Dodgy Van - advice needed

zann77

At the weekend I hired a van from a local company. They knew it would be travelling a long distance from SE London to the Cotswolds. I got there OK but on the way back it lost all power and broke down. We rang the company's breakdown service and the chap said that the van had been filled up with the wrong fuel previously and that although the engine had been cleaned it was still having problems. He said that he had told the hire company that that particular van should not be used for long journeys. We then called the RAC, the recovery guy said that the van was is very bad condition generally and that the fan belt was about to snap. We had to be towed all the way back to London.

Despite asking for a refund, the van hire company is refusing to give us our money back. The company clearly knew the van was unfit for long journeys. Can anyone offer any advice on what I can do to get my money back? I paid in full on a debit card beforehand. Can I report them to anyone?

tykesi

What money do you want back? You got the use of the van so even despite the breakdown at least part of the service was provided so if you're wanting a refund of the hire charge I'm not surprised they are refusing.

You need to decide exactly what it is you want from them and make sure (check with others for impartiality) it is reasonable. Then you can try to negotiate with the hire company.