Used electric vehicle not as advertised - wrong spec/motor/charger - what recourse?

MK_Paul

On Thursday afternoon I took a train ride to purchase a car form a Renault dealer.  Today is Saturday.  Yesterday (Friday) I learned that the vehicle is NOT the specification or model it was advertised as (on AutoTrader).

The model advertised was what is called a Q90 version, which has the benefit of a "quick" charger.  The version I have been sold is the R90, which does NOT have that charger. They also have entirely different (but close to identical performance) motors and parts.

The spec is the same, that is to say same trim level, same badges, same paint and so on. The only way I've now learned you can tell is a small sticker on the B-Pillar (revealed when the doors are wide open), from inspection under the bonnet (when you know what to look for) or (and this is how I found out) if it doesn't charge at the higher speed when plugged in!

The AutoTrader advert clearly stated a Q90, the documentation only says "Zoe" (no mention of Q90 or R90).

The rapid charging made this car rarer (fewer are on the market) and the "right" car for the me, as I will use it for the occasional drive well beyond range.  The Q90 also appears to hold a premium over the R90 I purchased.

The dealer is about 2 hours away (1.5 or so by car, 2 by train).

I discovered this last night, so haven't had chance to talk to them.

They are a franchised main Renault dealer, so should know the spec of the car they're advertising/selling.

I can't find a clear answer as to my rights to reject/return the vehicle, or what the dealer has to do.

Thanks for any help in advance!

MK_Paul

Just to add, if it matters to my rights, I bought the car via a debit card deposit (sight unseen) and a bank transfer for the rest (beyond my card spend limit).

MK_Paul

And, now I’ve sussed the digital dashboard, it’s also 10,000 miles over the stated mileage on the AutoTrader ad and conversations we had between us.

JamoLew

Might be better in the motoring forum
1) the distance is irrelevant, it is your choice where you buy from - although a main dealer MAY offer something in the case of a genuine error
2) create copies of the ad - electronic and paper
3) how was it priced ? did you pay a fair price for what you got OR what you thought you were getting (will make a difference)
4) contact them today and explain the issues
5) be VERY clear about the issue(s) and the resolution you want
You cant force them to provide what they haven't got - so do you want a full refund, discount ?

MK_Paul

It was priced very much as low mileage Q90 not a higher mileage R90. The Q carries a premium as does 10k miles on a two year old EV/any car.

MK_Paul

Just to add the reason I mentioned the distance is to query if it’s on them or me to get it back to them as it was not as advertised/sold?

JamoLew

Ok - so the pricing reflected what you thought you were buying - that's good
What resolution are you after will be the main thing you need to think about -- probability is they will/can only offer a full refund if the Q90 is as hard to come by as you say (although you never know)
They may be willing to come to some arrangement over return since it is their mistake especially if you gently remind them of how bad it looks that they sold an incorrectly advertised vehicle.
Be nice, be firm, be clear
Nuclear option (currently, but may be required in the future) is a chargeback for goods not as described -- you will need evidence for this to "stick".
The location of the vehicle will be their problem then

MK_Paul

Thanks. I’m assuming it’s a catalogue of errors and not a deception, just a MAJOR clanger and a huge headache for me after a lot of window shopping for a good deal on a Q90.

eddddy

It sounds like the car is "not as described" which means the dealer is in breach of contract. The starting point would be to decide what outcome you want.

For example, perhaps you want a discount of £x, or if the dealer isn't prepared to agree to that, you want to return the car for a refund of the purchase price plus train fares.

If you can negotiate an outcome with the dealer that you are happy with, that's great. If you can't, you need to start considering statutory and contractual rights etc.

DCFC79

Its good you have noticed this now rather than months down like other threads, a shame it wasn't noticed when you bought it, wouldn't have this hassle. 

Yes you would think the dealer would be able to know 1 model from another.

Keep the thread updated with any news.

photome

What resolution do you want?

IMO they should offfer a refund, but it would be on you to return the car, of course they may offer something for your time/ train fare