Business Details
22 Years
experience
Premium Used Cars & Servicing in Leighton Buzzard
Free Spirit Automotive is a family-owned independent car sales, service, and MOT centre established in 2004. Operating from modern premises in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, we are part of a wider franchised dealership group with over 30 years of automotive expertise. Our team delivers a no-pressure sales environment with over 80 vehicles on display, complemented by an on-site service and MOT centre since 2015. We offer competitive finance options through lenders like Alphera and maintain a strong reputation for transparency, with 98% of customers returning for repeat business. Our founder Jamie Derbyshire combines 20+ years of motorsport experience with a commitment to customer care, ensuring every vehicle undergoes rigorous pre-sale checks.As an FCA-regulated credit broker, we provide tailored finance solutions while maintaining strict impartiality. Our 10,000+ satisfied customers across the UK, Ireland, and Europe attest to our dedication to quality, with all vehicles receiving comprehensive preparation including timing belt replacements and full service histories. We pride ourselves on our 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating from verified reviews, reflecting our core values of honesty and exceptional service.
Services
Car Sales
MOT Testing
Vehicle Servicing
Finance Options
Pre-Delivery Inspections
Part Exchange
Warranty Protection
Vehicle Collection
Online Sales
Trade Valuations
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Family business with 30+ years automotive industry expertise
- On-site service centre with MOT testing since 2015
- 98% customer return rate for sales and servicing
- FCA-regulated credit broker with multiple finance options
- Comprehensive pre-sale vehicle preparation included
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
What people say
No-pressure sales environment
Professional and friendly team
Smooth transaction process
Competitive finance options
Thorough vehicle preparation
Services
Car Sales
We offer an extensive selection of premium used vehicles with full service histories. Our no-pressure sales approach ensures transparent pricing with all cars undergoing comprehensive pre-sale inspections. Customers benefit from competitive finance options through FCA-regulated partners and nationwide delivery services.
MOT Testing
Our DVSA-approved MOT testing centre provides thorough vehicle inspections with clear explanations of results. We offer competitive pricing and convenient booking options, with all necessary repairs completed in-house by qualified technicians to ensure first-time pass rates.
Vehicle Servicing
Our service centre delivers manufacturer-standard maintenance using genuine parts. We offer fixed-price servicing packages with transparent pricing, including timing belt replacements and comprehensive health checks performed by factory-trained technicians using specialist diagnostic equipment.
Finance Options
As an FCA-regulated credit broker, we provide tailored finance solutions through multiple lenders. Our transparent pricing includes competitive APR rates with no hidden fees, and our advisors help customers understand total repayment terms and choose suitable payment plans.
Pre-Delivery Inspections
Every vehicle undergoes a 127-point inspection process before delivery. This includes mechanical checks, interior/exterior condition assessments, and service history verification. We provide detailed reports to customers and address any issues before handover to ensure complete satisfaction.
People
Jamie Derbyshire
Owner
With 20+ years motorsport experience including FIA GT championships, Jamie combines racing expertise with automotive business leadership. He established Free Spirit Automotive in 2004, maintaining family dealership traditions while introducing innovative customer service approaches that have driven 10,000+ successful vehicle sales.
Questions
What finance options are available for car purchases?
We offer FCA-regulated finance through multiple lenders including Alphera, with options for PCP, HP, and personal loans. Our advisors help customers understand APR rates and repayment terms to find suitable solutions.
Can I buy a car entirely online?
Yes, we provide full online purchasing with video walk-throughs, digital paperwork, and contactless delivery. Over 25% of our recent sales have been completed remotely with customers receiving vehicles at their doorstep.
What's included in pre-delivery vehicle preparation?
All cars receive a 127-point inspection, timing belt replacements where needed, full service, MOT (if applicable), and cosmetic touch-ups. We provide detailed reports showing all completed work before handover.
How do part exchange valuations work?
We provide instant online valuations followed by in-person assessments. Our transparent process ensures no hidden deductions, with over 85% of vehicles purchased through part exchange in 2023 receiving the quoted valuation.
What MOT preparation services do you offer?
Our MOT preparation includes free preliminary checks, comprehensive diagnostics, and necessary repairs using genuine parts. We provide detailed defect reports with repair cost breakdowns to help customers make informed decisions.
Can I test drive multiple vehicles?
Yes, we encourage customers to test drive multiple vehicles with no time limits. Our sales team provides comparative analysis between models to help customers make confident purchasing decisions based on performance and comfort.
Reviews (7)
Kristy Croce
May 01, 2022
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Just a note to say how satisfied and happy I am with my new car. Fast, efficient and excellent service. In a few days I had my car. I highly recommend.
Paul Burns
Apr 19, 2022
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Fantastic experience with Sam, charming, knowledgeable and a real pleasure to deal with. I would very much recommend Free Spirit Automotive. First Class!
Jason Boxall
Mar 21, 2022
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Sold my Volvo through Motorway and was contacted very promptly afterwards by Sam from Free spirit who explained how it would all work, he arranged to collect the car the next day. Sam arrived on time and kept me updated with everything. He inspected the car and agreed the full price with Jamie who transferred the money quickly. Sam talked through all the paperwork with me and was polite and helpful throughout. Very happy with the price received and with the friendly, helpful Sam and Jamie.
Bunker Man
Mar 21, 2022
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Really like this showroom! I visited a friend close by and he needed my help choosing a car. This company is fantastic leaves you alone with the car you want to view and promptly fixed any issues! Ended up spending thousands here!
Helen Digby
Mar 08, 2022
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Free Spirit made my recent car purchase effortless and hassle-free. Mark is great to deal with and Sam who delivered my car extremely pleasant and helpful. A couple of queries after-sale were handled quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend Free Spirit to any would-be purchasers.
Lee Coles
Mar 03, 2022
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Sold my car through motorway to Free Spirit Automotive. I was contacted by Sam to arrange collection of the car, this was a effortless processes. They came to collect car, made sure everything worked and took for a test drive. With in an hour of Sam turning up the full agreed amount was in my bank account no haggling. Thank you for a very easy process
C. C. S.
Feb 13, 2022
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We have been dealing with this family run business for the last 8 years and we have always found them to go the extra mile to give us an excellent and a very professional service. We have brought 4 cars from this company and we have many of our family and friends cars serviced by free spirit automotive ltd. A special big thank you to Mark for his help and his very professional service the other day when we purchased our daughter her first car. Highly recommended.
