New Van Damage. (1 Viewer)

andyjack

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Dec 22, 2013
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since 2007
Hi All.
This is my first post so please go easy on me.
I joined this Forum some months ago whilst trying to find some evidence about new van damage!
This is because our Van was suffering Paintwork problems and i knew we had not had a bump so wondered what was causing it.
After contacting the Manufacturer { Swift } and the retailer { Brownhills } it came to light that our Van had been damaged whilst being made!
Swift actually sent me an email confirming that the Van had suffered damage during production and was repainted.
I can only surmise that this was done at the Factory, and not by an outside Vehicle repairer as it was at the Factory at the time.
Now. Our Van a Bessacarr e560 was purchased New in October 2011, the Paintwork problems became obvious around August 2011.
It was mentioned to the Dealer and it was decided that when we took the Van in for it's annual habitation check in October, our problems would be addressed.
Now the fun starts, our Van was taken to Newark in November as Brownhills/me couldn't find a mutual date in October. { i work shifts 1 in 3 weekends.}
On arrival i mentioned my Paintwork problems to be told, we don't do our own paintwork we use an offsite specialist, who comes to Site on Tuesdays and Thursdays when required.
Great, I am now no closer, { why wasn't this mentioned before on the phone.} they say i can contact Swift and arrange for me to take it too a Dealer closer to myself for appraisal.
OK. Habitation done, get in touch with Swift go to Todds at Chorley. Work shop Manager takes ONE LOOK! and says "that Van has been in an accident".
I Reply, " No it's F*****g not!" sorry about the language i was outraged at the suggestion.
So to cut a very long Story short, Swift said "yes we damaged it and repaired it" not very well says I!
NO I WAS NOT INFORMED AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE!

Now here is where i need some help.
Swifts solution is simple, we will pay for it to be repainted.
I say, yes but it still has damage to the Panel underneath, with filler and a repair it is still a damaged Van.
Swifts solution is still simple, we will pay for it to be repainted.
But my 2011 Motorhome is still a damaged Van and is therefore worth less than it should be!
Swift, denies there is any financial implications to the damage, and they will still pay for it to be repainted, and thats it! Oh and Brownhills agrees that this is a fair offer!
So please, anyone out there have any ideas? what next?
Would you now go out and buy a New Swift Motorhome or Caravan, i wont AGAIN!
N.B. I have never asked for or expected to get a replacement Van under Soga, which is a minefield in itself!
Hope to speak again soon, sorry for going on.
Andy.
 
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andyjack

Free Member
Dec 22, 2013
5
2
north west.
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29,442
MH
coachbuilt
Exp
since 2007
Sorry about the confusion above, Paintwork Faults became obvious in August 2013 not 2011 as first Posted.
Sorry about that.
Regards.
Andy.
 

DP+JAY

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In my experience of dealers & manufacturers you're doing well, just get it done & be thankfull.:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

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Oct 1, 2013
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It is a joke that they can sell a repaired vehicle as a new one.

I would have rejected it. Maybe you still can ?
 

Carol

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Andy, first of all welcome to fun, sorry it's with a problem, one I admit I would not be happy with, think I would be wanting to get the dealer to take it in part exchange and get another one that you are not going to always have a underlying worry with.

That's one thought, I am sure others will be along with different ideas.:welcomefunster:
 

movan

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Hi Andy, ask yourself are you going to be happy with the repaired van? If so, then be grateful they are doing it at this stage, but ask for some other recompense ... do you have a solar panel?

If you will always be thinking about the damage, then do as Carol says.... I say this only because I know if the van is broken into it is difficult to keep it as you are always aware of its history ... maybe this is the same. I don't know how you are feeling.

Once it is repaired to as good as new there is no reason not to enjoy it and come along to the meets and tell us all a good tale around the bbq.:Smile:

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Ber090

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Dec 12, 2012
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Hi andyjack, Sorry to hear about your paintwork issues. I have no connection to Swift other than being a customer for a number of years. When I have had issues I can honestly say that Swift have carried out remedial work to a standard that was at a level so it was impossible to know that any problem had existed. My advice would be to let them rectify the issue to a level that you both agree is as new.
I do know that in the Car industry it is not that unusual for paintwork to be " corrected" before delivery. Any good paintshop or valeter can measure the depth of paint in areas to instantly show where paint has been " corrected"
Cheers
Bernie
 
Oct 27, 2013
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Trade descriptions? It was sold as a new van with no mention of damage. Surely there must be some comeback that way?

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andyjack

Free Member
Dec 22, 2013
5
2
north west.
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coachbuilt
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since 2007
Hi,
First off thanks for the quick responses, not used to forums yet.
In answer to one of the replies the paint damage is on the Drivers side behind and above the Kitchen window. it is around 30 inches in diameter, however more are starting to show up in front of this and below the kitchen window. in 3 or 4 patches.
In response to Swift themselves painting it. They have not offered to, They say, they don't have a Body repair shop, and in all honesty i DO NOT want them to do it again.
I have however requested that the van is refitted with a new side at their factory, but they have so far refused this.
If the first paint repair lasted less than two years, why would i let them do another repair!
Another reply said trade it it in! This is certainly not practical, this is our second Motorhome and barring a win on the lottery will be our only chance of owning a new Van.
Plus, what do you think a Motorhome with a History of panel damage is worth? I certainly wouldn't buy one if i was aware.
Or am i being naive? is this common practice in this industry? I am still a newbie compared to many.
Regards
Andy.
 

scotjimland

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...
I do know that in the Car industry it is not that unusual for paintwork to be " corrected" before delivery....

Bernie

Indeed..

Having worked at Ford's Assembly line in Dagenham... I witnessed this..

Minor damage that happens as the car goes along the assembly line is common place.. at final inspection it is pulled and repaired / resprayed.. Doors are particularly vulnerable..

Maybe this is why Ford closed that plant..:RollEyes:

Damage also occurs during transit from assembly line to the dealer .. During that journey as many as 20 or more drivers may have driven it .. and not many drive with any consideration or thought as to it being a new vehicle. .. :Doh:
 

haganap

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really tricky this one.

Would love to see some pictures of the damage.

On one side of the coin they are offering to repair it so in my view standing by their obligations. However, what were they doing selling a van that they had known was damaged? did the retailer know of the damage? was the van reduced in price to Brownhills because of the damage? or did swift cover up the fact it was damaged?

I think If I was you I would take them up on their offer of repair.

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Puddleduck

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I think you need specialist advice on this - perhaps Citizen's Advice could help you.

Once you have accepted the repair that maybe the end of the road but I'm not sure what else you can do at this point except for legal action to recover any financial loss or getting one of the consumer champions to take up your case.
 

DP+JAY

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Hi,
First off thanks for the quick responses, not used to forums yet.
In answer to one of the replies the paint damage is on the Drivers side behind and above the Kitchen window. it is around 30 inches in diameter, however more are starting to show up in front of this and below the kitchen window. in 3 or 4 patches.
In response to Swift themselves painting it. They have not offered to, They say, they don't have a Body repair shop, and in all honesty i DO NOT want them to do it again.
I have however requested that the van is refitted with a new side at their factory, but they have so far refused this.
If the first paint repair lasted less than two years, why would i let them do another repair!
Another reply said trade it it in! This is certainly not practical, this is our second Motorhome and barring a win on the lottery will be our only chance of owning a new Van.
Plus, what do you think a Motorhome with a History of panel damage is worth? I certainly wouldn't buy one if i was aware.
Or am i being naive? is this common practice in this industry? I am still a newbie compared to many.
Regards
Andy.

If your van is currently watertight then getting a new side fitted could cause mor problems re water ingress. Get it repaired, as stated many vehicles are damaged in transit, just make sure you are happy with the repair & garuantee before you sign for it.
 

eddie

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Oct 4, 2007
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Trouble is that if you went to court, the argument would be along the lines of, we bought a van, cut the roof off, cut the back of the van off, cut the chassis off and added a new chassis, electrical system, cut holes in the sides for windows, cut holes in the roof for vents, hung trim and moulding all the way around the van, rewired it, added hot and cold water plumbing and appliances, mains electrics and 12 volt electrics, heating, a gas system, then we prep it for delivery. Their offer then to re-paint anything your not satisfied with would sound reasonable to court

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DBK

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We had a similar thread a few weeks ago and I posted this link which leads to some advice about how to reject a vehicle. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/51829/i-want-to-reject-my-faulty-new-car---what-can-i-do. Follow the other links on the page for more examples.

From memory there is no actual cut-off time for lodging a claim and the principle of "reasonable time" applies.

However, that panels were filled is probably not a sufficient reason for rejecting, filler was used on Bentleys and the like IIRC but a poor standard of repair and painting would be. It would cost nothing to consult a solicitor but I personally would stay well clear of the no win no fee merchants.
 

Peter JohnsCross MH

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If you go down the route of repair and repainting, it needs to go to a proper coachbuilder/bodyshop with full facilities.

It must be done in such a way as not to be visible, take photos of before and after otherwise any potential purchaser/dealer could consider it had had major accident damage.

Your claim is against the retail supplying dealer not the converter

Good luck

Peter
 

TheBig1

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my advice would be get it repaired, but properly....as in repaint the whole side to prevent shading issues. that includes swift supplying replacement graphics so it really does appear a new side. this is pretty much what would happen if it was returned to swift and they did repair it and not fob you off with excuses

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Scout

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I would prefer respray rather than a new side. Too much chance of water getting in after major side surgery. I would want jt to a proper choach builder repair place.

There is one in Harwoth near Doncaster and others around the country
 
Sep 23, 2013
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There is one in Harwoth near Doncaster and others around the country
http://www.motorhomebodyrepairs.co.uk/

I've seen inside their workshop & it looks a good professional set up & they specialise in the type of work you need.

They did a small job on my van (not exterior bodywork) which was well done with a nice bit of lateral thinking on their part which made it a better result than the original proposal.
 

jhorsf

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I would get some legal advice does any of your insurance policies give you legal advice?

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Scout

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http://www.motorhomebodyrepairs.co.uk/

I've seen inside their workshop & it looks a good professional set up & they specialise in the type of work you need.

They did a small job on my van (not exterior bodywork) which was well done with a nice bit of lateral thinking on their part which made it a better result than the original proposal.

thats the one, very impresive place
 
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andyjack

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Dec 22, 2013
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coachbuilt
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since 2007
Hi All.

First off, Thanks for all the constructive advice. Just a couple of updates. We have spoke to C.A.B. and are well aware of our options re, the legal aspects and possible costs.
It for some reason does not fall under the Trading Standards remit? not exactly sure why.
Still not sure on forums so bear with me, i am definitely not a computer whizz kid and just finding my way around.
Will try and put some photo's on this weekend if anyones interested.

Best Regards for now.

Andy.
 
Jan 4, 2012
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Don`t think if you buy a new vehicle it has not had paintwork done---

Years ago I carried out work for a local main dealer.

One day x4 cars were delivered new off of a transporter which had driven under low trees on route.

Grooves along every car roof had to be fixed and repainted.

The amount of warranty work before a car enters a showroom :Eeek:--is a lot.

I had to repaint x9 new red cars in the 90`s because they were faded as having being stored in spain.

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