Stanley Street Motors in Lowestoft has closed its doors. This family-run car dealership served the local community for more than 45 years. It shut down in June 2025. Many people in Lowestoft were sad to hear the news. They had bought cars there, got advice, or fixed small problems over the years.
The dealership was a well-known spot on Stanley Street. It sold good used cars at fair prices. Customers liked the friendly service and honest way of doing business. Now the place is empty, and the business no longer exists.
When and How the Closure Happened
The closure came suddenly for many people. On June 2, 2025, the dealership posted a message on its Facebook page. It said: “Stanley Street Motors has now ceased trading, due to ill-health and retirement.” The post thanked customers, friends, suppliers, and everyone who supported the business over the years.
They wrote that the Facebook page would soon close. Emails would be checked for a short time to answer any last questions. The website also said it was being shut down step by step.
After the announcement, the cars on the forecourt disappeared quickly. Reports say the remaining stock was sold to another dealer in the area, possibly the one opposite Asda in Lowestoft. This helped clear everything fast.
The building and land then went up for sale. Auction House East Anglia handled it. The auction was set for June 18, 2025. The guide price was between £200,000 and £300,000. The property included the showroom, a workshop, offices, and space for over 30 cars outside.
Good news for the sale: the site sold before the auction day. A mystery buyer took it in mid-June 2025. No one knows yet who bought it or what they plan to do with the place. It could become something new, or stay empty for a while.
The Long History of the Business
Stanley Street Motors started in 1980. That was over four decades ago. John Mitchell ran it for most of that time. It stayed in the same family hands from the beginning to the end.
Back in 1980, more people in the UK were buying cars for everyday use. Lowestoft is a seaside town in Suffolk with fishing, tourism, and local jobs. People needed reliable cars for work, family trips, or getting around.
The dealership focused on used cars. It did not sell brand-new ones from big makers. This let them keep prices lower and give more choice. Customers could visit, look at cars, talk to staff, and often drive home the same day.
Over the years, the business sold tens of thousands of vehicles. Many customers came back again and again. Some became friends with the staff. Reviews often talked about no hard selling, fair deals, and help with small fixes at no extra cost.
John Mitchell built a good name for being honest and helpful. In a time when big chain dealers take over, this small local place felt personal and trustworthy.
The Main Reason for Closing
The clear reason was given in the announcement. The owner, John Mitchell, had health problems and wanted to retire.
Running a car dealership is tough work. It means long days, buying and selling stock, talking to customers, handling money, and following rules like MOT checks and consumer laws. After more than 40 years, health issues can make it too hard to carry on.
Many small family businesses close this way. If the owner gets ill and no one in the family wants to take over, they often decide to stop completely. That happened here. No one bought the business to keep the name going. Instead, it closed fully.
This was not about money problems or bad sales. It was a personal choice. John Mitchell chose to step away because of his health and age.
How the Closure Fits into Bigger Trends
In 2025, many car dealerships closed in the UK. More than 80 places shut down that year. Some closed because costs went up, car supplies were hard to get, or big brands changed plans.
Small independent dealers like Stanley Street Motors face extra challenges. Online car sales are growing. Big groups buy up sites. Fuel prices, insurance, and other costs add pressure.
But for this dealership, the main cause was the owner’s health and retirement. It shows that even strong, long-running businesses can end when personal reasons come into play.
Lowestoft still has other car sellers. There are bigger outlets, supermarket dealers, and places in nearby towns like Great Yarmouth or Beccles. But losing a local, friendly spot like this changes things for some people.
What This Means for the Local Community
The closure affects more than just car buying. For many in Lowestoft, Stanley Street Motors was part of town life. Older residents might have bought their first car there. Families got reliable vehicles for school runs or holidays. Tradespeople found vans that lasted.
People shared memories online after the news. In local Facebook groups, someone asked why the cars were gone. Others replied that the owner retired and the stock was sold. Comments showed real sadness. People said thanks for good service over the years.
The town loses a piece of its history. The personal touch—knowing customers by name, remembering past buys—is hard to find at bigger places.
What Customers Should Do Now
If you were a customer, here are simple steps to take.
The business has fully stopped. No more sales, no repairs under the old name, no new deals. The Facebook page is gone or not active for business. The website is closed.
If you bought a car recently (in late 2024 or early 2025):
- Look at your paperwork. Many used cars come with a short warranty, like 3 to 12 months.
- If something goes wrong that should be covered, you may have rights under UK law.
- But with the business closed, it is harder to get help directly. Try any email if it is still checked.
- The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says cars must be as described, good quality, and okay for normal use.
- If a big fault shows up soon after buying and it was not told to you, you might claim. This could mean small claims court, but it takes time and effort.
If you have finance through them:
- Finance companies like Black Horse or others handle the loan, not the dealer.
- Contact your finance provider right away. Your payments and car ownership stay the same. The closure does not change your agreement.
If you sold a car to them:
- If there are any paperwork or payment issues, try old contact details. But responses may be limited now.
For future car needs:
- Shop at other local dealers. Check reviews on Google, Auto Trader, or Trustpilot.
- Always test drive cars and ask questions.
- Get a vehicle history check (like HPI) to avoid problems.
- Understand any warranty clearly and keep all papers.
- Local independent garages can help with MOTs, services, and fixes.
Many people are already using other places in Lowestoft. The car market keeps moving, and new options appear.
Final Thoughts
Stanley Street Motors gave good service to Lowestoft for 45 years. From 1980 to June 2025, it helped thousands find safe, affordable cars. The friendly, honest approach made it special.
John Mitchell retired because of ill health. The business closed with thanks to everyone who supported it. The site sold quickly, and a new chapter starts for the property.
For customers, there may be small worries about recent buys or warranties. UK laws give some protection. Other dealers can fill the gap for new cars or repairs.
The empty spot on Stanley Street reminds us that businesses change. But the good memories of fair deals and kind help will stay with many people in Lowestoft for a long time.
This story shows how one local business touched so many lives. Even when it closes, its impact lasts.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources as of 2025. We are not affiliated with Stanley Street Motors or its former owner. For any issues related to purchases, warranties, finance, or legal matters, please contact your finance provider directly or seek advice from official services such as Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
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