Stay away from this company
Been looking for a campervan for a few months.
We have one before and regretted letting it go, so after 2 years of saving we decided to look again and get back on new adventures. After looking online and ads of FB we liked a van at northern motors homes. It’s actually Stephen Bell Leisure that sell them. Based in Skipton.
I went to look at a VW transporter conversion 2018 reg van in green and white. Converted inside and a PopTop, so 4 berth. I travelled over to Skipton and after speaking over the phone I got there to meet their sales guy called Mario. He was polite and let me look around the van. I explained that a few things needed doing on the van such as the 240v socket which was connected to the van battery! Not at the back and needed moving and the paintwork needed attention. He didn’t seem too bothered and wondered off for 20 mins and left me to look round it. I left saying I would get in touch if interest, he agreed and said the work would be done I mentioned, don’t worry it will be great, as went to look at another van.
Later that day I paid a 1k desposit and with a promise that the van would be ready, fit for purpose and the work carried out correctly as agreed on point of sale.This was the 30th Jan.
I had to quiz the vans history and Mario was very vague. I paid for a history check because he didn’t even know! No MOT recorded for a year! He didn’t answer why the van has been stood for ages. I was reassured it’s all ok, don’t worry he said, it will be sorted. The van was priced at £25,995. On Friday the 13th I paid another 5k towards the van and was paying rest next day.
So after getting 4 trains and a taxi them on the Saturday went to collect the van.
When I got there no one was about, I’d come straight from Liverpool as was working. The van was parked in muck and puddles and not been cleaned which wasn’t a good start. The barn doors had a lock issue would not open and took 10 mins to figure it out by 4 people!
When I checked the 240v wiring to the back. It was clear it wasn’t done correctly. A fire hazard without a doubt and rest of the cables on the conversion not covered. The body work treatment was not even done! The van was filthy inside and didn’t help that 2 people got in the van with mud and made it worse. I complained and they started cleaning it. Not professional at all.
It was not up to standard as sold and promised, the workmanship was awful and they didn’t seem to care. Mario did not take it seriously.
So I refused to take the van and wanted my money back. I have a right don’t I?
Well, easy said than done with these cowboys!
No mention that the desposit of 1k wasn’t refundable!
When I agreed over the phone and paid online.
But that doesn’t matter, I was entitled to all my money back totally 6K! I got the 5K back 3 days later! But got told they were not going to give my desposit back as per their terms and conditions. After emails back and fourth and then speaking to the owner Stephen, how totally denied they had done anything wrong. I was told we’ve done the MOT, service and checks, it’s cost us. Well isn’t that up to the seller and company as stated in the advert? I eventually, after explaining time and time again the principle of the matter I only got £500 back but they’ve keep the other £500. So I am out of pocket by £500 because of their incompetence. Absolutely outrageous considering the van wasn’t for purpose and the work wasnt done fully as promised when sold. Don’t I have rights!?
Steer well clear of this company, you will get ripped off!!
While they come across as polite don’t trust them or the vehicles they acquire. It’s a shambles!
I don’t recommend them at all, stay away!
And Stephen has no idea why I was complaining!
Glad I didn’t get the vehicle. The stress and worry was time consuming and have affected me.
Please do not buy from these people.
14 febbraio 2026
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