Used Car Interior Damage

Birdman2015

I visited a local car dealer a couple of weeks ago, test drove their demonstrator of a car I was interested in. Talking to the salesperson I told her there was a year old vehicle in the London branch and they arranged to have it transported to that branch for a fee of £680.

The car came and there was a big hole in the leather type covering on the dashboard. This was not apparent on the photos nor did anyone in London say there was an issue. I have now decided to not go ahead with the purchase but will have to pay the transport fee.  They have of course said they will change this panel but they would have to take the dashboard apart and I’m not wanting that on a nearly new car.

If I knew this I wouldn’t have ordered this. I am thinking the London branch has been a bit naughty not disclosing this damage which has been there for 2 months at least. Did they think no one would notice?

Is there a case for me to argue the transport fee should be waived or is it a case of suck it up and pay?

Grumpy_chap

Are you going to go ahead with an alternative car from the same Dealer?

It is not uncommon for multi-site Dealers to offer the "move-me-closer" type service you describe on the basis of you pay for the vehicle to be relocated and then get that relocation cost refunded if you proceed to buy the vehicle.
I think it would be entirely reasonable to expect the relocation cost to be refunded if you actually buy any vehicle from that Dealer.
What were the terms of the "move-me-closer" service you agreed?

Is it reasonable that the damage to the dashboard was not visible in the photos (some damage would not really show in a photo whereas some damage would need specific angle to avoid looking obvious)?

Birdman2015

No, I’m going to be buying from another dealer. Re the terms of the move, I didn’t receive any paperwork but it was just a straightforward move and a fee was to be paid.

As for the damage, it’s not obvious on the photos. Only after seeing the actual car and swiping in on the dash was anything noticeable but, no, nothing obvious.

Aylesbury_Duck

Is it really a problem if you let them fix it?  If they don't do so satisfactorily you can then pull out of the sale.  They won't want to lose a sale any more than you want to be charged a fee.

Even brand new cars occasionally have repair work done for damage caused between the factory and the showroom.  The new owner is normally blissfully unaware.