Yes you did read it correctly - I have recently sold a dry serviced caravan and took the plunge with a VW Compass Navigator campervan - being a complete numpty I didnt use a damp meter and took the word of the seller - to my horror it appears there is a lot of damp in the van. I have had conflicting opinions from two different caravan repairers in Leicestershire as to what to do - one has sealed it and suggests I wait till after summer until it dries out - the potential repair bill is £2000 minimum which has knocked me for six. Hindsight is wonderful ( so would a damp meter have been ). No good at DIY - any suggestions or can anyone recommend any competent repairer they have used ? Any help appreciated.
So sorry to hear of this. Do you have any comeback on the seller? Might be worth getting some legal advice if the cost is going to be that much.
What is wrong with the van that is making it so damp? Hope you manage to sort it. Also it may be worth getting three quotes, I am sorry but I do not know of any repairers but I am sure there will be someone along soon who can help more than I can. Good luck.
Sorry for your problems, unfortunatly if it was a private sale and no written garantees agreed you have NO comeback on the seller. You could always ask for your money back because of what you have discovered, but I do not think that the seller will respond, unless they are a decent sort and have a conscience. What to do, well you could try to sell it on and be rid of it and give someone else the problems, but you probably are not like that. Do you really like the van and its layout and find its just what you were after (apart from this major fault) if yes then it looks like you will have to bite the bullet and get it repaired by a company who perhaps you can get reccomendations about. It needs to be done correctly or you will finish up at square one again. One thing is you have learnt a very important lesson, that to check out every thing or get someone to do it for you before parting with any cash. Wish you good luck and hope you get back on the road ASAP. kiev
There is some comeback against a private seller if the goods are not fit for purpose, more with dealers. Have a word with your CAB, or any insurance policies you have that give free legal advice. (Home, credit card, etc).
If you have paid alot for the campervan if would be worth contacting a local solicitor, many will offer half an hour free initially to discuss your chances of winning.
What is the damp problem, is there water ingress at a specific point, what does it look like?
If so where is the damp and to what extent is it reading?
Where is the leak(s) that is causing the problems?
What age is the van?
I assume that you are in the midlands area? When away a few weekends a go a chap whom I was speaking with spoke of a company/person in worcestershire that carried out a repair for him at a fraction of the cost of others, £800 whereby others had quoted 2-3k. Maybe worth a google search.
If not and depending how brave you are you could attempt the repair yourselff this could also depend on the extent. believe it or not the more you have from a DIY point of view the easier it sometimes is. for example if your doing a whole wall it can be more simple than doing a bit in a cupboard. However don't undertake it yourself lightly, for it is an extremely time comsuming prospect, but wizzard and his friends in the caravan section can be helpfull.
Undicided- Dont go down the solicitor route, Caveat emptor or words to that effect ( let the buyer beware) in this case. Unless you can find an ambulance chaser type of solictor of no win no fee type, which you wont for this problem, they will suggest they send a strongly worded letter to this seller ( at £25 a time) knowing full well you dont stand a chance. Use the money towards the repair, dont squander it on solicitors charges that wont get you anywhere. kiev
Guys and gals thanks for all your replies - yes i am afraid it is an expensive lesson in not trusting persons and taking things at face value. Will do some research on repairs and see what i can find. Again thanks for your concerns and it is another lesson in life.
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Topic: VW Dampervan
