Split in front panel near roof joint

IanJames
IanJames Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited August 2019 in Caravans #1

When washing my 2016 Lunar Clubman SI yesterday, I discovered a 6 inch split starting by a screw that attaches the metal strip that covers the joint, between the front panel and the roof section down towards the window.

My local dealer said that Lunar only covered the front panel for 12 months, therefore it’s not a warranty claim. He also advised me that Lunar are now in administration and that he doesn’t know how long it will be before he can get another front panel.  He has offered to do a temporary repair that should last whilst we travel to Italy and back in a few weeks time.  The temporary repair will cost around £500 and a full repair in due course with a new panel around £1,500. 

I’m concerned that other stress fractures may happen again as on researching this it appears to be a fault with a number of Lunar vans.

Our dealer also has Bailey vans and we are considering a Unicorn Vigo, I would appreciate any comments people may have on this model (The dealer has a 2019 model in stock).

Many thanks.

Comments

  • viatorem
    viatorem Forum Participant Posts: 645
    edited August 2019 #2

    Had 3 Bailey's great interior design and use of space, possibly iffy attention to detail by assemblers. Some issues with leaking roofstraps and sinking axles on U3 and U4 ranges - hopefully fixed by now. But I have found any warranty issues and parts availability to be swiftly dealt with. As with most new vans watch it for poor load margins, see if there is an upgrade if you need it.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited August 2019 #3

     There have been a few front panel splits on Lunar and other makes. The guarantee is irrelevant to your claim. The front panel looks to be faulty and as so the dealer will be liable under law probably the Consumer Protection Act but it depends on the date you bought it.

    If you used a credit card or HG for any part of the purchase the finance company will be equally liable so write to them as well.

    Until the situation at Lunar is sorted out I doubt you will get a decent trade in offer but there again you might just want to get rid.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited August 2019 #4
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • sandave
    sandave Forum Participant Posts: 11
    edited August 2019 #5

    Ian, You have a six year water ingression warranty on the van which the dealer has liability to fix. The split in the front panel is a source of damp and is up to the dealer to fix without payment from you. It is obvious that the stress fracture is caused by poor manufacturing. Speak to the club's legal people, they are very good with advice and actions you can legally take. Hope you have a satisfactory resolution.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited August 2019 #6

    The warranty is between the purchaser and the old Lunar. Any claim under that would simply be a debt that the administrators would have to deal with assuming the new company has not accepted warranty liability.

    Any claim against the dealer is under the CRA 2015 and is based on the panel being faulty and the dealer being liable for that. You should insist on them carrying out a full repair, but if they will not then your alternative is to pay the dealer or some other repairer and then raise a small claims action for recovery of your outlay, plus costs and interest at 8%. The danger is if the dealer is unable to stand any claims under the act then the business may fail and you are left with a bill for the work, but there is little else you can do.

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