I picked up a 3 year old Challenger Sport 636 last Saturday. When we went to look at it in the showroom it was mint, not a mark on it, actually looked liked it had not been used. I paid the dealer what I think was top end price but this was reflected in the condition.
The van is parked under our bedroom window and to my horror I noticed the roof was badly dented all over, I took photos and immediately reported it to the dealer. I have since taken it back to them to look at the damage. Prior to me taking it to them the sales chap said it wasn't the worse his boss had seen and that they were going to give me an email stating it would have no effect on a future trade in with them.
My first reaction was to say that if I didn't px with them and this was picked up by another dealer they would reduce the px price accordingly. So if I accept this offer I am tied in to going back to them for a new van!
The van is now with them for further investigation and they will let me know the outcome.
Anyone been in a similar situation,and able to let me know the outcome.
Prior to the new construction methods Swift caravan roofs do look dented, the skin is lay over the top of the van and only bonded at the sides so they do ripple and dip towards the middle giving a dented look which changes as the van heats up, it's all to do with expansion and is perfectly normal.
Thanks for the reply Big Roy, mine has a fully bonded roof that Swift changed to for the 2012 Challenger Sports so don't know if this still applies? My 10 year Bailey had the minor dips and ripples you mention but overall looked flat. This looks like the skin of rice pudding for want of a better description!
Edit to add.
Just read the blurb and Swift state the fully bonded roof is for strength and flatness!
Looks like hail damage to me, certainly wont affect the caravan, but may affect its resale value a little, if it was me and this van suited me to the ground me I would try to get some money off them as its certainly not repairable.
I would say some one has been heavy handed with a brush when cleaning it,as its bonded its easier to cause dints.
I would definitely want some money back.
Quote: Originally posted by Aceselect on 20/6/2015
Looks like hail damage to me, certainly wont affect the caravan, but may affect its resale value a little, if it was me and this van suited me to the ground me I would try to get some money off them as its certainly not repairable.
This is what I'm think David as other than this the van is immaculate. I'm mulling over what would be an acceptable figure.
I see what you mean now, it needs re-skinning as that is not easily repairable, not as big a job as you may think as they can just lay a new skin over the existing roof.
Best of luck and welcome to the forum
definitely not hail or anything like it, i would say there has been a fault with the bonding, what looks like dints is where the top surface is bonded to the inner roof material and the other parts are where the bonding has not quite taken and causing this cosmetic ripple effect
i dont think this will give you any problems but if i where you i would check the rear corners of the roof for stress cracks where the ABS rear panel joins the roof.
unless there is a problem with the roof and no stress cracks in the corners i would enjoy your van as often as you can.
nothing wrong with trying to get some cash back though.
Quote: Originally posted by alpiner on 20/6/2015
definitely not hail or anything like it, i would say there has been a fault with the bonding, what looks like dints is where the top surface is bonded to the inner roof material and the other parts are where the bonding has not quite taken and causing this cosmetic ripple effect
i dont think this will give you any problems but if i where you i would check the rear corners of the roof for stress cracks where the ABS rear panel joins the roof.
unless there is a problem with the roof and no stress cracks in the corners i would enjoy your van as often as you can.
nothing wrong with trying to get some cash back though.
I contacted Swift customer services who asked me to email pictures, I still await there response so you may be on to something. Van is still covered under the 10 year body warranty so will see what comes back. To be honest I love the van but concerned about the effect on future resale value, so will be looking for a financial settlement as I don't fancy a new roof being put on, if that's even an option...
We have a 2013 sport we have had from new and we have a few hail stone marks on roof.But they are small and round not the shape showing on yours, which are not hail stone shape.Also looking at the picture the roof to end panel needs re-sealing as you can see the joint cover lifted.
Hail damage usually gives the appearance of a golf ball skin if you look closely in front of the HEKI sky light you can see the seal between roof and ABS front is lifted in centre.
give it a high pressure hose test and if no leaks tell dealer you wont your money back or a £2000 refund.
To reskin could cause more damage leak wise in long run it really needs a new roof from Swift.
The E-mail wont be worth the paper you print it off on, sounds if they already knew roof condition when they sold it offering E-mail.
How many people carry step ladder around to examine van roof when buying.
I bet some one replies they do.
MMMMmmm My guess would be a tree thats fallen over and the branches have just touched the skin and no more,we did have gails and storms not long ago but the same as every one its just a guess.
To my mind that looks as though it was caused by some one working on that area. If it was hailstone damage it would be all over not just concentrated around the hatch.
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Topic: Damage to caravan roof
