My rights under Consumer Rights Act 2015

dexterlevi replied on 12/11/2017 09:37

Posted on 12/11/2017 09:37

I am trying to find out if I am able to reject a new caravan that recently went in for a warranty repair to fix an internal water leak. I have read other posts on other sites where if I have read it correctly, I may be in a position to reject. The circumstances are:

We took delivery of our new Elddis Avante 550 Caravan in late July 2017. Whilst away on a trip in late August we became aware of water running across the floor. I found the water to be coming from the water inlet pipe where it enters a t piece and then runs off to the kitchen sink.

The van went back to the dealer for the leak to be repaired along with a couple of other warranty repairs. Apparently they simply cut away the end of the pipe which was damaged and then reconnected to the t piece.

We collected the van approx 3 weeks ago and went away this weekend for a 2 night trip. This was the first trip since the repair to the leak was carried out.

When setting up the van we connected the water barrel to the pump and then opened the taps to prime the system. No water came out of the tap but I then became aware that the floor of the van was covered in water. By covered, I mean water everywhere. I quickly noticed that the water was leaking, well I should say spraying out like a sprinkler at the same point the dealer carried out the initial repair. So the extent of the leak was worse after the so called repair.

We quickly turned of water supply, pump and electrics as the water had sprayed over all the main electrics. We did our best to mop up what we could but to put it into context we have 2 large soaked bath towels and a large blanket/throw. This was the water we were able to soak up.

Water has run along at least half of the floor surface of the van including under front locker, both front seats and under fridge, cooker and across the other side of the van to the van wall and into the bathroom.

My reason for considering a reject is two fold. Firstly repair not completed first time and secondly is the potential damage to the van not only now but more likely in the future when the woodwork which has come into contact with water swells etc due to water damage. I am pretty certain that water will have gone under the floor lino so there is likely to be water in between the lino and wooden floor.To do this properly I think the dealer will need to to take a fair bit of the van furniture apart to capture and dry all the leakage. This will take time.
For anyone who is aware of the Elddis range they will know that the van is built with the SOLID construction system, so it should be water tight. That should stop water getting into the van. Worryingly I saw water running out from under the van which was clearly the internal leak finding its way out through the so called bonding and sealing? The SOLID construction should make it water tight so this is another potential flaw?

I am trying to read the Consumer Rights Act of 2015 myself but would welcome any help in interpreting this and what my rights might be. I don't necessarily want a refund. I would like a new van that has not been internally drenched in water after a first attempt repair by the dealer, which is likely to present further problems in the future.

Thanks
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Rocky 2 buckets replied on 30/12/2017 13:51

Posted on 30/12/2017 12:05 by dexterlevi

Not sure that I have any legal rights against the manufacturer as my contract was with the dealer. The dealer has the contract with the manufacturer but in this case because the dealer failed to repair properly at first repair they are left holding the baby as such. I just thought that the dealer and/or the manufacturer would have embraced the opportunity to make a token gesture to reflect the disruption and upset caused by their poor service. When you consider how little it would have cost them, I naively thought they would go for it. But there you go, they clearly have no problem with the damaged reputation or the negative threads on these types of forum. The pen is mightier than the sword, as they say.

Posted on 30/12/2017 13:51

Dexter, you are probably right but I struggle to see how the manufacturer can dump their negative attitude on the Dealer & just get away with it😤. Thanks for the reply👍🏻. You’ve done great in your fight against these arrogant businesses👏🏻👏🏻. Let’s hope they now show you the respect you’ve earned.

Takethedogalong replied on 30/12/2017 17:32

Posted on 30/12/2017 17:32

Yes, well done for sticking to your guns. The only thing that worries me, you have bought another Eldiss. Fingers crossed all goes well in February for you.

dexterlevi replied on 15/03/2018 15:49

Posted on 15/03/2018 15:49

Well the day has come and I have collected the replacement van. First surprise I got on collection was that a full PDI was completed and I have a copy of the PDI report. Also got damp test report although I think they call it something more technical these days.Saw the rejected van back on the forecourt with the fore sale sign on display. Lets hope they have properly dried the van out for the next owner. The new van is sat on the drive albeit not as clean as it was when I collected this morning. Awful weather which meant a quick clean before the wife came out and inspected her new pride and joy. She never went with me when I rejected the last van and placed the order for the new van so this is the first time she has seen it for real, rather than in pictures. First thing she said was, I love the updated internal colour scheme, so she is happy. If shes happy then I,m happy. How many partners have experienced that feeling over the years. Only gripe she made was about the dealer special edition emblem on the side as it is a Sherwood Edition. All that means is that they have added an additional external locker, 240 V external point and a gas barbecue point. That will do me but she does not see why they had to put an additional emblem on. Well you cant get it all right. Anyway going out to load up all the equipment and off for two nights away, even with the beast from the east 2 on its way?

lornalou1 replied on 15/03/2018 22:32

Posted on 15/03/2018 22:32

well done to you for sticking to you guns. don't forget your getting the extras from a dealer special without paying the extra and saved 3 grand from the first van so i'd say you've done very well indeed.. big thumbs up from me.  

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