We bought a new van only it wasn't new!

facade

The last thing I'd want is for it to go all the way back to the factory, they might drop the thing in the sea this time, rather than just smash it up again on the way there or back

fred246

My car has travelled the equivalent of 6.5 times the earth's circumference. Been on & off many ferries. Not had any bodywork done on it whatsoever. All original factory sprayed paint. I really find it hard to believe that major car companies make cars with robots to fine tolerances and then smash them up on the way to the dealers. Doesn't make sense.

SHAFT

fred246 wrote: »

My car has travelled the equivalent of 6.5 times the earth's circumference. Been on & off many ferries. Not had any bodywork done on it whatsoever. All original factory sprayed paint. I really find it hard to believe that major car companies make cars with robots to fine tolerances and then smash them up on the way to the dealers. Doesn't make sense.

So you drive an old knacker, what's your point?

AdrianC

fred246 wrote: »

My car has travelled the equivalent of 6.5 times the earth's circumference. Been on & off many ferries. Not had any bodywork done on it whatsoever. All original factory sprayed paint.

How do you know? Have you used a paint thickness gauge to check it's even all over?

I really find it hard to believe that major car companies make cars with robots to fine tolerances and then smash them up on the way to the dealers. Doesn't make sense.

Clue: They don't deliberately "smash them up". But consider the amount of vehicle movements, and the loading and unloading from transporters/trains/ships, sitting in high-density compounds and yards...

Oh, and if it makes you feel any fluffier, you'll probably find that if the damage was found on unloading at the docks, it was refinished in the same buildings that Transits were built in until a few years ago...
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10625532.134-former-staff-from-swaythling-plant-begin-roles-at-new-distribution-centre/

waamo

fred246 wrote: »

My car has travelled the equivalent of 6.5 times the earth's circumference. Been on & off many ferries. Not had any bodywork done on it whatsoever. All original factory sprayed paint. I really find it hard to believe that major car companies make cars with robots to fine tolerances and then smash them up on the way to the dealers. Doesn't make sense.

Haven't you ever seen them delivered to dealerships? How they get them off those car carriers and on to the forecourt will make you wince.

Skibird

The paintwork, as I said earlier, got gradually worse, and as I also said, the paintwork is guaranteed for years which is why we were not overly concerned. It was only when it became apparent that it had actually been in an accident and not just paintwork deteriorating that we started this process.

Yes we were using it, but it still only has 4000 miles on it, and we spent the best part of the last 9 months trying to get it sorted out!

AdrianC

You say "been in an accident" - but you do realise it's far more likely to just be a scrape from low-speed manouvering/loading than an actual crash?

waamo

Skibird wrote: »

The paintwork, as I said earlier, got gradually worse, and as I also said, the paintwork is guaranteed for years which is why we were not overly concerned. It was only when it became apparent that it had actually been in an accident and not just paintwork deteriorating that we started this process.

Yes we were using it, but it still only has 4000 miles on it, and we spent the best part of the last 9 months trying to get it sorted out!

To be fair they shouldn't have taken so long to sort it. It should also have been done to an "as new" standard.

Once it is sorted I don't think it would be unreasonable to ask for a sweetener, for example free services or the suchlike.

Skibird

Yes, of course, but it's still an accident, unless the delivery drivers etc were playing "bumper cars" or something.

waamo

Skibird wrote: »

Yes, of course, but it's still an accident, unless the delivery drivers etc were playing "bumper cars" or something.

You are entitled to have a full refund whilst also getting to keep the van. You also are entitled to £100k compensation. As the evil swines won't give it you then I wouldn't bother doing anything about it.

Please note this may not be entirely accurate but seems to be what you want to hear. It's going to be a loss less painful all round just to tell you this.