First of all, Midlands gave me what they advertised for. They accepted my bad credit score, and my application was approved quickly.
However, what happened in the days after signing the finance agreement is surreal and intensely disappointing.
After a few weeks of considering and gathering documentation, all seemed to be ok, I found an excellent car, and the dealership was acceptable by Midlands. Everything was ready. I was waiting for the dealership's mechanic to return from holidays and prepare the car for delivery.
On Thursday, our family was celebrating. We booked a short trip to Cornwall to celebrate the end of the school year and a new car. Midlands broker told me all is good, and by the end of the week, or Monday, he will send documents to the creditor so that they can pay for the car.
Monday was the day all our plans and joy sank. I got a morning call from Midland's broker telling me that because he forgot to send the paperwork to the creditor (note Midlands are just brokers) on Friday, unfortunately, my application expired. I, unaware that it could happen, was left speechless.
Over the weekend, I got a notification from Experian that my credit score had changed, and I learned it went down 150 points (from 500 to 350). The reason is a new credit account - I was not alarmed knowing it must be my new car and that payments towards this credit would quickly improve what was damaged.
Very quickly after re-applying, I got a message of rejection. I contacted the broker to tell him what was going on was unacceptable and that their mistake was doing a lot of damage. That there is an emotional and financial loss to our family. All I got back was silence, buried under a pile of apologies and meaningless statements. It left me feeling like a heap of dirt nicely broomed under the carpet.
So, a recap: 1) Midlands approves my credit. 2) Midlands fails to log documents in time. 3) Application expires. 4) My family will have no new (used) car. 5) Have my already pathetic credit score destroyed, leaving me with no option for alternative financing. 6) Midlands go into a ghosting stage.
All of this tells me a lot about the culture of the brand. What is essential for me here is not to trash the Midlands but tell this story and give some food for thought to all of you considering going this way.
Midlands' core targets are poor people. People in debt. People with money problems. The people who are just recovering taking a fresh gulp of air. They base their business on us and, with some risk, make considerable profits. We are their clients. And I do not feel treated as a client should. Regardless of me bringing just a tiny chunk of profit, I guess that, if nothing else, a bit of human integrity should provide at least that.
I hope you will have it better than me.
Date of experience: 17 July 2023
Reviewed on: 18th July 2023
