Mobilize Finance cancelling my lease as they have discontinued the engine in the same car

KXL88

Hi all,

Just wanted to get some advise and clarification on the 1974 Consumer Credit Act. 

I ordered a Renalt Symbioz via a leasing company back in June/July that went through Mobilize 'finance' which oversees Renault and their group cars finance, whether lease, or PCP or whatever. 

On the paper I signed, it stated that it was the Renault Symbioz 1.6l 145 engine model (for the stated up front payment and monthiles etc). Delivery date for this vehicle was 1st of December.

Since then Renault has discontinued this engine, and now there's a bigger 1.8l 160. My leasing company got in touch with me several days ago to let me know that since been 90 days, Mobilze needs to do a 'soft' credit check and there were no issues with that when done. I did ask that I would definately be receiving the 1.6 and not the 1.8, which they confirmed 'while the 145 model is no longer open for new orders, the dealer has confirmed that yours remains on track with an estimated arrival of 21/10/2025. I’ve also reached out to them again to re-confirm.'

Since then I was informed that actually no, they no longer do this, and all leasors have been told to requote for the new engine (of course it's £700 more over the duration of the lease) and the old paper I signed with the discontinued engine is no longer valid.

Obviously I'm not very happy about this, and have asked the leasing company if Mobilize would be willing to match as a goodwill gesture (leasing company said Mobilize said they won't), or maybe give some compensation perhaps in the form or free service package or something along those lines, and if I decided to discontinue, would i be refunded the £199 fee I've paid to the leasing company, as well, they didn't source me the vehicle. 

I will get an answer early-middle next week, but with the new quote, I would need to again do a 'hard' credit check.

 

Of course I'm annoyed at Mobilize more than I am at the leasing company, but in terms of the 1974 Consumers Credit Act, anyone knows....can they do this? And what are my options. I've read about complaning to the Financial Obundsman Service, but their advise is to first contact the leasing company / Mobilize and see what they can do. Which I have. 

Anyone here faced something similar and what was the final outcome? 

Thanks!    

 

QrizB

Sounds rather like frustration of contract.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frustration_in_English_law

Ectophile

If the contract is frustrated, it should be completely unwound.  So the lease company should give you your money back, and that's the end of it.

prowla

Well, since the manufacturer no longer makes the item, I guess the lease company can't provide it.

I believe they should return the deposit, as otherwise it's a bit dishonest ("Wel took your money but then decided not to give you the item, but we're keeping your money too!").

If they even mention not returning the deposit, then I'd be making a mental not to not do business with them.

You could also try putting more pressure on them to make up the difference and provide the newer model.

They can then decide whether they want you as a customer or not and you can walk away.

There are other car brands.

On that front, is 6 months normal for delivery of a Renault?

I mean: it's a Renault, not a Rolls Royce.

I bought a new car (Mazda) a month ago and got it within a week.

A relation is also buying one (a different model); ordered last week and due to collect it in a few days.

As far as the credit checks go, I guess they're just part of the world we live in; I'd be surprised if two checks a few months apart with only one resultant finance agreement implemented would be a disaster.

In negotiating with a company, you can sometimes get a feel for how much the person knows and whether what they are telling you is true, and/or they have the authority to go beyond their list of items.

If I get to that point I typically (politely) ask to speak to a manager, who may be able to come to a better solution to the issue.

Remember these companies advertise for and want your custom; if you're not getting what you want then you can walk away.

They're not doing you a favour by offering to take money off you.

KXL88

Thanks all, I thought if we signed the contract they should be held to their word. The same spec and model is still available, they just changed the engine. Thought they would have kept their word and covered the difference or offer to make up the difference (by giving freebies,  maybe free breakdown, free servicing). Had a previous lease vehicle that though they pulled the paint colour just as I ordered, it was delayed 4 weeks because they had to source it from a different production line, as a good will gesture, they offer 1 yr free insurance which I accepted.