The BMW sports coupe had been just what a driver had been looking for, but plagued by faults since he bought it second hand had left him shouldering a big debt and going nowhere.
With a loan contract that committed him to paying £546.79 a month for four years, Paul Bradley had lost all confidence in his vehicle and was a very worried man when he contacted Crusader last month.
“I bought the car home after buying and planned to do an oil change but when I jacked it up I saw the metal under tray was missing. I told the dealer and the car was off the road for over a week being repaired,” he explained.
“I drove it for a few days and a leaking oil fault then showed and it’s been parked up again undriveable. There’s been a lot of emails to-and-fro about what happens next, but no actual progress about getting the vehicle recovered and repaired.”
If you’ve been affected by this issue or feel you’ve been a victim of injustice, please contact consumer champion Maisha Frost on maisha.frost@express.co.uk.
Lorry driver Paul bought his motor from Western Volkswagen near Edinburgh with a loan from Northridge Finance, a division of Bank of Ireland UK. “I am and will maintain payments, but this is not a good situation even though I’ve now got a courtesy car,” he added.
“I don’t think I will ever be able to trust the vehicle after this so my preferred option is to return it. I have always been a loyal BMW customer and may be again but I’m desperate for a fresh start.”
Determined to ensure his voice was heard and call an end to the limbo Crusader also contacted the dealership and Northridge Finance. We did not hear, but very soon after Paul did. This time he received a precise plan of action that fairly met what he wanted. Confirming in writing Western Volkswagen told him: “We are arranging to have you returned to your starting position before the finance agreement.”
Thanking Crusader, Paul said: “That’s a £27,147 weight off my shoulders, your support really helped.” [name has been changed]
Check out both the dealer and the motor before buying
Buying a used car does come with risks so examining exactly what your warranty provides – ideally before purchase – is essential. Buying with finance can be more expensive, but credit deals can offer more consumer protections than paying outright as the lender is the supplier of the goods through the finance agreement which is regulated, with the Financial Ombudsman able to consider some complaints. One invaluable safeguard is checking first if the garage/dealer you are buying from is a member of The Motor Ombudsman scheme which offers dispute resolution and codes requiring high standards of work and service. Western Volkswagen is a member. www.themotorombudsman.org