New 'to us' van problems

semedler
semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
edited October 2016 in Caravans #1

Hi

We recently bought a new to us 2013 Swift Challenger froma dealer 200 miles away in Devon, we had viewed it as we were in the area.

When we drove 200 miles to collect it we found the mover was jammed onto one of the wheels meaning we couldn't take it away so drove back without it.

The dealer fitted a new part which fixed the issue and delivered the van to us, so far so good, apart from the delivery driver had the worst attitude I have ever come accross, his manner resulted in my 8 yr old daughter crying.

Anyway, as they hadn't done what 'they said' they would to the mover (repalce both sides, only did one) I have had a call with the mover company, I have now found the the mover is at least 6 years old, it does look old and has a very basic remote control.

Our previous van had a 3 yr old mover which was great.

My question is, should I be concerned that a 3 year old van has 6ry old parts fitted which are starting to fail?

Is it unresonable to expect a 2013 model to only have 2013 (or later) parts fitted?

Thanks in advance. 

Comments

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #2

    Also, when I was moving the van onto our drive it was slowing down and speeding up for no reason, when I asked the guy why I was told "it's got it off the roads hasn't it!".

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #3

    It is reasonable to expect the van was purchased by the previous owner without a mover fitted, and taken off his previous van to put on his new one, hence you ending up with an old mover fitted.

    It's also reasonable for you to have bought the van AND the mover in good working order.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #4

    Sounds like you have a bit of a dilemma there - I had to buy a new mover for my caravan recently - and that will almost certainly be moved onto my next one - so the result will be similar to yours.  I hope you manage to get them to sort it out - I have been
    tempted to look at caravans when away from home but have decided against doing so for the reasons you are giving. 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,155 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #5

    Dave is absolutely right. There is no expectation that the mover should be as new as the van. In fact, we once did exactly as Dave described by transferring a 2002 mover onto a 2006 van. The difference is that the mover still worked perfectly well when we
    eventually sold on the 2006 van and that is what you should expect as well.

    Out of interest, was the Devon dealer situated alongside the M5 at Exeter? If so, I have concerns about their preparation standards and had similar problems with a mover fitted to a van purchased from there.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited October 2016 #6

    I moved my 10 year old mover onto my new van   A mover is not integral to the caravan.  So I would say that if it was sold with a mover then it should be provided with a working mover   It sounds to me that the dealer has done this for you.  It is for the
    buyer to decide if the mover is worth the premium asked for it. 

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #7

    Thanks for all replies.

    The dealer isn't beside the M5, it is beside a major Devon route but a bit further south.

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #8

    The dealer near to us does not warranty any item fitted to a caravan that is not original fit ..........so items like movers ,sat dish's etc are at the buyers risk

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited October 2016 #9

    Regarding the slowing down and speeding up.  Try moving the aerial wire on the control box.  Sometimes you can get interference from the current from the wiring.  That was the case with my powrtouch.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,155 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #10

    Thanks for all replies.

    The dealer isn't beside the M5, it is beside a major Devon route but a bit further south.

    I think I know the one. Two branches both by the A38. If so, I have no personal experience other than using their shops.

    I'd suggest keeping on at them to get the mover fixed or ask for a partial refund so you can get it fixed yourself. Wrap that up in a letter complaining about the delivery driver and send it to whoever's at the top. It's worth a try.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
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    edited October 2016 #11

    The sale was subject to the Consumer Rights legislation and anything that does not work correctly is not fit for purpose. It is yourvright to have the dealer put it right at the ir expense and they cannot get out of that. You should demand that they send
    someone to repair it or send you the cash to do it.  If you need help try the clubs helpline.

    Unless the dealer said the mover was the same age as the caravan then I am afraid all it has to be is working and the age is not relevant.

     

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #12

    Turns out the rude, arrogant and unreasonable delivery driver is the owner... so no-one to complain to, I'll just keep on going past the next time I'm in the area.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited October 2016 #13

    Turns out the rude, arrogant and unreasonable delivery driver is the owner... so no-one to complain to, I'll just keep on going past the next time I'm in the area.

    ...Name and shame then so others do not fall for their "sales" but  posiibly a letter  to the "dealer"also copied to local trading standards ?

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
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    edited October 2016 #14

    Turns out the rude, arrogant and unreasonable delivery driver is the owner... so no-one to complain to, I'll just keep on going past the next time I'm in the area.

    Try the small claims procedure for the cost of the repair. It costs you very little and them a small fortune in solicitors fees.

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