Thank you for your message. Sadly your case is not uncommon - a quick look at reviews for the Motor Ombudsman on TrustPilot shows many people with similar complaints. Indeed, in our personal experience when things have gone wrong with a car purchase, it has been next to useless, not replying to emails, getting facts wrong and not dealing properly with complaints. It's basically a waste of time.

Despite being labelled as an ombudsman, the Motor Ombudsman is not a government backed body, it is simply a private sector organisation which is funded by its members. Those members include vehicle manufacturers, warranty product providers, franchised dealers, independent garages, networks and bodyshops. Given that fact, it's very difficult to see how it can be impartial when it comes to disputes between its members and car owners.

We strongly recommend against using the Motoring Ombudsman. Citizens Advice and Trading Standards are far more helpful.