. Overall good experience. On my test drive the check tyre pressure indi... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Car Dealer

Written by the company

Established in Somerset in 2003, Carbase has grown into the South West’s largest independent used car and van supermarket. Proudly named Used Car Supermarket of the Year, we’re committed to providing an exceptional experience for every customer. With multiple locations in the South West, we offer thousands of RAC Approved vehicles, from compact hatchbacks and family SUVs to reliable vans, ensuring there’s something for everyone. In 2024, we celebrated the incredible milestone of over 100K customers now driving a Carbase car or van. Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our Rated Excellent status for customer service and our Great Place to Work certification, a recognition of our fantastic team. Alongside our vehicle range, we offer expert servicing, MOTs, and repairs at our Auto Centres, ensuring your car or van stays in top condition. Visit us to explore our extensive stock and enjoy a seamless buying experience.


Contact info

4.3

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

6K reviews

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

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

4.3

All reviews

(6,234)

1,193 reviews in the last 12 months

Write a review
Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Simple and easy process

Simple and easy process

1 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your review. We're pleased to hear you found the process simple and easy. We appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Experience at Carbase Lympsham

The service was excellent from start to finish, and all of the staff were friendly, welcoming, and professional. They were extremely helpful in arranging the finance for my car and took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure I understood all the details about the car and the purchase process. Nothing was too much trouble, and I never felt under any pressure. I would highly recommend Carbase Lympsham to anyone looking for great customer service, and I will definitely be recommending them to my family and friends. Really pleased with my new car!

31 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience from start to finish and that the team made the process clear, straightforward and pressure free. It's especially pleasing to know you felt well supported throughout your purchase and would recommend Carbase Lympsham to your family and friends. We really appreciate your kind words and hope you enjoy every mile in your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First class service all round

First class service all round. From first viewing the car to buying it, you couldn’t ask for a better team to take you through the seamless process and explain everything in detail. I can’t recommend them enough.

1 August 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed such a positive experience from your first visit through to collecting your car. It's great to know the team made the process straightforward and took the time to explain everything clearly along the way. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated, and we hope you enjoy your new car. Thank you for choosing Carbase.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Looked after from start to finish

Looked after from start to finish
Very busy carbase look ing after other customers as well
Your staff are very helpful in all ways
Felt we were so important at time of sales with both cars
Thankyou

25 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re pleased to hear that you felt well looked after throughout both purchases and that the team remained helpful and attentive, even during a busy period. It means a great deal to know you felt valued at each stage, and we appreciate you choosing Carbase for both cars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good range of vehicles and Nathan was brilliant

Good range of vehicles. Nathan was excellent in our transactions. Applied zero pressure and was pleasant to deal with.

30 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your kind review. We're pleased to hear you found such a good range of vehicles and that Nathan helped make the buying process relaxed and enjoyable. It's great to know you appreciated the opportunity to make your decision without any pressure, and we'll be sure to pass your comments on to Nathan. We hope you enjoy your new car and thank you for choosing Carbase.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AVOID AVOID AVOID

AVOID AVOID AVOID

I experienced multiple faults with my vehicle almost immediately after purchase, one of which being severe. What should have been a straightforward resolution turned into months of stress, poor communication, and inconvenience. I was left without my car for an extended period and ultimately had to take legal action, where the court found in my favour.

Based on my experience, I would not buy from this dealership again and would encourage others to think carefully before purchasing a vehicle here.

31 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

We're sorry to learn that you are disappointed with your experience, and thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We'd like the opportunity to look into the matters you've raised, however we're currently unable to locate your details from the information provided in your review. If you would like us to investigate further, please feel free to contact our team on 0117 911 5428, or via email at complaints@carbase.co.uk

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Professional service

Professional service, thorough, friendly staff, a nice, if a little extended experience buying a car. Fair part exchange deal, allowed to test drive solo, decent cup of tea.

30 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear you found the team professional and friendly, and that you were pleased with your part exchange and the opportunity to take a solo test drive. We also appreciate your comments about the time taken during the process, as feedback like this helps us continue to improve. It's great to know you enjoyed the experience overall, and we're glad the cup of tea hit the mark too. We hope you enjoy your new car and thank you for choosing Carbase.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Friendly staff

Friendly staff, clear process, good experience

25 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your review. We're pleased to hear you found our team friendly and that the process was clear and straightforward. It's great to know you had a good experience with us, and we hope you enjoy your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very friendly and helpful salesman…

Very friendly and helpful salesman named Ben made the whole buying experience very smooth and relaxed

29 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It's great to hear that Ben's friendly and helpful approach made the purchasing process feel straightforward and enjoyable. We're pleased you had a relaxed experience with us and truly appreciate your feedback. Wishing you many happy miles in your new car.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Offered me £3300 originally for my part…

Offered me £3300 originally for my part exchange then without seeing it said £2800 auto trader recommended a trade price of £3400 the guy on phone said it's all the money and we go off we buy any car due to this I decided never to use these ever again shame because they have some nice cars but there staff are quite rude and out to make a brewery instead of a drink on your part ex

17 June 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

We're sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your experience and that the valuation process did not meet your expectations. Part exchange valuations can vary depending on several factors, but we appreciate that differences can be frustrating. We're also concerned to read your comments about the interaction you had with our team, as this is not the standard of service we aim to provide, and we will investigate this further. If you would like to discuss your experience further, please feel free to contact our team on 0117 911 5428, or via email at complaints@carbase.co.u

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An absolute pleasure.

The staff were all thoroughly professional and friendly. I was never under any pressure to buy the vehicle or any additional services. I inspected the vehicle on my own and had an unaccompanied test drive. In short, the most pleasurable car purchase experience possible.

27 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your fantastic feedback. We're so pleased to hear that you found the team professional and welcoming, and that you appreciated the relaxed approach throughout your visit. It's great to know you felt comfortable taking the time to inspect the vehicle and enjoy your test drive, and we're delighted that the experience stood out as such a positive one. We really appreciate your kind words and hope you enjoy your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Carbase make buying a car a troublefree…

Carbase make buying a car a troublefree experience with helpful and knowledgeable sales staff
I would definitely recommend them

25 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your kind review and recommendation. We're delighted to hear that our team helped make your car buying experience straightforward and enjoyable. It's great to know you found our sales staff helpful and knowledgeable. We really appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Large choice of vehicles competivley…

Large choice of vehicles competivley priced.
I went in without an appointment and was seen to straight away.
Vehicle was ready for collection the next day.

24 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your great review. We're pleased to hear you enjoyed our wide choice of competitively priced vehicles and that the team were able to assist you straight away, even without an appointment. It's also fantastic to know your car was ready for collection so quickly. We appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Neil was really helpful as were the…

Neil was really helpful as were the other staff. I felt well informed and not under any pressure. I would recommend Carbase.

28 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your recommendation and for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted to hear that Neil and the rest of the team made you feel well informed throughout the process, without any pressure. Your kind feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope you enjoy your new car for many miles to come.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Purchased a Vauxhall Insignia B 2018…

Purchased a Vauxhall Insignia B 2018 plate from WSM dealership, Salesman Thomas was very helpful and didn't pressure the sale.

Had a few issues with the car after a few days, but Carbase were happy to cover the repairs at their garage in Bristol.
Elise Fitt was very helpful at all times and she made sure everything ran smoothly while my car was in their garage being repaired.

I am now very pleased with the car I purchased from Carbase and pleased with Carbase over all.

28 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are delighted to hear that Thomas made the buying process relaxed and straightforward, and that Elise kept everything running smoothly while your car was with our workshop. It's especially pleasing to know that you are now enjoying your Vauxhall Insignia and are happy with both your car and your overall experience with Carbase. We really appreciate your feedback and wish you many happy miles ahead.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Aftersales, not up to standard

Before I start, I must stress that I would much rather not be writing this email. I really do believe life is too short and I have much better things to be doing than this. With this being said, the aftersales care and communication has me disappointed with the service offered.

Upon purchasing my car, as I was about to drive away, I noticed that a tow cover piece was missing (no big deal in my opinion). They were apologetic, and didn't have the correct part for me to have that day despite their best efforts. With this being said, I was told that after service would send me one straight away and would arrive within a week or two; I have been chasing this part now for 2 months. It should have arrived on 13th July when I chased (through multiple emails, and no calls back). I must stress that it is not the missing part the frustrates me, but the lack of communication and inconsistency I have had since. I do not want to be totally unfair, as some of the customer service has been good and there has been SOME attempt to help me. However, there is such a disparity between CarBase getting in touch with you regularly, and actually resolving issues.

I leave this review as I was led to believe through recommendations that the after service care is great (a major selling point). Being completely honest, I have yet to see this high quality service. I really hope it doesn't, but if something does go horribly wrong with my car, do I honestly believe CarBase would help me swiftly and professionally? I hope that I am wrong, but based on my current experience, I really don't think they would. Please think carefully about this, as aftersales is arguably the most important thing a customer should look for, when purchasing a second hand car.

I am more than open to amending this review, if the response (which I was led to believe was great) is appropriate. There needs to be greater consistency and urgency in helping your customers. I am feeling like a number on a spreadsheet and a hinderance, rather than a valued customer.

28 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to leave such detailed feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience following your purchase has left you feeling disappointed. While we appreciate your comments about the assistance you have received at times, it is clear from your review that the overall communication and consistency of the aftersales process have not met your expectations. We are grateful that you have highlighted these concerns, as they give us the opportunity to review what has happened, including the recent correspondence, so we can better understand your experience. It is encouraging to hear that you remain open to discussing the matter further, and we hope we can address your concerns directly.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I wanted a new car and got one

25 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your review. We're pleased we could help you find the right car, and it's great to know you drove away happy with your purchase. We appreciate you choosing Carbase and hope you enjoy every mile in your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Mr Steve Lewis and Mr Max Brown was fantastic they are so helpful and explained everything they were doing we can not wish for better help.
Mrs Sharon Clothier .

27 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Mrs Clothier. We are delighted to hear that Steve and Max provided such helpful service and took the time to explain everything clearly throughout your visit. Your kind comments mean a great deal, and we will be sure to pass them on to both of them. We really appreciate you choosing Carbase and wish you many happy miles in your new car.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good communication

Good communication, comfortable atmosphere at Weston site. Staff happy professional, know their jobs. Neil was my point of contact and he was excellent through my whole buying process and after sales. My new car is just perfect really happy all round thank you

23 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you felt well looked after throughout your experience at our Weston store. It is especially pleasing to know that Neil provided excellent support from your initial enquiry through to the aftersales process. We really appreciate your kind comments and are thrilled that you are so happy with your new car. We wish you many enjoyable miles ahead.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Our advisor Tendayi was fantastic

Our advisor Tendayi was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, he helped us buy our dream car and service was great. 5 stars for him! The thing that let Carbase down was its popularity - we ended up visiting 3 times to attempt to buy this car but it was so busy / operationally at capacity (even with an appointment booked) that they couldn’t complete the purchase. Bit frustrating but in the end we walked away with what we wanted - thanks Tendayi :)

23 July 2026
Unprompted review
Carbase logo

Reply from Carbase

It's wonderful to hear that Tendayi played such a big part in helping you find your dream car. He'll be delighted to know his helpful approach and dedication made such a positive impression. We also appreciate your patience during what was clearly a particularly busy period and understand that the delays were frustrating, despite having an appointment. Your comments are valuable and will be shared with the team as we continue to look at how we can improve the customer experience during our busiest times. Thank you for your kind words, and we hope you enjoy every mile in your new car.

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look