End of PCP - VEHICLE RETURN PROCESS

Branston88

Hi all, 
My car was collected and inspected by Vauxhall Finance last month as it was the end of my PCP lease. The inspector noted excess mileage plus two scuff marks on the wheels which I knew about so had no issues with signing and agreeing to the vehicle inspection report. I then received 2 letters stating I was in debt and they needed me to pay the outstanding balance of £4743. I called them up and stated that I had opted to return my car and therefore not required to pay the balloon payment and thought that was the end of that. However, I then received ANOTHER letter now saying my account is in arrears along with a debt management leaflet!! This might not be a big deal to some however I had spent the past 4 years making my monthly payments and I was the one who had to do all the chasing up in order to return my car. A subsequent call was made again to them and that was the end of that... or so I thought.

Fast forward 4 weeks later, I received a letter with 9 damages totalling £450 plus the mileage charges PLUS a 2nd inspection report, which was very detailed and I did NOT sign for. I queried the additional damages and was told that a second and thorough inspection is part of my T & C's. I've gone through all of my paperwork and the vehicle return pack and NOWHERE does it say about a 2nd inspection. I have escalated this to the complaints department and as a 'good will gesture' they have removed 2 of the damages and the balance is now at roughly £250. It has now gotten to the point where they have refused to look into it further.
Here are my concerns:
1. What was the point of a 1st inspection if a 2nd inspection was due to take place and there's no mention of a 2nd inspection anywhere
2. The inspector collected my car and dropped it off about 50 miles away and had to use the motorway - what proof do I have that no damages were caused along the way?

Yes I am arguing over £250 which is quite insignificant in the scheme of things however, if the damages were picked up during the 1st inspection I would've gladly paid for it. Thoughts on this anyone??

IvanOpinion

In my case there was an initial inspection when they picked the car up - it is generally to document major items.  The leasing company will then carry out a detailed second inspection (usually under strong lights) that can then show up additional damage (they have up to 4 weeks to inform you of any additional charges).  If you check the BVRLA Fair wear and Tear guidelines it will explain this (any lease agreements I have entered into refer to this).

Branston88

IvanOpinion said:

In my case there was an initial inspection when they picked the car up - it is generally to document major items.  The leasing company will then carry out a detailed second inspection (usually under strong lights) that can then show up additional damage (they have up to 4 weeks to inform you of any additional charges).  If you check the BVRLA Fair wear and Tear guidelines it will explain this (any lease agreements I have entered into refer to this).

Well, it's definitely over 4 weeks

Sandtree

When my PCP Mercedes went back the report I signed stated that they reserved the right to reinspect the vehicle.

Our inspection was performed in our flat's carpark which is underground and I had possibly moved the car into a space with poor lighting. On the day the chap missed a big scrape and paint removal on the front skirt/splitter but noted "thick paint" on the rear quarter and "dry paint" on the inside lip of the bonnet - the later was to attract a £4.50 fee to polish it.

Personally was sure that they'd reinspect it in better light later and identify the issue at the front... the 100% amateur repair job wouldnt even pass muster in the low light... but never heard anything more about it at all (I believe they waive small charges if thats all there is)

Branston88

Looking at the report now, it does not mention anything about reinspecting the vehicle. I find it very unfair for me to be charged over something I wasn't aware of. One of the damages also included a dent on the door which I was not aware of, so what proof do I have to say this didn't occur in the 5 weeks period before I received the charges. Surely a second inspection should be something a customer has a right to know especially if they're paying for it?

Spank

A dishonest person coukd damage the car and fix it so that you could not tell it had been damaged/poorly repaired without a detailed inspection.