Arnold Clark

Arnold Clark Help Topics

Please click a topic for more information

Using the Arnold Clark Website

How do I search for a car?

  • Welcome to ArnoldClark.com! To search for a car, simply enter the make (and model, if you like) on our homepage and click 'SEARCH' to see all relevant cars. You can then refine the options at the side of the page, and search by engine size, colour, body type, age, mileage and lots more.
  • You can get back to our homepage at any point by clicking on the Arnold Clark logo. You can also access a car search by clicking 'Find a car' from our top menu.

How do I navigate your website?

  • Hopefully we've made it relatively clear! Use the dropdown menus at the top right hand side of every page to access all the key parts of the website.

What do I do if I think your website is broken, or not working properly? Or I spot a mistake?

  • Please let us know! Contact us with as many details as possible and we'll look at fixing the issue.

I don't understand some of the words used on the website. What do I do?

  • Visit our glossary page where some of our frequently used words are more fully explained. We also have 200 dealerships across the UK, and our friendly staff would be happy to answer any car-related questions you may have.

I have found a car I like on the Arnold Clark website - what do I do now?

  • Click on any car to find out more about it, and, from this page, you can call the branch or select 'Enquire now' to let us know you're interested and would like to find out more.
  • If you want to continue browsing but save the car for later, click 'Add to Shortlist'.

How does the Shortlist work?

  • This is your personal Arnold Clark showroom, allowing you to save any cars on the site that catch your eye and view them again later.
  • Select 'Add to Shortlist' when looking at a particular car and you'll see a blue bar appear along the bottom of your browser window. Add up to 10 cars to your Shortlist and you'll see them in this blue bar as you continue to browse our site. Click 'See all' and you can compare them, remove cars from the shortlist, and send an enquiry to us regarding all of your shortlisted cars.
  • You can also add cars to the shortlist by clicking the little blue plus sign Shortlist Icon next to cars in a list.

How do I find out more about Arnold Clark?

  • If you can't find the answer to your question in our About Us section, or in our Newsroom, please contact us and we'll do our best to answer your question!

Enquiring About A Car

How do I enquire about a car (or several cars)?

  • You can call the number displayed next to the car and speak to the branch. To send an enquiry to our helpful sales team, click 'Enquire now' next to any car, or 'Enquire' from the Shortlist page.
  • Someone will get in touch within 60 minutes during our office opening hours (9am until 9pm Monday to Thursday, 7pm on Friday and 5pm at the weekend).
  • If you've enquired when our office is closed, one of our team will get in touch between 10am and 11am the following day.

Can I arrange a test drive?

  • Yes! Once you've found the car you like, you can call your local branch - or submit your enquiry and we can arrange an appointment for you to test drive the car.

How can I find my nearest Arnold Clark dealer?

  • At any time, you can click 'Find a Dealer' in the blue bar at the top and you'll get to our dealer search. Enter your location, or search by manufacturer, to see a list of dealerships.
  • Every dealership page has contact details, a full address and a map (just click 'get directions').

I have seen a car I like in a branch that's not local to me - can the car be delivered to my local branch?

  • This is often possible. Please contact your local branch to discuss the options.

Buying A Car

Do I need an appointment to visit one of your dealerships?

  • No, you do not need an appointment to visit any of our showrooms - simply check our opening hours and come to your chosen dealership any time it is open. Our friendly sales staff will be happy to help you with any enquiry.
  • You will, however, need an appointment for any servicing or maintenance work to be carried out on your vehicle. Book online now.

What documents do I need to bring when purchasing a car?

  • This will depend on the requirements from your car finance company. Generally some identification and proof of address will be required; other than these requirements it is at the discretion of the finance company and subject to your personal status. Don't forget your driving licence! When you visit your local dealership, our sales staff will guide you through the exact requirements for your agreement.

Do you accept trade-ins?

  • Yes we do. To get a true exchange value for your current car, please visit one of our branches and speak to a Sales Executive. They will be happy to give you a no-obligation quote once you have chosen the car you would like to purchase. Part exchange is a great way of making your new car purchase even more affordable.

I want to know how my new car will impact the environment. How can I find out?

  • Details on CO2 emissions are listed next to every car on our site. You can visit www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk for full information on what this means. Most manufacturers are becoming aware of their responsibilities to the environment, and many new cars have lower emissions than previous models. Remember, keeping your car in good condition, with regular servicing, helps lower your CO2 emissions. Find out what happens during your service, or book a service online.

Finance

I would like to apply for finance - what documents do I need to bring?

  • You simply need your debit or credit card (to pay the initial deposit) and your driving licence, as a form of identification.

I've been refused finance previously - will I be refused this time?

  • You will be reconsidered - the decision to provide finance is based on an individual's circumstances, the vehicle in question and the nature of the deal - so a refusal in the past doesn't mean you will never be accepted in the future!

I don't have a great credit rating - can I still get finance?

  • That doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to arrange a finance deal with us. We work with more than 20 lenders to find the right finance package for everyone.
  • Please do make our team aware if you know you have a poor credit score - it means we can find the right finance option more efficiently. Speak to one of our Sales Staff for more information.

I'm in negative equity with my current car - can I still get finance?

  • That doesn't matter. We can advise you on the ideal time to change your car - pop into a branch and speak to one of our Sales Staff. We also have lenders who can underwrite this type of finance, normally offering a Personal Loan facility based on your credit score and not on the vehicle.

What types of finance are on offer? And what's the difference between them?

  • We offer a range of finance options - our Sales Staff at your local dealership will be able to explain what options you have in more detail. Some of the ways you can finance your car with us are through:
  • Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

    You will usually pay an initial deposit, followed by monthly payments. At the end of your payments, a final payment remains. You can either pay this in order to buy the car, part exchange for a new car or hand the car back.
  • Personal Contract Hire (PCH)

    You take control of the car for a contractual period. You make fixed monthly payments and when the contract expires you return the car, or take out a new contract on a new vehicle.
  • Remember: You will also have to agree an approximate mileage estimate at the beginning of both your PCP and PCH contract - don't worry if this changes during the agreement, just let us know and we can adjust it.
  • Hire Purchase (HP)

    You normally pay a deposit and then monthly payments, which are set by you. Once the final payment is made, the HP contract ends - and you own the car
  • Visit our car finance page to find out more.

Warranties & Insurance

What is the warranty on a nearly new or used car?

  • All our nearly new and used cars come with a 60-day Arnold Clark warranty as standard.
  • Our nearly new cars will be sold with the remaining balance of any manufacturer warranty.
  • Additionally, we also offer our extended warranty package, Autocare, which is an affordable way to cover you against the unexpected breakdown of the most expensive mechanical and electrical parts of your car.

What is the warranty on a new car?

  • The manufacturer will provide the warranty on a new car, and they typically last 3 years, although some may last as long as 5 or even 7 years.
  • You can also pay a little more and get a Manufacturer Extended Warranty. The length and scope of the warranty is determined by the manufacturer, and will vary.

What is a lifetime warranty?

  • A lifetime warranty will cover you for an unlimited time, and for up to 100,000 miles - so they could last the lifetime of the car. These warranties are currently offered by Vauxhall.

Can I insure my new car with Arnold Clark?

  • Of course! Arnold Clark has a comprehensive insurance department, and with access to over 20 leading Insurance Companies, will provide you with a highly competitive car insurance quote. Visit our insurance section for full details.

Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)

PPI Complaints - Important Information

  • Clark Cover, Arnold Clark’s Payment Protection Policy (PPI) was a monthly pay / monthly cover product. The premiums for this product were collected by a monthly direct debit separate from any Finance Agreement monthly direct debit. As a result, many of the issues associated with single premium policies did not apply to Clark Cover. You can however still raise a PPI complaint and it is free and simple to do so.
  • You do not need to use a claims management company (CMC) to make your complaint. If you do want to use a CMC, be aware they will charge a fee for their services, and you should check they are properly authorised by the Claims Management Regulator.
  • To help us with your enquiry please provide us with as much information as you can – for example:
  • Full name (including any name change)
  • Current address (and, if different, address at time when PPI was purchased)
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Contact details
  • Date of birth
  • Date PPI purchased

Deadline to make a PPI Complaint

  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set a deadline of 29 August 2019, by which time all PPI complaints will need to have been submitted.

Finance Commission Complaints

  • The Supreme Court decided a case that involved the commission on a PPI policy – Plevin v Paragon Personal Finance. The FCA introduced some new rules and guidance for businesses to follow when they’re looking at PPI complaints. This means businesses will sometimes need to give consumers back some of the commission paid on certain PPI policies. The new rules are about what lenders need to do in cases where the rules apply, so this doesn’t make a difference to your complaint about Clark Cover, Arnold Clark’s PPI product – as we were not a lender and Clark Cover was not paid for using finance provided by Arnold Clark or anybody else (as far as we are aware).
  • However, a small number of our customers may be affected by this where their complaint relates to PPI products that were sold by other businesses that we subsequently acquired. We are responsible for investigating PPI complaints for the following brands:
  • Calterdon Limited, Dane County Holdings Limited, Dane County Limited, Delmore Cars Limited, Grangemouth Motor Group Limited, Harpers (Aberdeen) Limited, Harry Fairbairn Limited, Hintonmead Limited, Hobin Group Limited, Hobin of Preston Limited, John R Weir (Inverness Limited), John R Weir Limited, Macharg, Rennie & Lindsay Limited, Maclaren Automotive Limited, Ness Motors (Holdings) Limited, Ness Motors Limited, Patterson Leasing Limited, Pattersons (Berwick) Limited, Pattersons Training Limited, RH Patterson & Co Limited, RH Patterson (Motor Finance) Limited, RH Patterson (Ponteland) Limited, Scotiaford Limited, Strathford (Ayrshire) Limited, Strathford Motor Company Limited, The Harper Motor Company Limited, The Park Automobile Company Limited, Tomkins (Glasgow) Limited.
  • If the brand of your product is not listed above and you would like to check with us before getting started, please call our customer services department on 0141 648 1088.
  • You can also ask your lender to look into any concerns you might have about the level of commission you paid on your policy.

Accessibility Information

  • We’re aware our customers may require different levels of assistance and are committed to making our products and services as accessible as possible.
  • Please tell us if you require additional support or if you need us to communicate with you in different format (e.g. large print). You can contact us by phone on 0141 648 1088.
  • If you have a speech or hearing impairment, you can contact us using the Next Generation Text Service. If you’re Deaf and a BSL user, you can talk to us live through a BSL interpreter online using our BSL Sign Video Service.

Servicing, Repairs & MOTs

Can I book my service and MOT online?

  • Yes! Visit our service booking page and enter your registration so we can look up your car details. Reserve a time slot online at a service centre of your choice. You don't need to pay anything now. Book a Value Service, Manufacturer Service (fully approved by 26 different manufacturers), MOT, tyre fitting or a general maintenance appointment.

Will I get a courtesy car?

  • At Arnold Clark, we're always trying to make things easier for our customers, and we do our best to provide alternative transport when we can. However, we can't always guarantee a courtesy car at every branch, and it will depend on availability. Your local servicing advisor will be able to give you full details.

Do all branches offer servicing, repairs and MOTs?

  • You'll be able to find your nearest branch for servicing by searching for your local branch, then clicking 'More details' and checking whether they offer a servicing and repairs service.
  • For accident repairs, you can view a full list of all 34 of our accident and repair centres in the UK. Each centre is staffed with highly trained mechanics, technicians, spray painters and panel beaters, all of whom are committed to repairing and protecting your car.

Do you sell car parts and accessories?

What aftercare products do you offer?

  • We know how important it is to take care and protect your new car. That is why we have a great range of products designed to give you peace of mind, just in case the worst happens. Visit our Complete Aftercare pages for full details.

Rental & Business Sales

Is there any age restriction when hiring a vehicle?

  • Drivers must be 23-24 years (up to a standard car group e.g. Vauxhall Astra or a Group B van e.g. Ford Transit Short Wheel Base). A young driver supplement may be payable at certain branches. Drivers must be 25 or over for all other vehicle groups.
  • Drivers over 75 may be asked to provide medical proof. For further information please contact the rental reservations department on 0141 237 4374.

Can I choose the car/van model?

  • Vehicles may be booked by category only. Unless availability of a specific model has been formally confirmed, Arnold Clark only guarantees the category reserved. Not all car groups and models may be available at all Arnold Clark locations.

Can I pick a vehicle up at one of your locations and drop it off at another?

  • Yes. We are quite happy to have a vehicle dropped off at a different car and van rental location from where it was hired. There will be an additional charge for this service.

For more rental help topics, please visit our Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental website.

Motability

How do I find out if I am eligible for the Motability scheme?

How do I find out more about Motability deals?

  • We've got some excellent Motability deals, many with NIL advance payment. View them here.

Raising a Complaint

I bought a car recently and I have a problem, what should I do?

  • We are always very keen to help. Please contact your local branch in the first instance. If you would prefer to speak with our customer services team, you can contact them here.

I'd rather not speak to the branch - who should I contact?

  • Our customer services team are on hand to help with any issues you may have. You can call them on 0844 815 2129, or email them by filling out our online form.
  • Our aim is to offer genuine value for money and provide customer service of the highest level. Our customers have given us a 94% satisfaction score, but we're always striving to improve. We have highlighted individual branch ratings in our dealer section - five star service at every branch is our goal.

I would like to email in my complaint - is there a direct email address?

  • You can contact our customer services team directly by filling in our online form.

I am an Arnold Clark employee and I would like assistance, who should I contact?

  • Our human resources department will be able to provide you with any help or guidance that you may need. You can contact them on 0141 422 2761 in Scotland, and 0161 872 5551 in England.

Contact Us

If you have a query or complaint please speak to your local branch first.

Contact Customer Services

Phone Arnold Clark
0141 648 1088
Email Arnold Clark
Give us your feedback online
Tweet Arnold Clark
@ACHelpTeam
Mail Arnold Clark
Arnold Clark
Customer Services Department
454 Hillington Road
Glasgow
G52 4FH