car lease company sent wrong car

motorguy

AdrianC wrote: »

Apart from ABS and airbags being fairly ubiquitous for the last couple of decades, and aircon for the last decade, there's a very strong argument for new drivers learning to drive without a whole raft of electronics hiding what they're actually doing. If they get used to that, they'll be utterly lost if ever they drive a vehicle without, or if ever those electronics take a short holiday.

There is that view yes, however there is another view that would say if you can lease a new car incredibly cheaply then, particularly for a young girl, you as a parent know she has safe, reliable mobility and not have to rely on public transport or being driven everywhere by parents.

While it could be seen as an extravagance and unnecessary, if the parents can afford it and want to do it, then whats the issue?

DCodd

I think people are being a little unfair to the OP regarding the not noticing the spec differences. In the wider world most people just buy the make and model at a preferred price the specs themselves are of little consequence.


The amount of people I know who couldn't tell the difference between the trim levels is remarkably high. The standard response is "it's just a car". However, once they have the benefits of certain extras they then start to want those extras in any future car they buy, but they still don't know the difference in the spec levels.

AdrianC

DCodd wrote: »

I think people are being a little unfair to the OP regarding the not noticing the spec differences. In the wider world most people just buy the make and model at a preferred price the specs themselves are of little consequence.

The amount of people I know who couldn't tell the difference between the trim levels is remarkably high. The standard response is "it's just a car". However, once they have the benefits of certain extras they then start to want those extras in any future car they buy, but they still don't know the difference in the spec levels.

It is, I s'pose, entirely feasible that the OP chose to spend many thousands of pounds on a lavish gift for his offspring without even bothering to familiarise himself with the basics around the purchase.

But that would make quibbling over £20/mo look even more churlish, wouldn't it?

bigjl

motorguy wrote: »

Well i'm with you on that particular point, but concluding that the daughter is a brat and that she'll write it off in six weeks anyway is a bit much is it not? :eek:

I didn't say the daughter was a brat. But if it was my daughter I would expect her to cough up the £20 if she wanted to keep the higher spec car.

Though I would have seen it was the wrong model and not accepted it, in exactly the same way as if I had ordered a Lounge and been given a Pop.

I just can't see the point in leasing a car for a new driver, every mark and scuff will have to be fixed before it goes back to the lease company that actually owns it. And it has no tax advantages.

The OP could have bought a 3yr old 500 for around the same money as leasing a brand new one, then in three years the car is an asset.

DCodd

AdrianC wrote: »

It is, I s'pose, entirely feasible that the OP chose to spend many thousands of pounds on a lavish gift for his offspring without even bothering to familiarise himself with the basics around the purchase.

But that would make quibbling over £20/mo look even more churlish, wouldn't it?

You can familiarise yourself with the basics and still not pick up on the differences to a point, the general blurb on websites regarding spec is naturally designed to make any model desirable.


Differences only become obvious once the higher spec cars are checked also.


What difference are their between the Pop and the Lounge basic spec as advertised online? Just checked, chrome pack, electric wing mirrors and a couple of others. Someone mentioned a sunroof, not listed as standard spec on 1.2 Lounge, neither is the touchscreen radio someone also mentioned.


The actual differences, after checking are not that obvious.

bigjl

DCodd wrote: »

I think people are being a little unfair to the OP regarding the not noticing the spec differences. In the wider world most people just buy the make and model at a preferred price the specs themselves are of little consequence.


The amount of people I know who couldn't tell the difference between the trim levels is remarkably high. The standard response is "it's just a car". However, once they have the benefits of certain extras they then start to want those extras in any future car they buy, but they still don't know the difference in the spec levels.

Things like AirCon are on both, but I think it's an option on the Pop, the Pop will have wheel trims aswell I suspect. The interior is also wildly different. Not forgetting colour coded mirrors and a massive chrome strip down the bumpers.

I just don't believe people would not spot that the car is the worn spec, especially when the specs would have been looked at prior to purchase.

Here are links to two Red 500's.

One a Pop the other a Lounge

https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/fiat/500/SA12CSV

https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/fiat/500/HY12PYX

Does the OP even have consumer rights? As they are not buying a car they are renting? Could the lease company simply void the agreement and take back the goods? After all they are not as described in the lease/rental agreement.

DCodd

bigjl wrote: »

Things like AirCon are on both, but I think it's an option on the Pop, the Pop will have wheel trims aswell I suspect. The interior is also wildly different. Not forgetting colour coded mirrors and a massive chrome strip down the bumpers.

I just don't believe people would not spot that the car is the worn spec, especially when the specs would have been looked at prior to purchase.

Here are links to two Red 500's.

One a Pop the other a Lounge

https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/fiat/500/SA12CSV

https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/fiat/500/HY12PYX

Does the OP even have consumer rights? As they are not buying a car they are renting? Could the lease company simply void the agreement and take back the goods? After all they are not as described in the lease/rental agreement.

https://www.uk-car-discount.co.uk/new-cars/fiat/500/hatchback


Standard online car site. Check the specs on the two trims. Not obvious for someone without a certain level of understanding.


I do understand what people are saying here. However we are on a motoring forum and I would be very surprised if the regulars didn't know their stuff. The general public though is a completely different matter.


An assumption that a poster was aware prior to finding out is not a helpful position to start from.

DCodd

bigjl wrote: »

Does the OP even have consumer rights? As they are not buying a car they are renting? Could the lease company simply void the agreement and take back the goods? After all they are not as described in the lease/rental agreement.

They have consumer rights yes. Do they have the right to keep the higher spec car... I doubt it. I would imagine they contracted to lease a particular car and as long as they get that particular car as the replacement the dealer has kept to the contract.

motorguy

bigjl wrote: »

I didn't say the daughter was a brat.

Oh i know, i was referring to the other posters.

bigjl wrote: »

But if it was my daughter I would expect her to cough up the £20 if she wanted to keep the higher spec car.

Though I would have seen it was the wrong model and not accepted it, in exactly the same way as if I had ordered a Lounge and been given a Pop.

I just can't see the point in leasing a car for a new driver, every mark and scuff will have to be fixed before it goes back to the lease company that actually owns it. And it has no tax advantages.

The OP could have bought a 3yr old 500 for around the same money as leasing a brand new one, then in three years the car is an asset.

I think i said earlier but my sons previous girlfriend, her family did that for her. Brand new Fiat 500 Pop in white on a lease.

In fairness she really looked after of it and i never saw it dirty let alone scratched.

londonTiger

AdrianC wrote: »

Apart from ABS and airbags being fairly ubiquitous for the last couple of decades, and aircon for the last decade, there's a very strong argument for new drivers learning to drive without a whole raft of electronics hiding what they're actually doing. If they get used to that, they'll be utterly lost if ever they drive a vehicle without, or if ever those electronics take a short holiday.

the main advancement over the last few years is collision protection. the way the car crumples and breaks apart and keeps the occupants safe in the case of a head on collision.

I've watched a few car crash videos and seen how much old cars can basically cave in. With older cars if crash the car at 50mph head on you're at the very least going to lose your legs from the engine being crushed into the cabin. Newer cars are structred so the force of the impact goes diagnally so it doesn't crush the passengers.

I remember before how I used to think how on a narrow 50mph single carraigeway (double lanes each direction), most people would stay on an inside lane. I thought they were scaredy cats and would drive on the outside lane. But after realsing (text removed by MSE Forum Team) I'd be on a head on collision at 40mph I always play it safe now.

You're basically hoping the other party isn't having a heated chat with another passenger, isnt distracted looking at their child in the rear view mirror. not on the phone or glancing at their phone to see a text or something.

Even a 10 year old volvo which is meant to be a really safe brand will crumple much worse than run of the mill modern hatchback which meets European standards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDyeWofcLY