On Wednesday 11th August 2010, we purchased an 1996 Elddis Vogue from a large caravan dealer in Wirral. We traded in a 1996 Freedom Sunseeker and collected the Elddis on Sunday 15th August.
We returned this caravan on Thursday 19th August with more than TWELVE serious faults, including failure of handbrake, window falling out etc. etc. and requested our original caravan back with a cheque for monies paid. We were persuaded by the salesman to give them one final chance and were assured this caravan would be repaired by Monday 23rd August.
On visiting the premises on Sunday 22nd August, late afternoon, we found the caravan had not been touched. We again requested our old caravan and monies. Regrettably they said the caravan had already been sold. Throughout all these negotiations we were assured that if we were unhappy with the caravan we would be refunded in full.
Asking for our money back again on Tuesday 24th August we were told they would think about it and get back to us later that day . . . they didn’t. After contacting the CAB we sent a recorded delivery letter asking for our money.
To date we have not received any payment.
If you are thinking of buying a caravan . . . don’t go to this place unless you want to be stressed out and receive false promises.
we know how you feel we bought a van from a so called reputable dealer in wigan [wont name and shame just yet] same thing .gas faulty,electric faulty,widows fallin out ,evertime we used it somethin went wrong phoned the guy and was abusive to say the least ,we have had the jobs done at our own expence and will be sendin him the bill when people first get a van you dont know the ins+outs so to speak but am learnin,but its not put us off caravanin ,and next time we buy i will be ready ,
Trading Standards do have a record of our initial query regarding this matter.
No photos sorry!
To our shame . . . No! We didn't check much on pick-up.
No doubt that is why they asked us to come at 5.00 on SUNDAY to take delivery!
Next time we'll be the boring couple who have a huge checklist and take forever to check things - and also I'm taking my trusty damp-meter with me every time I look at a caravan!
My 3 ha'pence worth....Its pointless paying thru the nose buying a caravan of that age from a dealer. A 14yr old caravan will have faults & faults about to occur. If you expect the sort of trader who deals in old caravans to spend large amounts of money fixing faults whether before or after sale you are dreaming. All you will get is fobbed off.
If you are in the market for an old 'van buy privately or off ebay as cheap as poss & expect to fix a few things.
I would take issue with you Tentz. My caravan is 1996 and there is nothing on it that is faulty, doesn't work, is likely to fall off/out etc. You're always very full of advice about caravans and towing yet you're obviously a tenter so I wonder what you know about it.
Hope it all goes well for the OP anyway. Anything that's sold by a dealer, however old, should have some sort of warranty, however basic. Sounds like you've had a really raw deal so far.
Quote: Originally posted by Max-and-Paddy on 31/8/2010
You're always very full of advice about caravans and towing yet you're obviously a tenter so I wonder what you know about it.
Well yes Nora, I've had most in me time, VW campers, Eriba caravans, tents etc. so I do know what I'm talking about about. I also know a fair bit about the motor trade & caravan trade. At bottom end of both you get shysters & crooks & as the op describes it he has been unlucky enough to encounter one. My general advice is correct & accurate.
As you know, I like an argument but in this incarnation I'm managing to keep meself in check. If you wish to continue your personal attacks on me please do so in the Triva forum. This forum is for folks seeking help & advice.
"If you expect the sort of trader who deals in old caravans to spend large amounts of money fixing faults whether before or after sale you are dreaming."
Maybe a fair observation but the law still affords the OP protection in this case when buying from a dealer. The dealer will be aware of his legal obligations and should ensure that the van is of satisfactory quality and free from defects as required by law. The legal protection is one thing, if the dealer is, as Tentz describes, he is not going to be bothered by his legal obligations leaving the OP to sue.
OP - follow the advice I gave in the thread below. The principles are the same whether its an awning (as in that thread) or a dodgy caravan.
See if anyone from Trading Standards will go with you to the dealer for a chat
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
No tarry it isn't that one . . . they sell plants on the same site though.
I've got my £3K back now, but the caravan in question was sealed with mastic and the hydraulic brakes repaired and now the have it as their own again (still with 10-12 faults) . . . it's up for sale - at £1,000 MORE than I paid.
Try Flintshire Caravans in Deeside - ask for Ray Beddows.
No vans less than about £7K there though.
I've converted my "cashback" into a 1995 Abbey Piper 212, from E-Bay. Picked it up from Blackpool today. Tows a dream, the sellers were brilliant, nothing too much trouble. It is, I fervently hope, damp-free and will do us fine.
We once visited the other place - where you bought the dud - they'd just started out in caravans at the time and didn't have a clue what they were on about. Sounds like they haven't improved.
Quote: Originally posted by brianaauk on 04/9/2010
No tarry it isn't that one . . . they sell plants on the same site though.
I know the one you mean and I too had problems with a van I bought from there. So much the service they were supposed to have done prior my collecting it. I could give you an endless list of issues, not to mention the two dangerous ones involving gas!
Since had it serviced by a reputable dealer, the gas issues have now been resolved, and most of the other issues have also been sorted. Just one or two which need dealing with but I am working on them.
They don't figure highly on my list of dealers and certainly would not use them again.
Lets just say if its the same place as I had dealings with you are in the right place if you want plants for your garden or other junk for your home.
Oh and if you want any fish for your garden pond you only have to shop next door (who I hasten to add have nothing to do with the caravan business in question).
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: WIRRAL WARNING ! ! ! !
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