This and that, of which I know very little. (1 Viewer)

[Bonkers the Dog]

Greetings

Sooooo…..

I am looking for some general, non-judgemental, impartial advice with a wee problem that has developed concerning my purchase of a new to me, but second hand, large luxury motorhome.

In November, after months of research and searching, SWMBO and I travelled to Manchester to see a Motorhome that was being advertised on Autorader and Fleabay.

It is a beaut, it ticked every box we had come up with, and they were legion! It was minted, so we put a two grand deposit on it there and then for delivery on or about Dec 1st.

Cometh the day we were informed that there was a delay in the paperwork currently with the DVLA. Its a LHD grey import from France. No worries says I, these things happen; I'll wait a few more weeks.

Roll forward to the present. I still don't have it. I've paid for a Phantom tracker and have been watching it sit in a warehouse for two months. Profuse and repeated apologies have been proffered, sweeteners to salve my annoyance have also been alluded to but claims that the documentation is still with the DVLA are beginning to wring a tad hollow.

I have advised them that they have till next Friday to get this sorted or I am seriously thinking of asking for my money back. This, as you can imagine, is a serious PITA! It knocks us back to square one. I don't really want to pull the trigger on that decision as I do like the van, got it for a not bad price with negotiated extras and can't really be bothered restarting the search.

It is a reputable dealership, they seem kosher and very apologetic but my patience is exhausted. I cannot wait indefinitely.

So, the question is. Do I weather it out? Or do I ask for my money back and go and by this almost identical Rapido that my search bots pinged me a few days ago?



What would you do?

 

[Baldeagle7470]

The eBay one looks a cracker,low mileage,all the bells and whistles,you just have to bite the bullet one way or the other.
If it was me I would have the one available now,you have been waiting long enough.
Good luck making the right decision for you,keep us informed.

 

[RogerThat]

I'd have asked for my deposit back before now.

Sorry for your woes, it can't be nice, especially as you had your heart set on it

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[old-mo]

Probably does..... but just in case...

Does your driving license cover you for the "Rapido"...

They are a lovely van...

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

yes, I have a full class one HGV from a previous job that required us to move large equipment around. The rapido is the same size as the one I am waiting on. And yes, it is lovely, that's what's so galling! Even of I do ask for my deposit back by the time its all sorted the rapido would have been snapped up; it so nice I don't think it will sit on the shelf for long. It's all a bit of a catch 22.

 

[thebriars]

I suspect you may well have lost £2000.

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[Badknee]

I would ask for my deposit back. If it’s an import problem it should have been sorted before it went on sale.

 

[old-mo]

What would you do?

Bite the bullet and go for the Rapido...

Try and knock them down a couple of grand...

That way at least if you do not get your money back on the original one you went for... you come out even`s..

And yes the one in the link is a right hand drive...

How do I know ???????

Cos the photo in the add say`s so... unless they printed it back to front..

Go for it...

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

No, the one I've committed to is LHD and was unregistered at the time I saw it, all the documentation was about to be submitted to DVLA to give it a UK '63 plate. its French, from France! The replacement I'm considering, is RHD, made for the UK market.

This is the crux of the issue. It appear that the DVLA is the spanner in the works claiming the certificate of conformity is not up to scratch, even though its a euro spec van from a huge and well established manufacturer. The supplier, a well established and reputable dealer is spitting feathers about it, and rightly so.

I don't think I would be out of pocket to the tune of 2000 quid, I have proof of payment and receipt, there's not a small claims court in the land that wouldn't find for me. Besides, what would a trader stand to gain by trying to rip me off? It can't be an elaborate scam, its not enough. Why risk your hard fought reputation unless it's an end game manoeuvre and you stand to gain millions? The warehouse must have millions in stock alone two grand is obviously chicken feed to them.

My main point is how long should one wait? It's not as if I would have been using it much anyway, I've been too busy!

The problem is the Rapido which I have linked you to is not the first 'alternative' I've had to pass on.

I'm willing, obviously, to give the company the benefit of the doubt but I do have my limits.

And yes, if I was to pull the plug and go for the Rapido I'd be looking for a hefty discount as I think its about 9000 quid over priced. It is however a rare beast as I can't find any reviews on it.

What to do...what to do.

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[Grianan]

How long is too long?
We ordered a new van this time last year with promised delivery date of June. We finally took delivery in December after many broken promises and delays.
Now, am I glad I waited ... well, yes. But that’s partly due to being prevented from travelling last year due to injury.
It seems to me that your issue is that there may not be a resolution or even a plan to a resolution.
Until there is I’m not sure how you can make an informed decision.

 

[busbuddy]

This is the crux of the issue. It appear that the DVLA is the spanner in the works claiming the certificate of conformity is not up to scratch, even though its a euro spec van from a huge and well established manufacturer. The supplier, a well established and reputable dealer is spitting feathers about it, and rightly so.

it may be a reputable dealer but if they do not know about registering imported vehicles then they will get no help from the dvla, do you know if it has been mot'd or had the work done for the mutual recognition form?

 

[SpeedyDux]

Re the deposit it depends on whether your paperwork says it is refundable and in what circumstances. Otherwise the default position would be that it is non-refundable and at your risk if for any reason the sale falls through or you pull out. Proof of payment isn't enough. There may be seller's written Conditions of Sale on the back of the Order form or on the website that are the basis of the contract, covering the deposit point, and they might not be favourable to you as buyer. Likewise cancellation may be expressly covered.

There is a separate question whether you have the right to terminate because the seller has failed to complete his side of the contract within the agreed time, or if there is no agreed time, within a reasonable time. That raises the issue of seller's breach of your contract terms relating to time for performance. You need to get proper legal advice before doing anything.

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[tonka]

How about another ??
http://www.southdownsmotorhomecentr...-auto-tag-axle-a-class-motorhome-u201366.html

More cash but newer..

 

[Emmit]

FWIW,

The OP gives the dealer X No. of days to terminate their 'discussions' with the DVLA.
After that, if the dealer doesn't come up trumps, the OP can walk away with even more
certainty that he will get his money back.

There is a world of difference between putting in an order for a new van that is to be produced and a second hand van that is the hands of the seller.

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

The Southdowns van is a cracker, I hadn't seen that before even with a google search, and I thought they found EVERYTHING! Sadly it's out with my budget by nearly twenty grand; and a good deal overpriced in my opinion even accounting for the dealer's cut.

Some sound advice there folks, I very much appreciate it. Especially SPEEDYDUX. Lawyer perchance? All the input goes to formulate my plan/response.

I know the pitfalls, the situation is causing elevated concern and needs addressing sooner rather than later. I don't really want to lawyer up yet as the subject is yet to be discussed in anger, although I have flagged my concerns so they know the discussion is coming next week. My default however would be breach of contract. The original delivery date was on or about the Dec 1st. Even allowing for the vagaries of trading or doing anything in the modern UK market place the vendor is stretching it a bit! I don't think getting my deposit back will be an issue for several reasons that I stated earlier, why would he risk his reputation for such relatively small beer. Even the revue section of this website gives him glowing references. He would also need my cooperation in getting his hands on the Tracker that I had installed in anticipation of delivery and at the insistence of the insurance companies I spoke to.

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[Jaws]

The Southdowns van is a cracker, I hadn't seen that before even with a google search, and I thought they found EVERYTHING! Sadly it's out with my budget by nearly twenty grand; and a good deal overpriced in my opinion even accounting for the dealer's cut.

Some sound advice there folks, I very much appreciate it. Especially SPEEDYDUX. Lawyer perchance? All the input goes to formulate my plan/response.

I know the pitfalls, the situation is causing elevated concern and needs addressing sooner rather than later. I don't really want to lawyer up yet as the subject is yet to be discussed in anger, although I have flagged my concerns so they know the discussion is coming next week. My default however would be breach of contract. The original delivery date was on or about the Dec 1st. Even allowing for the vagaries of trading or doing anything in the modern UK market place the vendor is stretching it a bit! I don't think getting my deposit back will be an issue for several reasons that I stated earlier, why would he risk his reputation for such relatively small beer. Even the revue section of this website gives him glowing references. He would also need my cooperation in getting his hands on the Tracker that I had installed in anticipation of delivery and at the insistence of the insurance companies I spoke to.

I do agree with everything you have said.. dealers not really at fault with this one.
It is sad, it my experiences of the DVLA have shown me that if ANYTHING is slightly out of wack it takes months and months to get it resolved..
With that in mind I would say swallow hard, get your lolly back, and start again.

 

[Scotch mist]

You are only £2,000 out of pocket just now & im sure you’ll get your money back if it fall through , DVLA can be a PITA. , you say your busy working just now SO not so much of a problem, ride the storm & it’ll sort it’s self out , the market seem to be slowing down so there will be deals to be had if you loose this one BUT With a bit of TIME & PATIENCE I’m sure it’ll get sorted out , just my opinion, I wish you all the best

 

[JJ]

I would wait for my first choice van...

JJ

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[Spriddler]

The length of time you wait is more a question of whether you need to use it NOW, mid winter.
If it's what you really really want there's no point pulling out on principle and thereby cutting off yer nose to spite your face.
I've suffered from the tedious bureaucracy at the DVLA with registering restored Brit classic bikes and bikes which are totally legit with the old buff log books but which were never transferred to their records when they were computerised in the 70's.

 

[movan]

No, the one I've committed to is LHD and was unregistered at the time I saw it, all the documentation was about to be submitted to DVLA to give it a UK '63 plate. its French, from France! The replacement I'm considering, is RHD, made for the UK market.

This is the crux of the issue. It appear that the DVLA is the spanner in the works claiming the certificate of conformity is not up to scratch, even though its a euro spec van from a huge and well established manufacturer. The supplier, a well established and reputable dealer is spitting feathers about it, and rightly so.

I don't think I would be out of pocket to the tune of 2000 quid, I have proof of payment and receipt, there's not a small claims court in the land that wouldn't find for me. Besides, what would a trader stand to gain by trying to rip me off? It can't be an elaborate scam, its not enough. Why risk your hard fought reputation unless it's an end game manoeuvre and you stand to gain millions? The warehouse must have millions in stock alone two grand is obviously chicken feed to them.

My main point is how long should one wait? It's not as if I would have been using it much anyway, I've been too busy!

The problem is the Rapido which I have linked you to is not the first 'alternative' I've had to pass on.

I'm willing, obviously, to give the company the benefit of the doubt but I do have my limits.

And yes, if I was to pull the plug and go for the Rapido I'd be looking for a hefty discount as I think its about 9000 quid over priced. It is however a rare beast as I can't find any reviews on it.

What to do...what to do.

Have you actually SEEN the documentation from DVLA, Or are you trusting what the seller telling you?

I'm not up on this stuff but it seems a long period of time to get sorted even with the Christmas holiday period. I'd want my money back.

 

[Sheddy]

The C of C required by the DVLA must be an embossed original and not a copy, they will accept a replacement from the builder.
We had to get one for our 10001 from Rapido it took the dealer in Germany 6 weeks before they received it.
Cheers
Ed

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[StephandJohn]

Could you try phoning the DVLA yourself? They might not want to talk to you but, on the other hand, they might and maybe you could find out directly from them what the hold up is.
Nothing to lose by trying I wouldn't think.
It is frustrating but we all know how hard it is to find a van that's just right for you so perhaps a little more patience for a little bit longer would work.

 

[Puddleduck]

Could you try phoning the DVLA yourself? They might not want to talk to you but, on the other hand, they might and maybe you could find out directly from them what the hold up is.
Nothing to lose by trying I wouldn't think.
It is frustrating but we all know how hard it is to find a van that's just right for you so perhaps a little more patience for a little bit longer would work.

I was going to suggest that and then assuming it is a CoC issue try getting in touch with the manufacturer yourself.

It might just help speed things up. Let them know that you will name them on the foremost UK motorhome forum for good or ill.

If all the documentation is with the DVLA and is in order (ie they are being slow) get in touch with your MP and see if he or she can help speed things up. There is also an ombudsman who can become involved.

Set yourself a time limit for moving things on and then decide if you are going to cancel your order / get your deposit back and the timescale for that as suggested above.

 

[nicholsong]

The length of time you wait is more a question of whether you need to use it NOW, mid winter.
If it's what you really really want there's no point pulling out on principle and thereby cutting off yer nose to spite your face.

If you read above his reason for pulling now is that there is another MH on offer which could be a substitute, but if he waits it might be sold.

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[Peter and Julie]

You put a 'deposit' on goods that haven't been supplied in a timely manner. I would demand my cash back with interest!

 

[Spriddler]

If you read above his reason for pulling now is that there is another MH on offer which could be a substitute, but if he waits it might be sold.

Yes, I did read that. He said the eBay one (unseen at Telford) could be a substitute, that's why I wrote, (referring to the deposit-paid one in Manchester which he has viewed) with the emphasis: '..if you really, really want it'.......based upon his considerable enthusiasm for it:

It is a beaut, it ticked every box we had come up with, and they were legion! It was minted, so we put a two grand deposit on it there and then....... .

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

Stop press! A decision has been made. We've decided to keep faith. I won't bore you all with the decision process but waiting for the original van is now the plan. Thanks for all you advice folks, it was a genuine dilemma and we were having trouble deciding. Other matters tipped our hands to remain with the original supplier. I will keep yo all posted on progress. Cheer again.

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[Podney]

.........and I was just about to say that you should go for the Rapido......but then I would,wouldn’t I?
Hope it goes well for you now,and they get their fingers out,if not you’ll have to throw your toys out of the pram to get a result.

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

I won't be throwing all my toys out the pram as I've sold them all to pay for the Fe*king van! SWMBO wouldn't let me sell the kids....political correctness gone mad so it is! Shame about the other rapido but there you go, can't lament what I've never seen or owned; one must remain sanguine.

 

[Silver-Fox]

.........and I was just about to say that you should go for the Rapido......but then I would,wouldn’t I?
Hope it goes well for you now,and they get their fingers out,if not you’ll have to throw your toys out of the pram to get a result.

Thats what I was going to say, not that I'm biased

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