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Newlywed couple Amber and Nathan Cooper invested their entire wedding gift money in purchasing a £7,000 Citroen C4, intending to use it for their dream honeymoon. However, during their trip to Cornwall in August 2025, the car unexpectedly lost power and rolled backward, leaving them stranded on the A30 near the Jamaica Inn in Bodmin Moor. Upon returning the vehicle two weeks later to Trade Centre UK, they discovered that it required a new engine, clutch, and gearbox. Despite this, a year later, the Coopers remain embroiled in efforts to secure both an apology and a refund.
The Coopers are not alone in facing such difficulties. At least 34 customers from various Trade Centre UK locations including Coventry, Rochdale, Rotherham, and Wales reported similar issues, many experiencing persistent engine noise and suspension or clutch faults. Although the dealership claims these problems are infrequent, customers who have tried rejecting their vehicles under the Consumer Rights Act describe the process as complex and prolonged, with many of their claims denied. Amber expressed how deeply the ordeal has affected them: “It’s gutted us mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, I don’t know what we can do apart from get this story out and have people learn from our mistake.”
Financial strain has continued for the Coopers, who are now trapped in debt after a year of borrowing or hiring cars and taking out loans to replace their unusable vehicle. Amber recounted the impact on their personal lives and finances, saying, “People are coming to us and asking are you enjoying your wedding present? We have to say, ‘No, it’s sitting in the Trade Centre’s car park’. We’re having to apologise to people who turned up to our wedding and kindly gave us money.” With Nathan commuting 60 miles daily for work, the lack of a reliable car has forced him to miss days at his job, compounding their financial losses. Amber added, “We’re still in debt, trying to pay off this loan and now I can’t save for a house, start a family and move on with my life.”
Other customers have faced similar frustrations. Connor and Danielle Johnson-Bray from Stoke-on-Trent purchased their vehicle at the Wednesbury branch only for it to break down twice—initially within two days and then another car three times over eight months. The couple reported spending £2,200 on repairs, courtesy cars, and attempts to keep their car running. When their refund request was rejected, they took the matter to small claims court, ultimately settling with the finance company. Danielle shared the emotional toll, stating, “It had drained us, we were very stressed, we were tired, I wasn’t sleeping.”
In response to these mounting complaints, Sandwell Council Trading Standards has launched an investigation, urging further reports through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Consumer expert Stuart Masson emphasized the importance of cooperation in such disputes, noting, “It’s enormously frustrating, the Consumer Rights Act has to be fair to both parties when it comes to buying used cars… It should be easy, especially within the first month. After six months it becomes more complicated. But it sounds like a lot of these problems are happening within the first few weeks.” Trade Centre UK acknowledged the concerns and stated that they take such issues seriously, affirming their commitment to resolving problems by offering repairs, replacements, or accepting vehicle rejections when appropriate. The company also highlighted its longstanding presence, serving customers across the UK for over 20 years
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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