J. v. Hunnik's Autobedrijf

We were received by Nichel and he was always super transparent and correct. We felt well received and welcome (even though we didn't speak dutch). We ended up buying a Toyota Auris that we are really satisfied and happy. Nichel's approach of transparency was decisive in our decision.

We've been using this Toyota dealer for 5 years now. Always very satisfied with their work.

Seems like the crux of this business (particularly the owner) is hiding facts, not honoring warranty and being a bully. Below is a chronological description of how things went with this dealer, for a car (Fiat Grande Punto 91-PKH-5). Please note that I already own a similar car and this car was meant to be for my fiancé. 21/09/2018: I call up the owner (Nichel) to check about a used car that was advertised on AutoTrack but without pictures. I am provided with a few pictures of the car and informed that the car has a cracked windscreen. I am informed further that the car's navigation system doesn't work but the rest of the car is faultless and without any issues. Since the car seemed good in pictures, I decided to make a visit to test-drive the car and purchase it should I like it on a test drive. After a quick test-drive, first alone and then with my fiancé, a strange vibration on the steering though we are assured there is nothing wrong. We are also assured that apart from the issues mentioned earlier, the car just needs a basic service but no expensive or non-standard maintenance like timing chain etc. We finalize the deal with a warranty promise for 1 week from the day of purchase, on the engine and gearbox, for parts and labor. 22/09/2018: In the morning, upon starting the car, I find that there is a metallic grinding, clunking noise for a few seconds. From experience of having the same car in the house already, I suspect it to be a timing chain but decide to get it inspected at a Fiat authorized workshop or a Fiat specialist. 26/09/2018: I get the car inspected at a Fiat specialist garage where I am told that apart from routine service, the car needs a replacement of timing chain and driver's side shocker mount. The latter was causing the vibration on the steering as noted during test-drive. Upon reaching back home, I message Nichel (the owner) and inform about this "discovery" and very politely ask if and what he can do to resolve this. To be fair, I request him to take care of only the timing chain job because our warranty agreement was only for engine and gearbox though we should have been informed about the shocker mount also. After trying to tell me that the sound was normal and disregarding the inspection report of the garage as well as the fact that my other car (also a Punto) doesn't have the sound, the owner blatantly refuses to do anything. He even goes on to say that this is an old/used car and we should have expected such things, however, I would expect a seller (at least a brand dealer like him) to be transparent and inform in advance about such things. Seeing that this wasn't fair to me as a customer, I provide Nichel the option of either fixing the timing chain on the car or facing legal action; I am then provided an option of returning the car for an amount lesser than what I paid for it. 27/09/2018: I accept the offer made by the owner to return the car and since my fiancé works afternoons, she took the car to the dealer to return it for our pre-agreed return price. Please note that the process shouldn't take more than an hour for the dealer to inspect the vehicle and then make payment before transferring the car to his company's name, especially because we have bank accounts with the same bank and so transfers are quicker. However, Nichel transfers the car to his company but then fails to make the payment. He then informs my fiancé that he had another customer appointment and that she should head back because he will make the payment afterwards. Now, that would have been ok if he provided with some written proof that the payment is due and would be made by end of day or by a certain date but sadly, we are not provided anything. The owner then vanishes from the showroom, not to be seen on the pre-text of handling a client's delivery. After waiting for almost 2 hours, some personal remarks to my fiancé because she didn't want to leave without the money, transfer is made. Horrible experience and best avoided; small universal sellers are much better than this brand dealer.

When we had doubts about the performance (in terms of handling) of the car we had just bought, we were taken very seriously and really everything we did to find out and fix this for us. Afterwards there was nothing wrong with the car and after having followed the advice to put smaller (original size) rims / tires under it, it drove wonderfully. All the staff are very friendly and it is clear that they are only satisfied when the customer is 100% satisfied.

It took me some time to find a garage where the customer is the center of the organization and not all kinds of other interests. From Eindhoven I like to drive Rhenen to experience real service. I am a nice 'layman' when it comes to cars, but I have heard a lot of chatter during the period that I was looking for a new car. The Internet can help you find the truth within all these stories ;-). I have confided in the Van Hunnik car company to purchase a car that I have not seen in advance. And they have absolutely not disappointed me in that. These people run a company based on healthy values ​​and standards in which genuine appreciation for the customer can be found. Where do you still feel that as a customer nowadays? Many thanks to the Van Hunnik family and Michel in particular for their trust and advice!