Ask for deposit back??

[skyetripper]

Afternoon All. We put a deposit down on an AutoTrail Expedition 67 back in January, with an initial expected delivery in May / June. In April, we rang to confirm a few extras that we'd like and check the delivery date, which had then slipped to June / July. We've rung again today and been told that there's now no delivery date against our van.... The dealer has a meeting with AutoTrail in a week or so and hopes to be able to update us then.

Whilst I know there are bigger problems in the world and the current Covid situation is causing more chaos in other countries than it currently is here in the UK, I can't help feeling a bit miffed that it looks like we'll miss out on any opportunity to go motorhoming this year, especially as we paid our deposit so long ago. In the time we've been waiting (and I know we aren't alone), there have been a fair few used PVC's that we could have bought and would have undoubtedly suited our needs.

We're undecided on the best way forward now. Do we wait, and just accept that the van will arrive when it arrives, albeit with whatever specification it ends up arriving with? Or do we ask for our (non-returnable) deposit back and go on the hunt for a suitable alternative, probably used. Not sure where we stand regarding the deposit, but I'm sure there'll be someone on here who knows.

 

[Gellyneck]

Afternoon All. We put a deposit down on an AutoTrail Expedition 67 back in January, with an initial expected delivery in May / June. In April, we rang to confirm a few extras that we'd like and check the delivery date, which had then slipped to June / July. We've rung again today and been told that there's now no delivery date against our van.... The dealer has a meeting with AutoTrail in a week or so and hopes to be able to update us then.

Whilst I know there are bigger problems in the world and the current Covid situation is causing more chaos in other countries than it currently is here in the UK, I can't help feeling a bit miffed that it looks like we'll miss out on any opportunity to go motorhoming this year, especially as we paid our deposit so long ago. In the time we've been waiting (and I know we aren't alone), there have been a fair few used PVC's that we could have bought and would have undoubtedly suited our needs.

We're undecided on the best way forward now. Do we wait, and just accept that the van will arrive when it arrives, albeit with whatever specification it ends up arriving with? Or do we ask for our (non-returnable) deposit back and go on the hunt for a suitable alternative, probably used. Not sure where we stand regarding the deposit, but I'm sure there'll be someone on here who knows.

I would suggest you trawl the market to see what is available right now (might be like hen's teeth though) and if you find something advise dealer that you want your deposit back. If you can't find a suitable alternative it's gonna be a difficult decision to make as will you get an alternative new build any quicker than AT will deliver?

 

[Langtoftlad]

Are AutoTrail the ones replacing underslung tanks with teeny replaceable bottles?

 

[skyetripper]

Agree the market is 'bare' and secondhand prices aren't particularly attractive, but we have seen a fair few vans come up locally that would have suited us and were in our price range. I'm not having a go at AT or the dealer - production and supply problems are pretty universal at the moment. Just looking for thoughts and advice.

 

[skyetripper]

Are AutoTrail the ones replacing underslung tanks with teeny replaceable bottles?

Yes..

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[gus-lopez]

They've already broken the contract by failing to inform you, before you asked,that delivery had been moved. Now you have no delivery date. I'd want the deposit back + interest.

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Are you in a position to have an each way bet. You have paid a deposit so if you have the large balance tucked under the bed perhaps consider if the delivery date (fixed price) is say next year go out using the secret stash and buy good quality second hand. Use the van then sell when new build van is nearing completion/delivery next year.

Just a thought

 

[Shrimp]

Not a bad idea PJGWiltshire.

 

[pappajohn]

First stop..... Solicitors letter

 

[Clipgate]

In my humble very the first stop is a polite direct conversation setting out your view and request, backed up with a letter.
Then the advice from a specialist lawyer on contact law, as we do not know the specific terms you signed up to.

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[Clipgate]

Contract law and view. Must check twice note to self

 

[skyetripper]

Are you in a position to have an each way bet. You have paid a deposit so if you have the large balance tucked under the bed perhaps consider if the delivery date (fixed price) is say next year go out using the secret stash and buy good quality second hand. Use the van then sell when new build van is nearing completion/delivery next year.

Just a thought

That’s a useful thought. I suppose if the delivery date is pushed into 2022 it could actually be an option.

 

[skyetripper]

I certainly intend to send a polite email to the dealer first. I don’t have any argument with them other than they have my money and I don’t have a definite delivery date

 

[Blue Knight]

......Or do we ask for our (non-returnable) deposit back.......

You've mentioned 'non refundable' but what T&Cs are stipulated in your contract which refers to delivery and timelines?

All the best,

Andrew

 

[duane0001]

Did you get your build number, if you did you can phone Auto Trail as I did about my expedition 67, mine is now built and waiting on a PDI

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[skyetripper]

I didn’t get it. I’ll ask though

 

[Phill D]

If you decide to stick with it how about getting an addendum added to the contract signed by the dealer.
That
No price increases.
Release of your deposit if the new date is not met.
At the least.

 

[skyetripper]

I’m going to give the Dealer another ring next week, and I might well broach a fixed end date contract then.

 

[russ the rambler]

If Company 1 had very deep pockets and got into motorhomes, I think they could clean up.

They could offer a limited range of designs – 2 / 4 / 6 birth, with a choice of 2-3 layouts. Company 1 could design a Glass Reinforced Plastic mould for the shell, and specify how everything fits together. Then, Company 2 manufacturers this shell according to the specification (type of oven, position to nearest mm, connection spec, etc).

Then, deliver everything to one warehouse (chassis, pre made shell etc) and pretty much bolt it together. You can pre fabricate whole apartments, so why not a motorhome living space? Manufacture at scale, offer a limited number of designs, sell worldwide and you could seriously reduce costs.

It feels like most motorhome manufacturers are ‘mom and pop’…if Henry Ford made them, what would the production line look like? If there is greater demand than you can supply from your own factory…build a bigger factory? Or find company 3, 4, 5 to manufacture your required design, within the specification you set out. Or find company 6 to bolt them together. It doesn’t seem that difficult to me?

 

[dc1961]

We were in exactly this position. Paid deposit in Sept, then delay after delay. Dealer initially refused to return deposit as it was made to order.
Under the consumer rights act 2015, your dealer has to supply within 30 days of the date they gave you, irrespective of it being made to order. The same would apply to made to order curtains!
Remind them of this if you get a problem with deposit return.
Can’t say I’ve been too impressed with the way my dealer tried to wriggle out of this.

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[Cheshirecat57]

Personally, I would hold on providing the price is fixed
These are very good value entry 'vans
If it drifts to 2022, it will be worth more than you are paying

 

[Carpmart]

If you decide to stick with it how about getting an addendum added to the contract signed by the dealer.
That
No price increases.
Release of your deposit if the new date is not met.
At the least.

Really sound advice here!

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

Our new van is 3 years old on Monday and just had its first MOT. We got the new insurance quote from Caravan Guard and they told us that they have increased the replacement value of the vehicle. It's now worth more than we paid for it 3 years ago and the insurance has gone down by £15

 

[Rugeley Tim]

We brought our AT Savannah 5 years ago second hand for £38k, at the dealership I brought it from last week (having some more work done!!) I asked him to value it and he said it was worth £39-40k on a px and slightly more depending on the van i chose. Not bad depreciation even on an AT.

 

[skyetripper]

Just by way of an update…

Rang AutoTrail this afternoon and spoke to the sales director who was very helpful. He has our van as starting build on September 23rd and usually takes a week to complete. But… turns out they’ve had to shut the two van production lines today as they have a number of staff tested positive for Covid.

In all honesty, I actually feel a little sorry for them having to juggle everything that’s going on at the moment..

So hopefully we’ll have our van sometime in October and we might even be able to fit a couple of short trips in before it gets too cold.

I also asked about the lpg vs calor bottles situation and he confirmed that all the van lines since end of May have been changed to bottles as they can no longer get reliable supplies of tanks and fittings.

Upshot is that we’re going to wait a little longer and see where we go in terms of discounts and gas. Still not happy about the gas change, but we’ll probably look at fitting an under sling tank ourselves if we end up being able to visit Europe. Hopefully we get a nice summer next year

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