Car Finance from 4 years ago

worriedconfused99

Hi I could do with some advice please. I have received an email from a car finance company where I returned the car over 4 years ago. I believe the email is genuine as I’ve checked it out and they are claiming there is money due. This is very distressing as I had a breakdown due to money problems around this time and this has bought back some really unpleasant feelings. However I know I have to deal with this. Any advice on how to deal with this? It’s has come right out of the blue and I have absolutely no paperwork or email informing me of this since handing the car back. The email is fairly passive aggressive ie we want to help you but we may refer you to a debt agency etc. I fully accept that if there is a balance due I am liable but any tips on how to handle the conversation are appreciated . Thanks

[Deleted User]

What tips do you need? If you owe them money, ask them how much, what it is for and then pay it if you agree or dispute it if not

DrEskimo

More details on exactly what you mean by 'returned the car'. Did you voluntarily surrender the car? How much are they saying is owed?

Paully28

I would write back to them, at their formal address, not email, and ask them for a breakdown of the debt that they think you owe. 
I wouldn't agree that you think there is a debt yet, until they can prove what it is for, and then take it from there to try to come to some arrangement to pay that you can afford and they are happy with if the debt turns out to be correct. 

worriedconfused99

Thanks Paully28 that could be a good route to follow. DrEskimo I returned the car the end of the 2 year lease period.

worriedconfused99

DrEskimo said:

More details on exactly what you mean by 'returned the car'. Did you voluntarily surrender the car? How much are they saying is owed?

I returned the car at the end of the 2 year lease period and never heard another word until now! That was in 2016

Clive_Woody

worriedconfused99 said:

DrEskimo said:

More details on exactly what you mean by 'returned the car'. Did you voluntarily surrender the car? How much are they saying is owed?

I returned the car at the end of the 2 year lease period and never heard another word until now! That was in 2016

Did you miss any payments or was there any damage to the car when you returned it?

DrEskimo

worriedconfused99 said:

DrEskimo said:

More details on exactly what you mean by 'returned the car'. Did you voluntarily surrender the car? How much are they saying is owed?

I returned the car at the end of the 2 year lease period and never heard another word until now! That was in 2016

When you say lease, was this a lease agreement, or did you have finance on the vehicle? There is a subtle but important difference.

macman

Did you perhaps change address after return and not inform them?