Wokingham Motorhomes and Rapido issues

[jampot]

Bought a brand new £65k Rapido Itineo A Class that’s basically not been sealed (you can reach your hand through) where Rapido extend around the Fiat engine bay. Dealer not accepting this as a significant defect and refusing to refund even though the motorhome and caravan club have been involved, I’ve now had an IAEA inspection and court report confirming the vehicle is unsafe, not fit for purpose and that we are within our right to reject the vehicle within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Does anyone have similar experience and how was it resolved short of going to court? Wokingham Motorhomes won’t provide Rapido’s after sales manager’s (Mr Pfaff) direct contact details so if these could be made available that should help.
many thanks in advance

 

[604]

I think it is Anthony Pfaff on +33243301070 email is info@rapido.fr

 

[jampot]

Oh dear, that’s not good. I think your best course of action is to take formal legal advice as soon as possible and depending on what that is, get a letter setting out your claim sent to them. There are so many pitfalls in cases like these that it is often better and cheaper to try to agree. Will they not fix it as part of the warranty, it sounds like it’s more draughty than dangerous.

It’s been inspected by one of the top Motorhome IAEA assessors who’s found a serious design defect and safety issue as there’s no protection from the engine bay from gasses or worst case fire so it’s not just a weather sealing issue (though it fails on that alone as it’s supposed to be winterised). It’s so bad that the fumes from any dirty vehicles exhaust you follow come straight in. Definitely couldn’t drive it through a long tunnel!

 

[jampot]

I think it is Anthony Pfaff on +33243301070 email is info@rapido.fr

Thank you. I’ve tried both these but without luck. was hoping to find direct contact details rather than their switch board ones.

 

[wigster]

and good luck getting your situation resolved.

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[zac]

Bought a brand new £65k Rapido Itineo A Class that’s basically not been sealed (you can reach your hand through) where Rapido extend around the Fiat engine bay. Dealer not accepting this as a significant defect and refusing to refund even though the motorhome and caravan club have been involved, I’ve now had an IAEA inspection and court report confirming the vehicle is unsafe, not fit for purpose and that we are within our right to reject the vehicle within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Does anyone have similar experience and how was it resolved short of going to court? Wokingham Motorhomes won’t provide Rapido’s after sales manager’s (Mr Pfaff) direct contact details so if these could be made available that should help.
many thanks in advance

They (Rapido) wont take calls anymore from the public with issues, it has to go through the dealer. I found this when i had an issue with my rapido and a very noisy electric bed. Your best bet and really your only one is to get the dealer involved and if they wont then do what I did and start sending recorded letters (all can be found on CAB Site). Mine was sorted when i sent the last letter before court action was going to be taken. These companies wont do nothing unless they know you are willing to go the distance.
Dont let them get away with it, i think as with all manufacturers their quality has gone down hill rapidly over the last few years.

 

[GMLS]

Is your vehicle missing something or are all those models the same?. If the latter, is this not covered by the construction and use or type approval process?

 

[Happy Jim]

Is your vehicle missing something or are all those models the same?. If the latter, is this not covered by the construction and use or type approval process?

It is, instant fail, which either means they’ve duffed up and forgotten to fit a sealing panel.....or their type approval licence is at risk for that model.

If Wokingham Moho’s aren’t playing ball then a solicitor would be my next step for a properly worded letter (PS, check your insurances for legal cover, I went a long and very expensive way down the legal path with it (not Moho related)).

Best of luck

Jim

 

[jampot]

Sounds bad. Like I said, it’s all in the detail and the court will be the final arbiter. Be careful to avoid ’deemed acceptance’ , e.g. by using it. Best of luck.

Definitely won’t be using it - actually quite scared to given the lack of protection from the engine bay. Might have to get it into storage though as cant have it filling up the drive whilst we wait to get it resolved.

 

[jampot]

They (Rapido) wont take calls anymore from the public with issues, it has to go through the dealer. I found this when i had an issue with my rapido and a very noisy electric bed. Your best bet and really your only one is to get the dealer involved and if they wont then do what I did and start sending recorded letters (all can be found on CAB Site). Mine was sorted when i sent the last letter before court action was going to be taken. These companies wont do nothing unless they know you are willing to go the distance.
Dont let them get away with it, i think as with all manufacturers their quality has gone down hill rapidly over the last few years.

Interestingly after taking to the forums last night I got called by Rapido directly but only to say it’s not their issue and they will only deal with the dealer. A bit later they called back again but this time threatening legal action for posting on the forums and followed this up in an email with similar language. Funny as I thought they’d be keen to step in to achieve a resolution - I’m still a bit shocked really! Before that the Rapido owners group removed all trace of the thread where people were being ever so helpful there too.

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[jampot]

Is your vehicle missing something or are all those models the same?. If the latter, is this not covered by the construction and use or type approval process?

Honestly don’t know. It’s a newish model so not been easy to find another owner to check yet. Am looking further at the approvals side now.

 

[jampot]

It is, instant fail, which either means they’ve duffed up and forgotten to fit a sealing panel.....or their type approval licence is at risk for that model.

If Wokingham Moho’s aren’t playing ball then a solicitor would be my next step for a properly worded letter (PS, check your insurances for legal cover, I went a long and very expensive way down the legal path with it (not Moho related)).

Best of luck

Jim

Thanks jim
Worth a chat if you can PM me?

 

[mikebeaches]

Bought a brand new £65k Rapido Itineo A Class that’s basically not been sealed (you can reach your hand through) where Rapido extend around the Fiat engine bay. Dealer not accepting this as a significant defect and refusing to refund even though the motorhome and caravan club have been involved, I’ve now had an IAEA inspection and court report confirming the vehicle is unsafe, not fit for purpose and that we are within our right to reject the vehicle within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Does anyone have similar experience and how was it resolved short of going to court? Wokingham Motorhomes won’t provide Rapido’s after sales manager’s (Mr Pfaff) direct contact details so if these could be made available that should help.
many thanks in advance

Just over 3 years ago I managed to get a helpful response directly from Anthony Pfaff. I sent an email to: info@rapido.fr and put in the subject line 'For the attention of Anthony Pfaff'. The reply from him came from the same email address.
-----------------------------------------------------
Anthony Pfaff

Responsable Technique SAV ---- After-Sales Technical Manager
Groupe Rapido ---- Rapido Group

-----------------------------------------------------
Hope you manage to get it sorted one way or the other.

 

[zac]

Interestingly after taking to the forums last night I got called by Rapido directly but only to say it’s not their issue and they will only deal with the dealer. A bit later they called back again but this time threatening legal action for posting on the forums and followed this up in an email with similar language. Funny as I thought they’d be keen to step in to achieve a resolution - I’m still a bit shocked really! Before that the Rapido owners group removed all trace of the thread where people were being ever so helpful there too.

When I had my issue I called and emailed and the first time I got through to Anthony pfaff but after the first nothing was ever returned as they said they would only deal with the dealer and this is who my contract is with. I also told them that the facts of the case were on this forum and it would not do their reputation any good but they insisted on the dealer approach. In the end as mentioned I sought legal advice and started the letters to the dealer. Only after sending 3 letters did I eventually get an email from the dealer saying they would now replace it. The letters were all sent recorded delivery and signed for. I hope you get this sorted but from the sounds of it the dealer is not willing to assist so be prepared for the legal route. I did contact Wokingham motorhomes once when I brought mine as I wanted some work done but they like so many others wouldn't even look at it as I never brought it from them.

 

[zac]

Is it in or out of manufacturers warranty, as distinct from dealer warranty ?

Its brand new according to first post so not sure this is relevant

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[Geistguy]

I believe I'm correct in saying your contract is with the seller not the manufacturer. If they have sold you faulty goods it's their responsibility.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Subject to hearing Wokingham Motorhomes' side of the story, "Dealer not accepting this as a significant defect and refusing to refund" seems a woeful way to treat a customer who bought a brand new MH from them. Such a serious (alleged) defect is quite uncharacteristic of Rapido so I would have thought they would see it as in their interest to intervene quickly if the dealer won't play ball.

Good luck to the OP if he is left with no other recourse than to go down the legal route against the dealer to get a remedy.

 

[iandsm]

Really sad to hear this I thought Wokngham Rapido had a decent reputation, no longer it seems.

 

[Bessy765]

I bought a brand new Burstner, when it arrived at my house it had suffered accident damage that had been poorly repaired, whilst the dealer collected it and repaired it (three weeks) got nowhere with it they denied all knowledge and said they were quite happy to defend it all the way to barrister level Burstner were no help they just confirmed it had not been damaged at the factory and if it had you would have not seen the repair. As far as I am aware you cannot be sued for telling the truth.

 

[Bessy765]

Some phots of the problem and asking advice I would think would not be seen as defamatory but would inform others of potential problems, yet again it seems another dealer is going down the we’ve had you money tough?

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[zac]

i really cannot see how they (manufacturer) can threaten legal action as long as what ever is being said is the truth, i would ensure i have pictures and the required evidence to back the claim and reply to them stating this. As long as you are still polite and not rude then there is very little they can do, it would be better like another post said for them to get it resolved as soon as possible. When i had my issues i still posted to say it was now resolved and that the dealer was now finally taking notice but it is also very stressful when you spend out this much money on a vehicle only for it to be not finished or seriously flawed. My thoughts are with the OP as if it were me i would fight it all the way.

 

[Nico]

As said above, the contract is with Wokingham Motorhomes who presumably took your money when you bought the motorhome from them. Its a separate transaction that saw them settle their purchase from Rapido and really they aren't linked as financial transactions. Maybe if it does (unfortunately) go legal, it will be easier trying to sue a UK based company than one in Europe too

 

[Lazyboy]

Your contract is definitely with the dealer. Consumer Rights Act 2015 needs looking at. If you have a report that states it is "unsafe and not fit for purpose" and you are within the 30 days then send a letter to then dealer giving your reasons for rejection (enclosing copies of the reports). You can find a template for the letter on the web. Detail all your costs/expenses and ask them to resolve the issue within say 14 days. Make sure the letter is sent recorded delivery. Keep the vehicle until they agree to refund. Ensure it is kept clean and tidy and is damage free. Under no account deliver its back tom the dealer while you try to resolve the issue. (I have been through the process)

 

[zac]

One can follow the other or one can replace the other. Or both can apply concurrently. It is quite relevant when considering what contractual terms and conditions apply.

You've lost me, it's brand new so either way it's covered

 

[zac]

but by whom and for what. Hence the question, the answer to which determines who makes good the situation.

Again i have no idea why you are asking this, it has been clearly stated its brand new. The contract is with the dealer which is who should be making good the situation as you put it. Unfortunately they seem to not be helping so i would start sending the recorded letters as per CAB advice pages / templates.

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[GMLS]

Bought a brand new £65k Rapido Itineo A Class that’s basically not been sealed (you can reach your hand through) where Rapido extend around the Fiat engine bay. Dealer not accepting this as a significant defect and refusing to refund even though the motorhome and caravan club have been involved, I’ve now had an IAEA inspection and court report confirming the vehicle is unsafe, not fit for purpose and that we are within our right to reject the vehicle within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Does anyone have similar experience and how was it resolved short of going to court? Wokingham Motorhomes won’t provide Rapido’s after sales manager’s (Mr Pfaff) direct contact details so if these could be made available that should help.
many thanks in advance

How did this end up out of interest?

 

[mitzimad]

jampot

 

[mitzimad]

just realised he was a free member

 

[iandsm]

For the sake of balance, we were three week not oa three mont hour of France couple of years ago where na builders van took off our A class wing mirror, I telephoned Rapido and spoke to Mr Pfaff who arranged for us to go to the factory. He came pout examined the damage and supplied us as new mirror and as he had no-one available to fit it let us take it to a local motorhome garage in the next town, he didn't charge us, just said sort it with the dealer. On arriving at the dealership we were seen straight away, MrPfaff had phoned ahead to inform them and the new mirror was fitted, we were on our way 30 mins later.

As to Wokingham motorhomes, I stupidly reversed causing damage to a rear offside panel, Wokingham examined the motorhome (which I didn't buy from them) and drove me to the train station, parts were ordered and I was collected from the station some three weeks later to collect the motorhome, I could not tell it had been repaired, highly professional and helpful service.