John Banks Group Reviews 

2,465
•
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 371 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the helpful, polite, and professional staff who guide buyers smoothly through every step of purchasing a new or used car. People deeply appreciate the clear communication, thorough explanations of vehicle features, and welcoming atmosphere experienced during their showroom visits and test drives. However, some customers also noted communication difficulties, prolonged delays, and frustrating experiences regarding after-sales support or routine vehicle servicing. A few reviewers experienced specific issues involving incomplete paperwork, unhelpful handling of post-purchase concerns, or unreturned phone calls. These individuals felt disappointed by the lack of proper follow-up and insufficient preparation during their transactions.

What people talk about most

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, noting that the team members are consistently helpful,... See more

Service

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of service, noting that staff are exceptionally pleasant, knowledgeable,... See more

Product

Customers had positive experiences with product, expressing satisfaction with their new vehicles and how... See more

Customer service

Reviewers mention positive feedback about customer service, highlighting that people felt welcomed and valued... See more

User experience

People report positive experiences with user experience, highlighting a straightforward and smooth process... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Staff always helpful. Received service and mot reminder in good time and offered a convenient time. Service staff were very pleasant and chatty when I dropped my car off and on collection. Arrived... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is the 10th Honda we have purchased from John Banks. Staff are always polite, very knowledgeable & do not push to make a sale. We felt that our requirements & views were listened to & more infor... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was the second time we’ve used John Banks Suzuki in Bury St Edmunds both times to buy a Vitara this time a new one. They’re an excellent family business. David Boor there sales specialist communi... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We were so impressed with the service we received when we bought a used Suzuki last year that this week we went to look at a newer used model and ended up buying a brand new car! No sales pressure -... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Car Dealer
  2. also in
  3. Honda Dealer
  4. Hyundai Dealer
  5. Mazda Dealer
  6. Renault dealer
  7. Suzuki Dealer

Written by the company

John Banks Group: Driving Excellence for Over 50 Years For more than half a century, John Banks Group has stood as a trusted name in the automotive industry, delivering exceptional vehicles and unparalleled customer experiences. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a motorcycle devotee, or simply searching for the perfect vehicle to match your lifestyle, we have the expertise, inventory, and commitment to make your journey extraordinary. A Legacy of Automotive Excellence From our humble beginnings in 1974, John Banks Group has grown into a premier automotive destination, offering a diverse range of vehicles across ten renowned brands and fourteen locations. We proudly serve communities in Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, with a mission to provide every customer with a vehicle that fits their unique needs and preferences. Our extensive inventory includes the latest models and high-quality pre-owned vehicles. Whether you're seeking innovative electric vehicles, powerful motorcycles, family-friendly SUVs, or reliable daily drivers, John Banks Group is your one-stop destination. Our People, Our Strength At the heart of our success is our exceptional team of over 180 dedicated professionals. They bring expertise, passion, and a customer-first approach to every interaction. Our staff is well-versed in the latest automotive trends, features, and technologies, ensuring you receive insightful guidance and support every step of the way. Guided by Core Values Our guiding principles—transparency, integrity, and personaliSed service—are the foundation of our business. These values are reflected in everything we do, from straightforward pricing to our commitment to building lasting relationships with our customers. At John Banks Group, you're more than a customer; you're part of our extended family. A Modern and Comprehensive Experience We combine tradition with innovation, offering cutting-edge facilities equipped with state-of-the-art workshops, master technicians, and seamless digital services. From purchasing and financing to servicing and aftersales care, we strive to make every part of your journey smooth and rewarding. Your Automotive Partner Across the Region Conveniently located in Ipswich, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, and Cambridge, John Banks Group is here to meet your automotive needs. Whether you're exploring the rugged reliability of a Dacia, the advanced technology of a Honda, or the thrilling performance of a Suzuki, you can trust us to deliver excellence. Experience the Difference Today John Banks Group is more than a dealership—it’s a destination where your journey to finding the perfect vehicle is as enjoyable and satisfying as driving it. Discover why generations of customers trust John Banks Group to keep them on the road with confidence. John Banks Group: Driving excellence, building trust, and setting new standards in the automotive industry.


Contact info

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

2K reviews

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No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 43% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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4.8

All reviews

(2,465)

337 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It's the people at John Banks Ipswich that count

It's the people at John Banks Ipswich that make the difference. At some other dealers the staff could be replaced by AI Computer Screens and the service would improve. At John Banks Honda the whole team contributes to a great purchasing experience, notably Ed Kreckler and Kymberley Cant. But the service team is customer friendly too, so my latest purchase was a return to Honda after a brief experience elsewhere.

16 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Happy customer

We have been with John Banks for a number of years, even if we are not local to the Cambridge dealership. We recently purchased a Hyundai Kona 2.6 hybrid N line S. The senior sales person Darren was extremely knowledgeable, patient and had no hard sales tactics.
We were undecided between three different cars. Darren went through each car and after a test drive the Kona was our choice. The pricing was very clear and the finance paperwork handled quickly and efficiently with no fuss.
We would happily recommend any family or friends to the John Banks dealership.

19 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently brought a Suzuki from David…

I recently brought a Suzuki from David Boor in Bury from start to finish David was very helpful and gave me all the information I needed. I would definitely recommend John Banks Suzuki to friends and family and tell them to go and see David Boor!

4 October 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Staff always helpful

Staff always helpful. Received service and mot reminder in good time and offered a convenient time. Service staff were very pleasant and chatty when I dropped my car off and on collection. Arrived to collect my car as final paperwork was being sent through so technician had a chat about my car and anything which he thought I should check.

25 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Straight forward process from start to…

Straight forward process from start to finish.
Paul was very good at keeping in contact throughout, he was very patient and understanding.
He made the whole process easy and uncomplicated ensuring we understood everything.
We must add we were away on holiday during the whole process
It was a very thorough hand over, and we are very pleased product and with Paul contacting us today to ensure everything was fine

24 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

John Banks Colchester

John Banks Colchester - Renault Rafale car Service Review.

After struggling to secure an appointment elsewhere, John Banks organised everything promptly. Despite the distance from London to Colchester, the visit proved worthwhile.

During the service, a complication arose with my car's immobiliser (Ghost II), the mechanic team couldn't proceed without the security sequence code. Caroline Lyons swiftly arranged a courtesy car, allowing me to return home whilst the issue was resolved. The following day, the immobiliser company worked with the mechanic team to reconfigure the device, and everything proceeded smoothly.

The professionalism throughout was exceptional. Caroline Lyons and Elliot Hamilton were particularly outstanding, knowledgeable, efficient, and genuinely committed to excellent service. I felt welcomed and valued at every stage.

I highly recommend John Banks and look forward to returning next year.

23 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

John Banks Bury St Edmunds

David was very friendly and very helpful right from the start of the process of buying our new car.
He took us for a test drive on roads that we were able to drive at different speeds to decide if this was the right car for us.
He answered all of our questions and made sure we were happy and made the right choice of car.
We were able to test drive and drive away in 3 days as this was how long we were in the area before driving back up north.

19 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

After sales support is virtually…

After sales support is virtually non-existent. In particular the Colchester dealership
seems particularly disorganised and they look to frustrate any attempts to contact the service department by telephone.

16 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently purchased a Hyundai IONIQ…

I recently purchased a Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid Premium 5 from John Banks Hyundai, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience.
A special thank you to Mr Darren Briggs, who provided excellent service from start to finish. Darren was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and very helpful throughout the whole process. He explained everything clearly, answered all my questions and made the whole experience easy and stress-free, without any pressure.
The team at John Banks Hyundai were also welcoming and professional, and the office had a friendly and well-organised atmosphere.
I’m extremely happy with my Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid Premium 5 and really appreciate the excellent customer service I received from Darren Briggs.
I would definitely recommend Mr Darren Briggs and John Banks Hyundai to anyone looking to buy a Hyundai. A great experience all round! 🚗👏

25 June 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This office branch

The cleanliness of the office, the lovely smell, the lovely cars on show the business is booming because of the service they provide. Always with a smile, kindness and supportive. There is one person in particular that I am very grateful for. I have experienced the process of choosing, ordering and receiving 2 cars in 1 year from this company. Many calls and emails and always been a happy, smooth process. Thank you so much.

4 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Think Twice Before Buying If You Expect After-Sales Support

★☆☆☆☆

I would strongly advise anyone considering purchasing a vehicle from John Banks to think carefully about how they might be treated if something goes wrong.

My brand-new Alpine A290 GTS+ was delivered with issues that I reported almost immediately after delivery. These included rear bumper damage and multiple shiny patches within the matte bonnet finish. In my opinion, the bonnet defects appeared entirely consistent with poor or unprofessional preparation of a matte-painted vehicle prior to delivery. A new car simply should not arrive with visible imperfections in the finish.

What disappointed me most was not the defects themselves, but the way the complaint was handled by Bradley Banks.

I supplied photographs, inspection documents and supporting evidence, and spent almost two months trying to reach a fair resolution. During discussions with the leasing broker, the rear bumper issue appeared to be acknowledged, with comments including "I agree with you on the back" and "we can get them to do the back". Yet when I raised a formal complaint directly with the dealership, the position changed completely and all responsibility was denied.

I repeatedly requested access to the original high-resolution inspection photographs that should have helped establish the vehicle's condition, but these were never provided despite numerous requests.

The final response relied almost entirely on the fact that no damage had been noted in writing on the delivery form while seemingly disregarding the wider evidence that had been provided.

No dealership is perfect and problems can happen. What defines a business is how it deals with those problems. Unfortunately, my experience was that once the vehicle had been delivered, resolving legitimate concerns became somebody else's problem.

For a dealership representing Renault, Alpine and Dacia, I expected a far higher standard of vehicle preparation, customer care and complaint handling.

Extremely disappointing experience.

21 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I went to Suzuki to test drive an S Cross

I went to Suzuki to test drive a vehicle but ended up buying a different vehicle, the salesmen, David Boor was very friendly and professional, he is very knowledgeable about the different aspects of the cars and helped choose which car was more important for me, David also explained some of the extra insurance I could have, which I also purchased,
I am so happy with my new car, I will go back to Bury St Edmunds to have my car MOT and service done as I feel confident and trust that my car is in the best place

3 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

When I arrived at John Banks Honda at…

When I arrived at John Banks Honda at Bury St Edmunds I did not know if I would be able to find a car that I would like after having my 4×4Panda 14 years, but they had a car on their website called a Suzuki Swift Ultra 1.2. A few days later we arranged to have a test drive. We arrived on a Saturday morning greeted by a very nice man called David. We then went on a very long test drive. It must have been over an hour being told what did what. Having M.S I find it hard to understand things. This man David was so understanding it was so nice and comforting. I was out of my comfort zone but I was touched so much by the time he took with everything.

15 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The team are always very friendly and…

The team are always very friendly and helpful, particularly the reception desk to ensure that your visit is made as "painless" as possible.
The mechanics work is of a very high standard as always.

3 September 2026
Unprompted review

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