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Phil Davison

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Review of the Close Brothers, Car Finance:

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Faulty Vans, and Still No Resolution

I run a small business and in 2023 I entered into a finance agreement with Close Brothers through Vanaways for two brand‑new Maxus Deliver 9 vehicles. From the start it has been a nightmare. Both vans arrived late and already damaged on the front bumpers and doors. Within weeks, one van developed a clutch and gearbox fault, went into the garage for repair, came out, and then blew its gearbox again. That van was off the road for around four months. The second van later developed the same gearbox fault. I was actually told to keep driving it until it failed — I refused to risk my team’s safety. Courtesy vehicles were only provided for the final nine weeks of that downtime. For the rest of the time, I had no choice but to hire vans at my own cost just to keep my business running. Between finance payments of £700+ VAT per van and hire costs of over £2,000 a month, I’ve been forced to pay thousands on top of a finance agreement for vehicles I cannot use. I formally rejected the vans in May 2024, but over a year later Close Brothers is still taking payments. This dispute has now dragged on for well over a year, during which time I’ve been passed from person to person with no real resolution. The only “solution” offered was via Vanaways — to hand the faulty vans back and start a brand‑new finance deal for replacements, with no refund of all the payments I’d already made. In plain terms, I would be paying twice, while Close Brothers and Vanaways protected their profits. This has nearly folded my company. I’ve carried the entire financial hit, while Close Brothers and Vanaways continue to be paid. If you’re reading this thinking about applying for finance with Close Brothers or Vanaways to help your small company: don’t. Because if problems arise, Close Brothers will always protect its partners and brokers — and leave the small business owner to carry the cost. Reviewed on: 5th August 2025

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