rust problems what to do??

[johnakay]

my sister has bought a camper van from a local garage.
she paid £12,000 this inc part ex.
she found a few rust spots on the car.
they kindly sorted that out for her amongst other things.
the weather was nice so I pop down to see her on my bike.
she ask me if I would have look underneath.
she paid another to inspect it and said every thing was solid underneath....
I had a look and as usual put my hand in the awkward spot and for a gaping big enough to put my hand through! and found another but a little hole on the drivers side(both wheel arches).
and on the same side I found a spot where if you press it it feel like a bag of crisp . I didn't want press any more.
I said they needed new plate welding up.
how did this cam/van pass it mot??
any way she had the van for 12 weeks.
is this to late to do any thing about it? should the garage start to be funny.
I said to her maybe you could report them to the mot place.
I don't think this should have passed the mot.
I said to her that I would never buy any car that just had underseal put on.
it could be hiding all sort's.
obviously she upset and can't sleep with being worried sick over this.
she just lost her husband earlier this year and this is the last thing she needs. oh and she just turn 70,the camper van means the world to her. john

 

[penfold]

It is not of merchantable quality so you are entitled to a refund; arguably you should give them an opportunity to repair it but it sounds like it's ready for the crusher; have a chat with trading standards and citizens' advice, but probably best to get an AA report or similar from a reputable garage detailing the vehicle's defects. This delivered to the vendor garage with a letter explaining what you want, i.e. refund or repair, should get things moving unless they are complete arthur daleys.

 

[cumbriasteve]

The argument about the MOT is the fact that the MOT only states the vehicle is fit for the road for the date of the certificate, not 12 weeks later

A professional examination and report may be able to put some doubt on that but it's not very often it can produce any 'comeback' results that may be of benefit to you.

However, if proof can be obtained that the vehicle was supplied faulty and not fit for the road it stengthens a claim against the dealer.

Have you checked online for the MOT to ensure it is genuine? I think you just enter it's serial number for viewing the report and any advisorys issued.

 

[keithski122]

More details needed ie, age and type of van, photos of rust.
To say its ready for crushing is unnecessary, it could be a 60s splitscreen van which £12k is cheap, rust holes may not be in mot-able place.Like I said more details are needed.

 

[octo0072000]

rusty camper van

she wants words with the other that she paid to inspect it as to why he didn't see the problems you found

 

[johnakay]

thanks for the replies.
just wish that she came to me 1st before buying.
most of the van is good and solid. some of it I can sort out for her.
but as for the holes they would have to be done by a pro if the garage refuse.

 

[1.8T]

Pretty sure vosa will investigate corrosion for something like 3 months after an mot pass, not that it really matters unless the mot was carried out in house by whoever she bought it from, i would suggest she posts this up on one of the consumer forums as they will be able to help her

 

[octo0072000]

what make/type is the camper van

 

[Hitch]

Yes, vosa will inspect corrosion related issues within three months.....

See here....http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/owningavehicle/mot/dg_4022113

We rang Vosa not that long ago, and spoke to an area enforcer, helpful chap.

Check the MOT online, any previous advisories may be noted....


Need to do a number of things if she wants to take it further.....

Keep full records of every single time she contacts the garage, write letters, print emails etc.
She will need to offer the vehicle to the dealer to rectify the issue, its now too late for a refund.
You might want to get it inspected, a written report from an independant and credible source, photos etc.

If he isn't forthcoming, and you wish to attempt a claim through the small claims court you can have the repairs carried out, but in a reasonable manner- you need to get a few quotes, and choose the cheapest/ or near cheapest if there is a significant reason to use them.
I believe you need to state your intentions before going ahead.

If it ends up in court, i believe the dealer has to prove that the fault was not there when sold, more so than you needing to prove it was.

Perhaps a nice letter to the previous owner, asking if it had any rust when they got rid.
We did this, and was surprised to get a response, but it was very very positive for us.


Then you could attempt to reclaim the costs through the small claims courts.

Long and drawn out process though, takes a lot of time and research as we have found out.

Thing is, if its a dealer, chances are he puts a lot of business to them.....

Have a good read of the consumer forums as suggested.

Citizens Advice Consumer service also worth a call too, again, helpful.....


Do your research, dont just follow my brief crash course above!

Main thing, keep calm, do it all by the book.


We shall be embarking on a claim against a used car salesman next week probably.

Read the advice i was given here

 

[CompoSimmonite]

As others say - what it the make / model.
There is a big difference between a 1960's VW where rust / rot is expected compared to a 2005 vehicle with rust / rot.
Personally I'd only get in touch with Trading Standards - nobody else. If they deem it unsatisfactory then they will take over everything from getting inspection by experts to contacting whoever examined and also any contact with the garage.

paul h

 

[johnakay]

well I'm please to say that the garage where she bought it from are going to do all the repairs.they claimed that they don't know how they have missed that!
my sister said that they have been good to her so far.so we'll see how things turn out.
we're going to put the van on the ramp on monday so that I andanother chap can have a better look at it. the guy has let us use his ramp..(it is the one that you can walk under) as he is going to waxoil it all.as for age I think its about 10 years old maybe less?
will let you know after monday what else we may find. john

 

[1.8T]

Dont go waxoyling it before they have repaired it, i would have a good prod at it on monday then hopefully when it goes in for repairs they will repair any holes you make, i cant see them paying out for it to be repaired properly though, by that i mean rust cut out and new metal let in flush, i would imagine they will just plate it over overlapping new metal over rust which so the new metal will rust through again after a few years, depending on whether she intends to keep it once repaired and if she does for how long you may want to get it done properly elsewhere even if it means paying the difference

 

[johnakay]

its not my decision. as for wax etc that will be done after the welding work is done