Good times ahead !

This story happened on: 28/02/2013

Well we've been and gone and dunnit big time now, and theres no turning back, we've changed our unit from second hand to brand new ,off we went to the NEC Caravan Show last October just to have a good look around and 'oh boy' did we see some really good looking outfits, we did'nt go with any intention of Puchasing anything other than a few accessory's, and then inbetween a couple of tea breaks we started to look at units of a Particular layout ie; fixed beds, we went from one to another and kept coming back to one in Particular Bailey Unicrn Valencia, it seemed to have every thing we should want in home away from our home,Comfortability/central heating/bathroom/Security/ATC anti snaking device and a new Construction of which were quite confident about get the brochure and read on, we think it was a good deal from the Bailey bunch of vans.  but be carefull when buying from one of these shows if you dont do your home work you could come unstuck.   whilist talking to the saleperson with whom we bought this van from along with the exceptional Quality , we became drawn in to his personal situation, luckily for us our finacial situation allowed us this Luxury and after agreeing a part exchange price which we thought was generous, we decided to buy and signed and gave our Deposite, we went away quite excited about our new purchase and started to organise our new travels   but it was'nt until we had  got home and after a period of time realised where we would have to go to collect our new purchase, we live near to Gatwick and the collection was from  wandahomes of Knottingly Yorkshire, well we didnt mind this so much because we put this down to some kind of adventure, we were contacted when it was time for us to collect, and we did'nt even consider the weather situation, but luckily for us we had a hole in the weather pattern and were able to travel up the Motorways without a hitch we had made previous arrangments to stay some where overnight and travel back the next day, we left early in the morning and reached our destination (with a couple of  stops) about 12noon  after our introductions they came out to inspect our trade in outfit, well this is where the becareful aspect of my story comes in they went through our unit with a fine tooth combe checking and testing  and secret squirrel chats coming and going and then the Hit  sorry but its not anywhere near what the salesperson had agreed !!   'but'  'but we had agreed a trade in price' oh yes but read the small print due to inspection and even though we had the finance in place it was bomb shell 'they get you by the short and curlys and then twist them until you have to give in, we could not get out of the contract with out a penalty so we were caught in the entrapment of thier sales technique we just had to smile politetly adjust the finances and listen to thier sad excuses,  we had decided to stay some where over night to check that our new Caravan was all that we expected it to be,  but I was so frustrated by the events of that day,     I had a premonition that we should'nt stay up there any longer and decided to drive back that same day,  we got home through the rain and wind about 9.30pm  reversed the van into its position behind locked gates had a cup of tea and went to bed, next day we had learned  that there had been an almighty smash up on the very motorway we came down and the roads were expected to be closed until the next day we needed to be home by.      I had, had a premonition that we should'nt have stayed up there 'spookey or what'  needless to say we did the right thing.

But we are really happy with our new purchase and have checked nearly every thing is working as it should particulaly the new alde central heating I've got one of those always cold person's and she has given it the thumbs up.     I was particulaly pleased with the atc anti snaking device gives great stability and added confidence whilst towing,  we are in the process now of booking our repsective site visits , along with all the security aspects of this van I shall be happy to leave it on C/C sites and have some stess free outings,      but my closing  thought is really BUYER  BEWARE.  we were took by the relentless selling techniques of the Caravan Dealers and thier greedy excuses,  enough said...     

 

brue commented on 28/02/2013 15:27

Commented on 28/02/2013 15:27

Oh well, you are pleased with your van and that's what counts. Your story will help other people to think about the pros and cons of buying a van.

proterra commented on 01/03/2013 12:31

Commented on 01/03/2013 12:31

What about servicing then !!! its a ong way for a service, I hope a local dealer will cover the warraanty for you. If you dont have  a annual service you will lose the warranty.

I always buy local . if you have to take it back for repairs then the cost saving will be outweighed by the transport etc costs over time

 

Rocky 2 buckets commented on 14/03/2013 15:00

Commented on 14/03/2013 15:00

Similar problem we had with Wandahome. Offered a trade in price, then out came 'Mr knock em down' I said at one point "we'll back out of the deal" to which I was then told about the penalties. Sharp practice. We will not use Wandahome again. Your story was a good one- thanks.

milliehull commented on 18/04/2013 13:21

Commented on 18/04/2013 13:21

We have got caught out that way in the past and now use one of our 2 local dealers.  That way they see our old van before a deal is struck and also they are only a short drive away when the teething problems arise and when it needs it's annual service.

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