FAQ

Buying from LMC Cars means you benefit from UK consumer protection, transparent pricing, vehicle preparation standards, warranties, and ongoing aftersales support — protections that are not available in private sales.

Yes. All our vehicles are history checked to ensure there is no outstanding finance or theft recorded at the time of sale.

If a fault was present at the time of sale, UK consumer law protects you. We always aim to work with our customers to resolve any issues fairly and professionally.

Warranty cover depends on the specific policy, but it typically includes major mechanical and electrical components. Full details will always be provided so you understand exactly what is covered.

Yes. Extended warranty options are available and can usually be arranged at the point of purchase or shortly after collection.

Yes. We offer nationwide delivery across the UK, allowing customers to buy from us regardless of location. Delivery options and costs will be explained clearly before purchase.

Yes. You’re welcome to collect your vehicle from our dealership by appointment, where our team will be happy to hand over the vehicle and answer any questions.

LMC Cars is located in South Ockendon, Essex, and we regularly supply vehicles to customers throughout the Uk.

Yes. We accept part exchange on most vehicles, allowing you to use the value of your current car as a deposit against your new purchase. This can make upgrading your vehicle more convenient and cost-effective.

Yes. If your vehicle has outstanding finance, we can usually settle this directly with the finance company as part of the part exchange process, subject to confirmation of settlement figures.

Part exchange values are based on current market conditions, vehicle condition, mileage, service history, and overall demand. We aim to provide fair and competitive valuations based on accurate information.

PCP finance typically offers lower monthly payments because you only pay for part of the vehicle’s value during the agreement, with an optional final balloon payment if you wish to keep the car. HP finance spreads the full cost of the vehicle across fixed monthly payments, and ownership transfers automatically once the agreement is completed. We will always explain both options clearly so you can make an informed decision.

Yes. We work with a panel of UK finance lenders, some of whom specialise in helping customers with poor or limited credit history. Approval is based on affordability and individual circumstances rather than credit score alone. Our team will guide you through the process and explain what options may be available to you.

The deposit required varies depending on the vehicle, the finance product, and the lender. In many cases, we can arrange finance with a low or even zero deposit, subject to approval. A larger deposit may reduce your monthly payments or improve your chances of acceptance, but this will always be discussed with you beforehand.

A finance application may involve a credit check, which can have a small impact on your credit score. Some lenders may carry out a soft search initially, followed by a hard search if you proceed. We will always explain this clearly before submitting any application on your behalf.

Every vehicle we sell at LMC Cars is inspected and prepared before being advertised. This includes checks on safety items, mechanical condition, and overall presentation. Where applicable, vehicles are serviced and MOT tested to ensure they meet the required standards. Our aim is to supply vehicles that are ready to drive away with confidence.

At LMC Cars we offer a range of used car finance options, including Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP). These options allow you to spread the cost of the vehicle over manageable monthly payments. Finance is subject to status, affordability checks, and lender approval, and our team will help you find the most suitable option for your circumstances.

Yes. If you see a vehicle you like, you can reserve it with a deposit to secure it while you arrange finance, organise part exchange, or plan your visit. This helps prevent the vehicle from being sold to another customer during that time. Reservation deposits are subject to our terms, which will always be explained clearly before payment is taken.

Yes, at LMC Cars you can buy a used car fully online from start to finish. We make the process straightforward by allowing you to reserve a vehicle, arrange finance, complete paperwork, and pay securely without needing to visit the dealership. Once everything is complete, we can deliver the vehicle directly to your home anywhere in the UK or arrange collection from our site. Buying online also gives you full consumer protection under UK law.

Yes, buying a used car without viewing it in person can be safe when you purchase from a reputable, established UK dealership like LMC Cars. We provide detailed vehicle descriptions, clear imagery, history checks, and preparation standards so you know exactly what you’re buying. In addition, UK consumer law protects you if a vehicle is not as described or has a fault present at the time of sale, giving you extra peace of mind.

Both options work! We're flexible to suit your preferences. Walk-ins are welcome, so you can visit anytime during business hours to browse our forecourt freely. Test drives are encouraged (subject to availability), and our team are always available to help. 

Our relationship doesn't end when you drive away - we provide comprehensive aftercare, including servicing and maintenance plans with qualified technicians. We also offer standard and extended warranty support, as well as ongoing assistance if you have questions about your vehicle.  Our additional services include a Sale or Return service if you want to sell later, vehicle sourcing for your next car, and GardX protection maintenance advice.

While we strive to deliver exceptional service every time, we acknowledge that issues can occasionally arise. Our complaints procedure is straightforward and effective. We encourage you to contact us directly so that we can address any concerns you may have: Email: sales@lmc-cars.co.uk with "Complaint" in the subject line Phone: 01708 863247 and ask to speak with a manager Detail your concern clearly and explain your desired resolution

Every car purchased from LMC comes with comprehensive assurances, including: Minimum 6 months MOT remaining (often more) 75-point inspection by qualified technicians before sale 12 months AA breakdown cover for peace of mind (on qualifying purchases) A 3-month standard warranty is included free on every vehicle Free vehicle history check provided by AA Full valeting and professional preparation

Here at LMC (London Motor Company), customer service isn't just a department - it's embedded in our family business DNA. We've been serving Essex for over 40 years, and we understand that buying a car is one of your most significant purchases.  Our approach is genuinely person-centred: we're passionate about helping you find the right car for your needs, not just closing a sale. And our goal is that you drive away happy and return to us for your next car—that's how we measure success....

We've created a comfortable, welcoming environment that makes buying a used car a genuinely pleasant experience. Enjoy free customer parking, complimentary hot drinks and a comfortable showroom to discuss your options with a member of our dedicated team.

We have a physical showroom and large forecourt display at our Upminster premises, where hundreds of vehicles are available to view and test drive. Unlike online-only dealers, you can actually see, touch, and drive the cars before buying - we believe there's no substitute for experiencing a vehicle in person.  Our showroom provides a comfortable environment to discuss your needs, explore finance options, and complete your purchase. That said, we also maintain a comprehensive website where you c...

Absolutely! As a family business with deep roots in Essex, we're committed to giving back to our community. We proudly sponsor Grays Athletic Football Club and Upwell Football Club, supporting grassroots sports in the area.  We also make regular donations to St Luke's Hospice, an incredible local charity providing palliative care to families across our community. For us, it's not just about selling cars, it's about being good neighbours and contributing to the place we call home.

We've deliberately created a welcoming, no-pressure environment that's completely different from stereotypical car dealerships. Our customers can browse freely without any aggressive sales tactics, and test drive any car you're interested in with no obligation to buy. There’s ample free customer parking on site, and we welcome children and pets too! We encourage you to take your time exploring our cars with a complimentary hot tea and coffee. And when you’re ready to chat, you can discuss optio...

Not at all! While we're based in Essex and the majority of our customers come from the local area (Upminster, Grays, Romford, Hornchurch, Brentwood, Basildon, Chelmsford), we serve buyers from across London, the surrounding counties, and beyond. Our convenient location next to Junction 30 of the M25 makes us easily accessible from Kent, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, and Greater London.  We offer home delivery options for customers further afield, and our nationwide vehicle sourcing service means we c...

We're incredibly proud to be recognised as a CarGurus Top-Rated Dealer, which reflects our consistently excellent customer reviews, transparent pricing, and quality stock. We're also an AA Approved Dealer, meeting strict standards set by The Chartered Trading Standards Institute - independent verification that we operate to the highest professional standards.  Additionally, our customer testimonials speak volumes - you can read genuine reviews from Essex buyers who've experienced our service fi...

LMC (London Motor Company) was established in 1980, making us one of Essex's longest-standing independent used car dealerships with over 40 years of continuous trading.  We've grown from humble beginnings to become one of the largest independent suppliers of used cars in Essex through hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication to customer service. 

Yes! LMC is proudly a family-run used car dealership - not a faceless corporate chain or franchise. This means you're dealing with people who genuinely care about the business's reputation and your long-term satisfaction. You'll often speak directly with family members who have decades of automotive experience and the authority to make decisions on the spot. We're real people who live and work in the Essex community, and our family name is something we’re proud of.

We're based in Upminster, Essex, at White Post Farm, Ockendon Road, RM14 3PP. Our location is exceptionally convenient as we’re next to Junction 30 of the M25 and just 10 minutes from Lakeside Shopping Centre. Whether you're coming from Romford, Grays, Hornchurch, Brentwood, Basildon, or anywhere in Essex and East London, we're simple to reach by car. We offer free customer parking on-site, so you can browse our showroom and forecourt at your leisure without worrying about parking fees or time ...

The AA provides free history checks on every vehicle we advertise through their platform, and we welcome AA inspections (or any third-party inspection) before you purchase. While not every car is automatically inspected by the AA before sale, you can request an independent AA vehicle inspection at any time before committing to purchase - and we actively encourage this!  Our AA Approved status means we have nothing to hide and want you to feel completely confident. Our own 75-point inspection en...

No! AA Approved status doesn't add to your purchase price - the benefits are included at no additional cost. You receive the 12-month AA breakdown cover, access to mediation services, a free vehicle history check, and all other protections simply by buying from us. We pay to maintain our AA approval because we believe in operating to the highest standards, and those benefits automatically pass to you.  The only costs you pay are for the vehicle itself and any optional extras you choose (such as...