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Private Fleet

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verified email - 13 Oct 2024
Sneaky taking your money

I would not recommend this business.
12 months on I am still angry that I was deceived with the purchase of a new car, trading in my old car.

I was told I had to pay the pensioner discount I was entitled to on my current car so that the registration was fully paid. No problem, done!

They had me fill out and send a form to them for the reduced rate of registration on my changeover vehicle.
Private Fleet had the discount applied, but had charged me the full price.

I contacted them several times asking to have the money refunded to me. They only made excuses to avoid dealing with the problem, always saying it was somebody else’s issue to fix. The registration office staff went through all the paperwork and assured me the problem was with Private Fleet.
This was just one of the problems we experienced!

Once they have your money, they want nothing to do with you. Pity, because if they did the right thing, I would happily right a positive review as I do for many other companies.

Approximate cost: $190

verified email - 21 Mar 2024
Private fleet is a total disgrace to the motor trade

No.1 contender for shonky award of the year
Private Fleet turns a telephone conversation into a contract without any signature or verbal agreement

I had a telephone conversation with John Hughes of Pirate Fleet for a purchase and a trade, he refused to negotiate a trade after the deposit was paid for a new vehicle even though I had already filled in the trade form prior to paying the deposit

When I emailed a request for a refund, I was told I had entered a contract and if I wanted a refund, take them to court
There was never any contract in place , verbal, signed or otherwise

This scenario is constantly repeated as negative reviews appear on a lot of websites spelling out the same situation

In addition, after taking the deposit, they immediately load on a $178 car buying fee

STAY WELL AWAY FROM PRIVATE FLEET

verified email - 29 Jul 2021

Don’t pay a deposit until you see the details in writing. I’m now fighting to get a $2,500 deposit back. The broker lied and told me the vehicle he’d got was better than one I’d found at my local dealership with more options so I paid the deposit only to find out when the email arrived I’d been lied to

danielt406 18 Feb 2024

Hi Collin, were you able to get your money back? Or did you forfeit the deposit in the end?

My parents have just paid a deposit before receiving any T&Cs, and already things are starting to sound a bit unprofessional and forget. I would be hugely appreciative if you had any further advice?

verified email - 16 Jul 2020

I placed a deposit on a new vehicle, with private fleet, we then found a cheaper vehicle so asked for company to honour their advertised price match guarantee. Would have been happy for Private Fleet to either refund our deposit or match the other price as stipulated on their website. Instead the manager. I spoke to told me in very straight terms they are in it to make money and If I did not go through with it I would not only loose my deposit but also 5% of the sale for cancelling the contract. When I stated I would seek further clarification of my rights from Fair Trading the only response from the management of Private Fleet was “let’s go legal”! Not the new car experience I was looking for...

nicholasc597 24 Nov 2020

This is partly true, An order was left with a deposit and then confirmed. The client called to ask to cancel the order as they suggested they founds a better deal.
We actually offered our price match guarantee, all we needed was a quote to prove the price. This was not offered by the client.

25 Feb 2020

Excellent service. The consultant James organised a test drive and even sent car reviews to help decide.
The price was great and they referred me to finance. Well worth $178.00 to save money and get roadside assistance.
Car was delivered to my work from the dealer who was nice and my trade in taken away.
This was offered and not requested . Amazing service in this day. Like a high end restaurant though it’s a car buying experience.
Very happy and amazing value. I’ll keep telling everyone.

verified email - 27 Jun 2019

Private Fleet are Thieves:
All my friends who are looking to buy new cars from private fleet , be aware they can steal money from your credit card. I just had bad experience from agent Umar Khan , he took the deposit money from my credit card without my permission.
I was looking to buy Rav4 hybrid with my trade in car Nissan Xtrail. On 06/06/19 Umar Khan called me several times to keep me posted on best price he can get. At end of the day 7pm he called me to ask lowest price I said $32700. Umar khan said I can try but I will need to put your credit card details , I didn’t thought much and my mistake I should have not given my credit card details. But I didn’t know Umar khan is going to take money from my credit card. The moment I gave my credit card & disconnect the call , I got notifications on my commbank app $1178 debited. Immediately Umar khan called me “congratulations you got car for $32700” I said it’s fine but you took money without my permission. He said $1000 is deposit & $178 is processing fee but don’t worry I will get you $178 waived as referral program. I asked when is delivery date , Umar assured me to let me know 07-06-19 by midday , Umar khan came back with deliver date 26/07/19 and I said no , pls cancel my order , you promised delivery date is 10-14 days and I’m buying for business purposes for tax benefit, I explained him what’s the point getting loan processed in June when car is getting delivered in July.
I said no for the order & sent him text at 5:40 pm to cancel order on 07/06/19 , despite of saying no , Umar khan processed my order at 7pm just to meet his sale target.
Since then I’m dealing with their dispute team Sandy Marquette that Umar khan stolen money from my credit card without my permission & requested several time to listen to phone recording on 06/06/19 7pm but sandy keep ignoring talking about phone recording . I gave them example of TPG, Optus and online orders companies read T&c saying “ all calls are recorded for training & monitoring purposes “ and before any agent took money they ask for permission from customers “ do you agree to pay the amount “ after customer says yes then money is taken from the credit card.
Umar khan stolen the money without telling me the amount he is going to deduct from my credit card.
When money was debited , I was not given any invoice. After several requests Sandy sent me invoice itemised $1000 deposit and $178 membership fee.

I questioned Sandy to show T&C on their website that $178 is membership fee & is non refundable ???
Sandy was saying $178 is referral program for same family members,
I asked sandy to provide me signed agreement that I have signed for private fleet membership ?
Also show me that $178 is waived for family members only.
So far sandy hasn’t provided me any evidence on membership form, referral program and call recording.
So to all my friends looking to buy new cars ... pls don’t use private fleet service they steal money from your credit card without authorisation. They steal money from your credit card.. never ever give your credit card details until t&c are read by agents over by the phone.
I’m still struggling to get my refund on $178.
By the way I got the same car from another dealer that was available in stock from western Toyota and did not have to wait till 26/07/2019.
I doubt private fleet have network with 40-50 dealers , if they had then I don’t need to wait delivery till July.
I hope my this bad experience will be helpful to others who are looking to buy new cars. This is my first brand new car and I had terrible experience with private fleet.

verified email - 01 Jan 2019

We did all our homework and gave specific instructions to Private Fleet including model, premium upgrades and accessories we were after.
Private Fleet initially came back more expansive than dealer direct. Then we got passed to another person at Private Fleet.
They countered with subsequent offer....little did we know whilst the price was reduced so was the accessories - they became 'or equivalent'.
The whole purpose of filing out the initial tender form is that was what we were looking for if I wanted cheaper than genuine car mats I'd go to an auto store and purchase $29.95 mats!
The only reason we found this switch had taken place was after we organized a contract (and being switched to yet another person at Private Fleet) and contacted Subaru (as directed by Private Fleet) and they asked when were the options we requested being fitted/applied. We were shocked as we believed Subaru was doing it all. But it appears that was not the case as Private Fleet can make more money by tendering out your requested accessories too!
Since being pulled up on it Private Fleet have BULLIED my wife (who was initial contact) with threats of if you do not complete the contract we will lose our deposit.
They were then told to not contact her and for the general manager to ring me direct. Yes you guessed it not 20 minutes later they contact her!
After formally requesting a refund as per their contract terms - as 30 days from estimated delivery had lapsed and no car had been delivered - I receive the following email from their customer service manager!
"For the sites that you can not remove your post if you could please update the site to say that the issue has been resolved and that is was due to miscommunication, once that is done I will take that to the managers to authorize for your deposit to be refunded."

AHHH Private Fleet the matter has not be resolved :-
Three months later we do not have our car
Nor do we have our deposit back
It is far from being resolved - Blackmail will not resolve anything!

Seriously anyone considering using this company I can not stress enough to not even just read the above real life story and if you do then fool you.

Approximate cost: $50000

anthonys256 11 Jan 2019

Happy Ending...
After requesting by email to speak to the owner or managing director of Private Fleet, Nicolas called and after a lengthy discussion we have come to a resolution. It is regretful that it took this long to be resolved but am happy that some time next week this will all be behind us.

07 Aug 2018

Stay away very bad customer support still waiting on car after 10 weeks all they say is it’s the dealer I have too deal with but isn’t that what your Sutton do

verified email - 18 Jun 2018

Purchased a vehicle through private fleet. Paid our deposit to them however they failed to transfer the funds to the dealership which delayed the collection of our vehicle. They had over 2 weeks to complete the deposit transfer.
We were required to pay additional funds to the dealer to be able to collect our car.
When trying to arrange a refund they told me that I had to wait for 2 days because they only process refunds on Wednesdays...!!!!! Pathetic customer service to rectify THEIR mistake..
Won't use again and won't be recommending to friends or family.

verified email - 21 May 2018

I was very impressed with the service at private fleet. I felt it to be polite, efficient and far above the average level of service you can expect today. They saved me far more money than I could have ever achieved myself and without any hassles or pressure. I have already recommended them to my family and friends.

verified email - 18 May 2018

Just wanted to thank Privatefleet & the team for a great buying experience. Bought 2 cars through Privatefleet in past few months and looking forward to many more in the future! Additionally have recommended the service to my family and friends.

verified email - 14 Mar 2018

This is the best way to buy a car carno hassle and even comes with a full tank You get want you want and the consultants are very helpful

27 Feb 2018

What a fabulous way to purchase a new car! Went to one dealer, had a test drive, managed to escape from the usual sales hassle and contacted Private Fleet.
Not only were they able to provide a significantly lower price, but they were extremely professional and made the whole experience hassle free. Noone should ever but a car any other way!

verified email - 28 Jan 2018

Having been impressed by the discounts I had seen on my work vehicles, Private Fleet seemed well worth a try. I set what I thought was an unrealistic price, but Damon came back a week later with a great deal - that would have satisfied my corporate fleet buyers.

11 Jan 2018

I just purchased my first car through Private Fleet and it was a very swift, easy and professional process. Would recommend this service for anyone interested in purchasing a vehicle.

27 Dec 2017

It was a new experience buying a car through this process, I was a little nervous at first dealing online and handing over payment prior to receiving the vehicle but this all went smoothly and everything was in line with expectations.. Overall this was a very pleasant experience, not having to track around multiple dealers and salesmen to try and get the best deal. This was all done and I was very happy with the purchase price. I would recommend Private Fleet to anyone wanting to buy a new car.

verified email - 14 Dec 2017

This is the second time in ten years that I have purchased a vehicle through Private Fleet and once again I am extremely happy with the process and very friendly service. I would recommend Private Fleet to anyone who is looking for the best stress free option of finding the best deal when looking for a new vehicle.

verified email - 11 Dec 2017

What a fabulous way of buying a new car, no hard sell, no going from dealer to dealer and haggling over prices (which I hate and am not very good at anyway). Private fleet turns the process of buying the car from a stressful runaround to something done from the comfort of your own home. Next car purchase, will be using these guys again. Saved a lot of time and money.

verified email - 10 Dec 2017

My experience with Private Fleet was beyond my expectations. Private Fleet was prompt in providing me with service and advice from start to finish. A provider of the new car was found on the day of my initial request and the car was sourced and delivered to my home in less than a month.

07 Dec 2017

I found it to be a hassle free method of buying a car.The co-ordination between me, Private Fleet,, and the selected Dealer was first class. I was kept informed of when the vehicle would arrive. I have no doubt that the price we paid for our vehicle was the best.

27 Nov 2017

A quick call to Private Fleet and they managed to find me a new, improved model of the car for a better price than the current one. Friendly, informative service and not at all pushy. As it was a new model not yet landed in Australia, we did need to wait 12 weeks for delivery but that was agreed at the outset and the car was delivered to us, at our convenience with a full tank of petrol. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and will definitely be calling should we make another purchase.

verified email - 23 Nov 2017

I found Private Fleet online after starting the long slog of researching and selecting the car I wanted then visiting a couple of car dealerships to try and find the best deal.
Talking to the sales people at those dealerships reinforced my distaste for their sales "technique's" used and got me searching for a better way to buy where I wouldn't have to deal with them!
I had previously seen online the "Auto Expert" people that promise to save thousands on a new car purchase and while searching again found Private Fleet so I contacted BOTH these organisations.
I'm STILL waiting for a response from Auto Expert so, for customer service and everything that follows they are one very big FAIL!
Private Fleet responded quickly and, with their extremely courteous and helpful assistance we did the deal within 2 days and my new car was delivered to my door the following week!
The ONLY thing I was initially concerned about was the possibility of issues that doing a $55K deal over the phone and via email might entail so I did a lot of checking on the validity of Private Fleet and the car dealer to ensure everything was "above board" but it certainly was.
I cannot recommend Private Fleet highly enough!

verified email - 10 Oct 2017

Private Fleet got me a great deal on a new Holden Astra. I didnt have to go through the hassle of haggling with dealers. It just took a few hours for Private Fleet to get back to me with the price I wanted. The car took a couple of weeks to arrive by truck and it was dirty, but nothing a good wash couldn't fix. They arranged window tinting too. Definitely recommend Private Fleet.

verified email - 28 Sep 2017

Just purchased our first new car, a Kia carnival from private fleet. I had great support and 100% faith in private fleet. I completed this all while my husband was away! Great service, easy to deal with,sigh to the very end!

01 Sep 2017

After seeing Private Fleet's advert on the internet I was a little sceptical but thought I would give them a try. I'm glad I did. I received a very professional service from start to finish and I am very satisfied with the end result of a car with no dealer hassles and travelling from yard to yard looking for a good deal. Thank you Private Fleet.
Phil.D.

verified email - 26 Aug 2017

With the great service I received from Private Fleet,I just bought a brand new Kia Cerato 2017 5dr hatch,they found what I was looking for at a great price,which took away the stress of speaking to car dealerships,and the running around to find my new car.Private Fleet saved me time,money and the hassle that comes with the purchasing of a new car.I highly recommend Fleet Service to anyone looking to find new car.Thank You Fleet Service,and also to Luca & Karen who looked after me,providing me with easy,quick and efficient service.Love my new car,am very happy.

16 Aug 2017

I would highly recommend Private Fleet as a great company to purchase your new car. After deciding upon my Mazda CX 5, colour,features etc I contacted Private Fleet and within 4 hours I was notified of a pretty good price and this was in after hours like 7 pm.. I was pretty impressed with Roberts' friendly and efficient service and the following day he came up with an even better price which is great considering it a new model not a superceeded runout one. It came from a rural car yard so had to be freighted to Sydney so arrived fairly dusty and in need of a wash. I would suggest you get a load down in your local car dealers of how to make use of all the features beforehand as we did not have a dealer deliver the car which I hoped for but just a trucking transport company...my only gripe. But I understand if I got it locally at the best price thru Fleet Dales a dealer would have delivered it direct to my home. Great deal from a great company!

14 Aug 2017

I dealt with PrivateFleet for the purchase of my new car. I found their service professional, prompt, efficient and friendly. PrivateFleet were anble to source a new car discount better than what I think I would have been able to get for myself.

verified email - 11 Apr 2017

Buying the new vehicle through Private Fleet took out a lot of stress and the pressure of the car showroom floor. The price is the deal you want - you have the feeling that they are working for you. I would recommend them to anyone looking to buy a new care

verified email - 11 Apr 2017

Found the car I was looking for at a great price. Our consultant was amazing. The only reason I didn't give it a 5star rating because I would of liked to deal with the 1 consultant all the way to the end. Would recommend Private Fleet to other people and will be getting them to look for our next car.