New lease car delivered - problems and possible dispute?

tempsc

Hi.

I'm in the fortunate position of just having had a new car delivered on a personal contract hire basis.

Within a day, I have reported several problems with the vehicle; car trim not fitted correctly, squeaking brakes and yesterday, the rear number plate falling off.

I have written to the supplier, asking what sort of PDI was done on the car before they delivered it to me and they have been communicating with the supplying dealer. Currently, the dealer has asked that I visit the nearest dealership for them to repair the problems. They have also offered a tank of fuel as a goodwill payment. Trouble is, I'm not now confident that there won't be other problems with the car and I would like to write to them once again to advise that if I do encounter any other problems, that I will reject the car and want a replacement.

My question is, can I do this? What are my rights in such circumstances? Do I have time limits on such a course of action?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

neilmcl

You need to speak to the lease company.

AdrianC

tempsc wrote: »

I'm in the fortunate position of just having had a new car delivered on a personal contract hire basis.

Brand new-new, or simply "new to you"?

Within a day, I have reported several problems with the vehicle; car trim not fitted correctly, squeaking brakes

Simple warranty job.

and yesterday, the rear number plate falling off.

Sticky pads?

Currently, the dealer has asked that I visit the nearest dealership for them to repair the problems.

Yup, that's how warranty works.

They have also offered a tank of fuel as a goodwill payment.

Wow. Incredibly generous of them.

Trouble is, I'm not now confident that there won't be other problems with the car and I would like to write to them once again to advise that if I do encounter any other problems, that I will reject the car and want a replacement.

Are you actually serious?

A minor trim issue, squeeky brakes, and the plate stickypads failing? And you want to reject...?

My question is, can I do this? What are my rights in such circumstances? Do I have time limits on such a course of action?

You can legally reject within 30 days of the purchase date for any substantive fault. So far, you do not have any substantive fault. After that, the supplier has a right of repair.

tempsc

1. Brand new +50K vehicle.
2. Yes I am serious.
3. If a PDI was undertaken, why am I seeing these issues? I don't want to reject as the car is great - apart from the issues I've reported which, when new, shouldn't be an issue at all. My main concern though is if I have encountered these minor issues, then the next I might encounter mightn't be so minor.

wgl2014

The issues you have found are annoying and shouldn't be there, especially on a premium new car.

They are however likely to be an easy fix and there's nothing to say they are indicative of serious problems in the future. Bear in mind that if the PDI was completed more thoroughly they would have by sorted and you would be none the wiser.

Get them fixed and enjoy your new car, if a more serious issue crops up that will be the time to consider your options.

AdrianC

tempsc wrote: »

3. If a PDI was undertaken, why am I seeing these issues?

Because the person who did the PDI rushed it, because he'd got a stack of others to do. No more than that.

Jackmydad

I've known people have much bigger problems than that with new cars. Gaps around doors, gearbox problems, paint, all sorts. The relevant dealer sorted them all AFAIK. That's how it's done.
I'd assume the OPs car will be fixed in the same way.

One of the reasons I'd never have a "new" new car though.
I prefer them about 12 months old when any problems have hopefully been sorted.

AdrianC

Jackmydad wrote: »

I've known people have much bigger problems than that with new cars. Gaps around doors, gearbox problems, paint, all sorts. The relevant dealer sorted them all AFAIK. That's how it's done.
I'd assume the OPs car will be fixed in the same way.

I'm just waiting for the OP's rattle-throw when he realises the reason the trim's loose is because it had bodywork for transport damage...

James2k

tempsc wrote: »

Hi.

I'm in the fortunate position of just having had a new car delivered on a personal contract hire basis.

our definitions of fortunate differ slightly;)

neilmcl

tempsc wrote: »

1. Brand new +50K vehicle.
2. Yes I am serious.
3. If a PDI was undertaken, why am I seeing these issues? I don't want to reject as the car is great - apart from the issues I've reported which, when new, shouldn't be an issue at all. My main concern though is if I have encountered these minor issues, then the next I might encounter mightn't be so minor.

You can't reject a car based on what hasn't or likely never happen. You've had some minor, cosmetic issues that have been rectified. This isn't your car, it's a hire car, if there ever is a more serious problem in the future then you get your lease company to sort it and possibly replace the car if you're unable to drive it.

System

One of the reasons I'll never buy a brand new vehicle is because the first owner is the guinea pig who gets to find all the faults from production.

If you get a new car you have to accept that you're going to find issues once it starts getting used that were not highlighted during a 20-30 minute pre-delivery check.

£50k+ vehicle, Mercedes AMG C Class by any chance? Know a guy at work who got one on lease a couple of years ago, its been back to Mercedes for all kinds of issues including things like the rear parcel shelf speakers not being screwed in properly, the kind of things you'd not expect on a premium car. Apparently the owner forums are full of issues they have.