Just an inconsequential accessory?

[Van Fisher]

Last September, with talk of Rachel Reeves removing the option to take 25% of a private pension pot tax free, I did just that and treat myself. I used it, along with a chunk of my savings and part exchanging my aging SUV, all for a shiny new Audi, with a pop up tow bar. Very exciting..... for a short while anyway.

The car was ready for collection from the main dealer in October, minus the tow bar. I was told they will contact me when it arrives and book the car in for fitting. We were planning to take our caravan away between Christmas and New year, but needless to say, that didn't happen.

The dealer is apologetic and say they cant say when the tow bar will arrive, but will tell me when it comes in. I contacted Audi UK. They said there is no stock and there is no schedule for any to be be manufactured. I said that without the tow bar, the car is of limited use to me and, if they cannot complete the car as originally ordered, I want to return it for a refund. Audi UK told me to speak to the dealer. The dealer said that returning the car is not an option. Now I'm stuck with a very expensive white elephant.

I have discovered that there is a Motor Ombudsman, so will be contacting them if I cant get any positive news within the next week.

If any of you have any other ideas, I would love to read them.

 

[trevormonty]

I'm no expert on these things but more you drive it after finding out there is no towbar to be had weaker maybe your case for full refund. Best to get legal advice from lawyer.

Make sure all communications with dealer is in writing ie email trail.

 

[otherclive]

I'm no expert on these things but more you drive it after finding out there is no towbar to be had weaker maybe your case for full refund. Best to get legal advice from lawyer.

Make sure all communications with dealer is in writing ie email trail.

I would have a preliminary discussion with Which Legal Service wrt your case. They are experts on CRA 2015. If they think you have a case you can then take out their subscription for app £100 pa. They will then guide you every step of the way in your case against the dealership. They do not provide legal representation though, but members here and one in particular have been successful in their efforts to make rejection or have major bills paid when initially the dealerships stonewalled. I have also used them as well.


Alternatively can you get a refund on the price of the towbar, and then have a removable tow ball tow bar fitted. May be less hassle, and you don’t loose on your beneficial use of the car.

Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Which?

The Consumer Rights Act protects you in almost all purchases you make. Here we explain what it means when buying goods or services

www.which.co.uk

 

[birdman101]

Afraid time has passed,but the point that you accepted the car,not as you ordered will make things more difficult. Personally I would not of accepted it and the Dealer would have moved quicker to discover they could not supply the towbar. They would not of wanted the motor stood there if they had registered it with DVLA as it would be of only second hand value the longer it stood on their premises. Wish you the best in getting it sorted.
Alternative is do as Other Clive suggests and get alternative towbar fitted with less hassle and get on with your caravanning.

 

[Buckman]

It is still within the 6 months from purchase and using S10 Goods to be fit for particular purpose of the CRA 2015, you probably have a strong case. As suggested your first port of call was the dealer who has rejected your claim. If the car is on finance/lease then the finance company need to be involved as they supplied the car. Lastly and not least is Which legal Services who will offer excellent advice. For about £90 annually you can get as much legal advice as required. To date using WLS we have been successful with claims amounting to well over £30000 and all done by myself!

 

[Dustydog]

Plus 1 for Otherclive snd Buckman
Presumably you have it in writing at the point of order an Audi Tow bar was an intrinsic part of the car purchase
Follow the Which? legal advice and using their template send a Recorded Delivery letter to the Dealer's MD.
You may also have Legal Protection cover as part of your home insurance.
Don't be bullied, The Consumer Law is on your side.
How would feel about a non Audi tow bar?

 

[birdman101]

If there is no schedule for any of the ordered towbars to be manufactured ,then you are not going to get one, If you like the car seek refund of the cost of the towbar from the dealer and then go elsewhere for a alternative towbar to be fitted. Alternative you have a long battle and use of your caravan lost. Even if dealer refunds car ,you still then have to find an alternative to be able to make use of the caravan which could be more months,

 

[Buckman]

Plus 1 for Otherclive snd Buckman
Presumably you have it in writing at the point of order an Audi Tow bar was an intrinsic part of the car purchase
Follow the Which? legal advice and using their template send a Recorded Delivery letter to the Dealer's MD.
You may also have Legal Protection cover as part of your home insurance.
Don't be bullied, The Consumer Law is on your side.
How would feel about a non Audi tow bar?

If the towbar was not factory fitted, normally the tow bar fitting is outsourced by the dealership to a third party company. No issue fitting a tow bar if the car is legally capable of towing, but the wiring into the car's system may invalidate the warranty if done by an unauthorised fitter.