Buyer beware of Autofix Company

Jomo60
Jomo60 Forum Participant Posts: 7
edited July 2018 in Caravans #1

This is not a discussion topic, but I thought that it would be remiss of me not to advise people who are looking at getting a Caravan Mover to body swerve Autowfix who advertise in the club magazine. I returned to caravans for the first time in 20 years, so bought a new van at the end of April to be delivered end of May. I searched through the club magazine and found AUTOWFIX, so I ordered a Ego Platinum Fully Automatic Emover for 999GBP. The caravan mover was installed on the 5th June.
I went on vacation without using my van on the 6th and returned on the 16th. When I looked closer I have found that instead of an ego platinum being installed the fitter has installed an Emove EM305A.

I contacted John Bricknell (Managing Director) who would investigate and reply to me. He never did till I again contacted him, he seemed to think it acceptable to install something I did not want. Anyway without boring you too much after many many emails and phone calls I have still never had my original emover installed.

John Bricknell sent me a mail on the 11th September, the date that I was supposed to have my mover changed out, requesting confirmation of another date, as I had not confirmed to him that 11th September is ok.  This was the final straw so I have now advised him that this will now be handed over to Mastercard to deal with the issue (luckily I use my credit card for all purchases over 100GBP. I also intend to write to the Caravan & Motorhome Magazine Advertising Department to advise them of the situation. So tread carefully if you want to deal with this company.

Comments

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #2

    Good post J6, I hope it helps otherssmile

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #3

    Two other options open to you Jomo60, and both work:

    1.  Find the AUTOWFIX face book page and post what you have written above on it, my experience is action is nearly instantaneous.

    2.  Go on money saving expert website and use the Resolver templates, again my problem solved within 24 hours.

     

    Remember Cpl Jones of dads army - they don't like it up themsurprisedwink 

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #4

    I approached them cautiously early this year after reading of a few disgruntled buyers, choosing the Ego Platinum because of the lightweight and discount offered through the CC.

    Spot on service and installation, I met the installer at the compound and questioned what was to be done and ensured it was the correct mover, it was and all went well with an instruction at the end of it.

    Hope you have some success.

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #5

    I am so sorry you have had a horrendous experience with Autofix. I have to say that my experience was completely the opposite. However, that is no excuse for sloppy service to others, I hope you get this resolved satisfactorily.

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited September 2017 #6

    Sounds like Autowfix have left you in a fix, thanks for the warning,

  • Brian1
    Brian1 Forum Participant Posts: 242
    100 Comments
    edited September 2017 #7

    At that price there are better options ...

  • Yvonnegirl
    Yvonnegirl Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited July 2018 #8

    Hi, we bought a Purpleline mover in 2014 when we bought our caravan. The fitting service was Autowfix, which at the time was prompt and we have had no problems till now. Our mover recently developed a fault whereby we cannot get it to engage (lock) in position. We called Purpleline who told us to get in touch with Autowfix who fitted it. We did and made an appointment for today (waited a week!)to come and fix the mover. Waited till after lunch for the fitter! No show. Husband rang Autowfix and got their ansaphone, left message. No one rang us back. I rang at 3pm and they had no idea! our paperwork was on the on desk, would ring me back, still waiting now 4.30pm. We rang Purpleline as mover still under guarantee, they tried ringing Autowfix, again Ansaphone, they eventually got through to Autowfix and said that Autowfix would ring us back. We are still waiting....  As a Club Member, should the Club be advertising Autowfix in the Club Magazine when it seems they have such poor customer service.  The excuse was they have people off sick! We are not the only ones voicing doubts about this firm, looking on review websites. 

  • Sandgroper
    Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210
    edited July 2018 #9

    HI,

    Sounds as if their great sounding offer is too good to be true! I have today(!) returned from France and my mover refused to move to contact the wheel and I will be looking to replace it later in the summer.

    My existing mover is, funnily enough, and E-Go, which I self fitted about ten years ago, then transferred to my present van in 2010. I have had great service and would buy E-Go again!

    The Purpleline quote a price of £899.95 which makes Autowfix very attractive, even with the fitting cost. Can you buy direct from E-Go or is Purpleline 'them'?

    The fitting instructions were simple to follow so it looks as if I might be fitting it myself!

  • H B Watson
    H B Watson Forum Participant Posts: 183
    edited July 2018 #10

    I've purchased from Autowfix twice now and had excellent service. I've always fitted the movers myself so can't comment on the fitters they use.

  • Sandgroper
    Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210
    edited July 2018 #11

    Checked, and the Titanium mover is available from Towsure for £699. A bit less than Purple Line 's £899 and not a great deal more than my original one ten years ago!

    Looking at the box/cabling it is a fair bet that the electrical gubbins is exactly the same, at least the cabling will be. The Box looks identical but I will fit the new one when I get down to doing the job.

     

     

     

  • Yvonnegirl
    Yvonnegirl Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited July 2018 #12

    Hi, further to my post yesterday about Autowfix, a mechanic came out today and fixed our mover, which we were very pleased about. There does seem to be no one person manning the phones, which is frustrating when they don't get back to you. It was lucky that we were at home as the mechanic called us when he was half an hour away!

    still as regards mover we have been happy with ours.

  • Sandgroper
    Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210
    edited July 2018 #13

    Hi,

    Just to finish the story, took off the old E go over the weekend. On inspection the reason for the inability to move the rollers to the wheel is the breakup of a nylon screw which engages with the winder. May  have been damaged when winding the mover back using my drill/driver. However, after ten years I can't really complain!!!

    New question: it looks as if the E-go Titanium uses a lever and spring engagement system, as do other mover I guess. Is the spring tension good enough in wet weather?

    Anyone with experience please advise!!!