The 5 Best Car Dealers in Edinburgh Helping Locals Make Smart Purchases
After deciding I’m done with taxi services, I began shopping for my first car in Edinburgh, and I was completely overwhelmed by the choices!
Some dealers felt pushy, but the right ones made the process surprisingly smooth, even for a young lad (way back when).
I’m here to reassure newbie buyers or those upgrading to something sleeker that there are great car dealers in Edinburgh that they can trust. From reliable used cars to shiny new models, there’s a spot for every budget.
How much do car dealers charge in Edinburgh?
Car dealers in Edinburgh (and the wider UK) may charge administration fees on top of the listed vehicle price. These fees often cover paperwork, registration, and preparation of the car.
Typical amounts for these fees vary. Many dealers charge around £99 for basic paperwork processing, vehicle registration, filing ownership paperwork, and standard checks and £500 for complex trade-ins, and advanced cleaning/valeting/paperwork.
1. Howard-Johnston Ltd
Address: 92-120 Ferry Rd., Leith
Contact: +441315536276
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–1 PM
When I walked into Howard-Johnston Ltd, the first thing that struck me was how upfront they were. Every fee and financing option was laid out, so there were no nasty surprises.
I browsed both new and used cars, and the used ones were in excellent shape. One trade-in even came with a full service history, which gave me peace of mind.
They had a decent range of brands, from practical Fords to sleek Audis. The salesperson explained the warranty clearly without trying to push extras I didn’t need.
Trading in my old car was easier than I expected. They gave me a fair valuation on the spot, so the deal was wrapped up minus the headaches.
If there’s an issue, it’s that the lot isn’t huge, so if you’re after rare models, you might not find them here. Test drives on weekends can also be a bit of a wait unless you book ahead.
Customer Reviews
The Mini is exactly as described
We ‘remotely purchased’ a 2018 Mini Cooper convertible from this company. The service from Peter and his team was outstanding. The car was delivered from Edinburgh to Suffolk quickly and at a reasonable cost. The Mini is exactly as described, and we are delighted with it. It was a pleasure to do business with this company, and I recommend Howard-Johnson without reservation.
- Elliott NL, Google Review
Great garage and highly recommend
I bought a Honda CR-V from Peter, and it’s great. His aftercare is exemplary, and nothing is too much trouble. Great garage and highly recommend.
- Heather Cunneen, Google Review
2. Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield Motorstore / Vanstore
Address: 38 Seafield Rd E
Contact: +441316578750
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9 AM–8 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM
Sunday, 11 AM–6 PM
My brother wanted to look for a reliable new car, so I accompanied him to Arnold Clark Seafield Motorstore. We were both impressed at the new and used stock right there, with the sales rep pointing out brands from mainstream to premium with no pressure to buy.
We found a nearly-new vehicle that felt well prepared and were told about their financing options, and how a trade-in could work. There were various brands available, and we spotted everything from compact hatchbacks to SUVs.
My brother felt he had a real choice, and the trade-in valuation he was offered for his old car felt fair and transparent. He also appreciated that they didn’t gloss over what was covered (and how long) in the warranty and after-sales service.
It was a reassuring experience for him to see the used car inventory, with each vehicle showing decent service history. Everything looked tidy, so he felt it was a confident purchase even before all the paperwork.
I also checked out the new-car side, which showed value, with financing presented in straightforward terms. If there’s a con, the sheer size and range mean it can feel a little impersonal compared with a smaller boutique dealer.
Customer Reviews
I bought my dream car (a Seat Arona FR Sport) from Arnold Clark
Brilliant service. Really helpful and friendly service. I was recommended Arnold Clark by a family member. I bought my dream car (a Seat Arona FR Sport) from Arnold Clark Edinburgh with the help of Mark Ford. The car had to be brought down South. Mark was brilliant, great at keeping me informed of the car’s journey down. I really appreciate all your efforts. Thank you very much for all your help.
- Diogo Miguel Aguiar, Google Review
The entire process was stress-free
Excellent experience working with Nicky Young at Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield. Nicky was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. Took the time to listen to what I was looking for, answered all my questions and provided honest guidance to help me make the right choice. The entire process was stress-free. Cheers Nicky, delighted with my new car.
- Christopher Joyce, Google Review
3. Fortune Motor Company
Address: 357 Gorgie Rd, Gorgie
Contact: +441313131133
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–3 PM
I popped into Fortune Motor Company, hoping to stock up for future reference, and was impressed by how clean and well-maintained the used stock was.
They specialise in used vehicles with low mileage, and I liked that the brands ranged from Ford to Mazda to Citroen, giving a decent mix for all budgets. There was nothing too flashy; the models all seemed reliable and sensible, with great trade-in valuation.
The team walked me through financing options and made the trade-in process sound simple, although I didn’t go ahead this time. They also explained their standard warranty on used cars, which offered at least 3 months of warranty and vehicle history checks.
Having visited, I appreciated that the approach felt more personal than larger dealers, with fewer gimmicks and more straightforward talk. The “appointment only” system keeps things calm and gives customers time to check the car properly without being rushed.
However, because they focus almost entirely on used cars, you won’t find large volumes of new-model stock or big brand-new promos here. Also, being appointment-only can mean less spontaneity, so you can’t just check out something that suits your fancy without booking.
Customer Reviews
Delivery was organised quickly and efficiently
Thank you. After the decision to buy was made, everything went swiftly and smoothly. As I live a distance away, delivery was organised quickly and efficiently. The car is a delight, and I am very pleased with the whole process.
- Judith McIntosh, Google Review
I have always been very happy with my purchase
Jack is so helpful and goes out of his way to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. I have been buying cars from Fortune for the last few years, and I have always been very happy with my purchase. I would recommend Fortune to anyone looking for the perfect car.
- Lindy McDonald, Google Review
4. George MacKay Cars
Address: Napier House, 8A Colinton Road
Contact: +441314476000
Hours: By appointment
When I rolled up with my dad at George MacKay Cars, they welcomed us to their lot of carefully chosen used cars. We spotted everything from Audis to Porsches, and even some 4×4 models.
With wallets open for future reference, we found that the trade-in program was explained clearly, so there was no head-scratching when we talked about part-exchanging his older car.
They walked us through several realistic plans (credit-broker style) when we asked about financing options. When they mentioned the warranty option, my dad nodded, liking the straightforwardness of what was covered.
He’s quite picky about brands, so the fact that he was impressed with the available brands was telling. Seeing high-end models alongside everyday city cars gave him confidence that they know their market and pick their inventory carefully.
On the flip side, the stocks lean heavily toward used cars rather than fresh, off-the-factory new models. So if you’re after a brand-new release, just know it might not be their strongest point.
Customer Reviews
I would not hesitate to use George Mackay again!
Fantastic! I bought my dream 911 from George Mackay Cars, and it was, hands-down, the best car-buying experience I have had. When I originally enquired about the car, a deposit had already been taken, but Andrew still dealt with me as a valued customer. As luck would have it, the original sale fell through, and the rest is history! Communication was great, and Andrew and Ross really know their stuff, which gives a lot of confidence. I would not hesitate to use George Mackay again!
- Chris Binns, Google Review
Everything was true about dealing with GM cars
First time I have bought from an independent dealer and have to say that after reading the reviews before buying, everything was true about dealing with GM cars. The service I received from Andrew was first class. I would not hesitate to recommend buying from this dealership.
- Gavin McCourt, Google Review
5. Redpath & McLean
Address: 67 Salamander St, Leith
Contact: +441315549969
Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM
Sunday, noon–5 PM
My best bud asked me to accompany him to Redpath & McLean for a potential trade-in. When we walked inside, we saw a broad spread of used cars from brands like Audi, BMW, Ford, and Vauxhall, and it wasn’t long before my friend found one he liked at a fair price.
Financing options were laid out to him sans the pressure. They also explained the trade-in program clearly and had his old car valued quickly and painlessly.
He liked how clear the warranty covers were. He can pick different cover levels based on the car’s condition, which helped my pal plan his budget.
One thing I noticed on our excursion, though: the inventory is mostly used cars, which suited my friend, but might not be for those seeking brand-new models.
Also, some of the vehicles I checked out looked like they might need more checks than others to feel completely worry-free.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic trade-in and buying experience
Fantastic trade-in and buying experience. Keith was well organised and fair, making it a seamless transaction. Even went out of his way to forward on some service history – much appreciated!
- James Sanders, Google Review
Such a stress-free, easy process
Darroch at Redpath & McLean helped me sell my car before going away travelling, and it was such a stress-free, easy process at a time when we had a lot going on. I can’t thank him enough for all his help!
- Beth Hale, Google Review