Welcome to Webwatch, a regular series in which we rate places on the web to buy used trucks. This time we focus on 'nearly new' HGV dealer Hanbury Riverside.
Company: Hanbury Riverside
Address: www.hanburyriverside.co.uk
Homepage
"Our website is our shop window," boasts West Thurrock, Essex-based truck dealer Hanbury Riverside - and so it comes as little surprise that this is one site that looks professional and is well set out.
Navigate around using the links along the left-hand side, and click on the 'Hanbury Riverside' logo at the top to return to the homepage at any time.
It's worth noting that Hanbury specialises in 'nearly new' HGVs, so you won't find any light CVs, trailers or plant for sale here.
Product search
To search through the Hanbury stock, click on the 'Trucks for Sale' link in the top left of the website, then select 'List of trucks for sale'. After that, choose a marque from the selection that appears. Alternatively, click on one of the manufacturers' logos in the bottom half of the homepage.
The more eagle-eyed among you will spot a 'search' box at the top of every page; unlike the one on the Ford & Slater website, you can use it to search the site for stock, so feel free to tap in a make, model or any other keyword of your choice.
Once you have selected a manufacturer, the website will list all the available trucks, as well as some that are flagged up as 'arriving soon' or have recently been sold. A thumbnail image is displayed for each truck and brief details are given: mileage, year and registration number.
Click on a thumbnail to find out more about that particular HGV. The specification is comprehensive and includes engine type, cab type, axle configuration and trim level, among other factors - in fact, there's nearly as much information as you might find in a Commercial Motor road test (OK, not quite).
Above the specification is a neat widget that displays a larger (and very clear) photo of the truck in question; leave it for a minute and it will automatically change to a different image of the same vehicle. But if you are feeling impatient, you can use the left and right arrow icons to scroll through all the available photos.
We were unable to get this widget working in Firefox, so if you are having problems with it, then try using a different browser.
Should you wish to express further interest in a truck, complete the online enquiry form that follows the specification and Hanbury will get in touch. Prices are on application.
Other pages
Apart from the stock listing, the site contains the usual contact information ('contact us'), map ('How to find us') and history of the firm ('About Hanbury Riverside').
Under the 'Trucks for sale' menu item, you will also find information on the level of cover offered by Hanbury's 'Extended DriveLine Warranty' and on its aftersales service.
The other useful part of the site is 'Find me a truck'. Complete the online form with details of the sort of vehicle you are looking for, and Hanbury will attempt to source it for you.
We like
- Comprehensive information on all trucks
- Can search the whole site by keyword
- Innovative use of truck photos
We're not sure
- Site wouldn't display properly on all browsers
Conclusion
A friendly yet professional site that is informative without being overwhelming.
Web rating
Appearance: 8/10
Information: 9/10
Navigation: 8/10
Check out our other recent Webwatches, including:
If you would like your used truck website to be considered for a future Webwatch and appear on this blog as well as in Commercial Motor magazine, please email james.clark@rbi.co.uk