Scratched windows on new caravan

[Gareth_374543229]

We picked our new Caravan just over a week ago. After our first weekend away in it I noticed that ALL of the windows were scratch, some alot worse than others.

I didnt notice when we collected it, did look that close I guess - it never crossed my mind.

I have spoken to the dealer they said to book it in and they will take a look at them (and a couple of minot issues too.)

They did say that the scratches will buff out but I was wondering where I stand if I am not happy with the work carried out as it wasn't pointed out to them at the time of handover.

I think they may of caused the scratched when they cleaned the van as they used one of those rubber strips with a handle - cant think of the name now - to wipe the excess water off.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

gareth,

you are within your rights even now to reject it under the sales of goods act. its not fit for purpose an has an inherant fault was there at the time of sale and was noticed as it was used.

google sales of goods act quick facts and you will see im right.

let us know how you get on. i had a simular problem on our first outing and rejected the caravan and got our full money back.

jo

 

[Gareth_374543229]

Jo, thanks for the quick response. They are a reputable dealer so hopefully it wont come to that but I will call on it if required.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Gareth,

I would like to hold the same degree of optimism that Jo-Anne has but sadly I foresee some difficulties.

The problem with windows is they are very vulnerable because of where they are , and the material are relatively soft and very easily marked.

The dealer may argue that they were perfectly fine when they handed the caravan over, and it has been something you have done that has damaged the windows.

Unless you have some foolproof method of showing the windows were already marked when you bought the caravan, the dealer could easily stand firm.

I honestly think that trying to use the Sale of Goods Act here may back fire, and the more gentle conciliatory approach may be more fruitful.

The offer to have them buffed may be the fairest solution.

I definitely recommend that if you do intend to go down the SoGA route, seek professional legal advice.

 

[Gareth_374543229]

Thanks John.

That's my worry. We have had the van for just over a week and used it twice. I rang them after I noticed but have no way of proving it wasn't me that caused the scratches.

I guess once it leaves the forecourt it's my word against theirs.

Will see what happens when it goes in. Do you know how well scratches can be buffed out.

 

[robert_374565247]

if all else fails have a look at this on ebay item

160335254689

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello again Gareth,

I have had plastic watch lenses buffed and I was really surprised how effective the process was, but I can't comment on how effective it might be your windows.

Subsequently I have had a further thought, which sadly makes it even more unlikely that the dealer will roll over and replace the windows;-

Usually when ever you buy a high value item, like a car or a caravan, the handover documentation includes a disclaimer to the effect that as the customer you have inspected and accepted the external condition of the vehicle.

Don't let this sour your relationship with your dealer, They can only go on the evidence, and in this case there is a lack of evidence either way. I am pretty sure that the dealer will not have deliberately scratched the windows, and if you had spotted the problem before you took delivery, it would have been sorted.

Caravan windows are from optically perfect so buffing is probably what they would have done anyway, and it does seem the most sensible route, and only if that fails should replacements be necessary.

It is quite likely that in a few months when the caravan has been towed and used and cleaned the windows will have become scratched anyway, so it is not likely to detract significantly from the value of the caravan

I think it is most likely you will need to put this one down to experience, but if you talk to the dealer they may have had the same problem with other vans and thus treat it with a view to keeping you a happy and satisfied customer.

 

[Mikey1]

Looking from Dealers point of view how come it has taken you a week to notice them, i presume the van was clean and you had a good look around before you bought it.

Rejecting a van for scratches you didnt notice at time of delivery i think you would be very very lucky.

 

[MichaelE]

Rejecting a van for scratched windows, your having a laugh?

Inherant fault??

At present the dealer is kindly assisting you ,threaten to reject it and he will stop assisting you and say bring it on!

If you didnt pick up any scratches at time of collection no hope later down the line, as said put it down to experience and check more thoroughly the next time.

 

[Dustydog]

Gareth

The polyplastic windows scratch just looking at them. Every new caravan we have had came with "scratched " windows. Not bad by any means but definitely not "scratch " free.

In fact you can't honestly see the surface scratches unless you look very close.

Unless they are really serious scratches I'd let the dealer do his best to polish them out. I carry a tube of the polish and often claen out the scuffs left by the odd branch / twig sticking out too far.

All caravans seem to come with a list of faults the majority of which are easily remedied.

Thus as I have said many times a decent dealer is worth his weight in gold and will go the distance to make your caravan ownership a real pleasure. Better to befriend your dealer than alienate him??

Cheers

Dustydog