The Aftermath of a Failed Caravan Dealer

[Dustydog]

It had to happen. The worms are crawling out of the woodwork.
I’ve read elsewhere some heart breaking stories of caravans less than two years old failing with various faults.
The Dealer had failed leaving the Customer with no where to go for repairs.

Some have tried other dealers who aren’t interested. Others have paid for warranty repairs themselves. In some cases after contacting the manufacturer have been told “talks are in hand”.

Sadly CRA 2015 offers no recourse for this situation,
The Manufacturer has run a mile by all accounts
Those who paid by Credit card or finance may have some recourse.

I suggest CRA needs an extension making the Manufacturer liable for all warranty claims in this situation .

What’s your take here?

 

[otherclive]

It had to happen. The worms are crawling out of the woodwork.
I’ve read elsewhere some heart breaking stories of caravans less than two years old failing with various faults.
The Dealer had failed leaving the Customer with no where to go for repairs.

Some have tried other dealers who aren’t interested. Others have paid for warranty repairs themselves. In some cases after contacting the manufacturer have been told “talks are in hand”.

Sadly CRA 2015 offers no recourse for this situation,
The Manufacturer has run a mile by all accounts
Those who paid by Credit card or finance may have some recourse.

I suggest CRA needs an extension making the Manufacturer liable for all warranty claims in this situation .

What’s your take here?

It’s a terrible position for those who are affected. Another option, much quicker to implement would be if the caravan makers came to the fore and were more proactive in supporting other dealerships or AWS/independents to take on the warranty work from the closed dealership. Can but dream.

 

[Buckman]

I agree as manufacturers hide behind suppliers. It would probably improve the quality of goods if manufacturers could be held liable, but how would that apply where the manufacturer is based in the EU or some other overseas country?

 

[otherclive]

I agree as manufacturers hide behind suppliers. It would probably improve the quality of goods if manufacturers could be held liable, but how would that apply where the manufacturer is based in the EU or some other overseas country?

If the overseas maker still had dealerships it would still work, if no dealerships that would be more difficult unless they accepted AWS to carry out work. But there’s only so far that any such scheme could go. A change to CRA2015 would be just as difficult to implement for overseas makers too. You can never cover all aspects when companies closed down or go bust.

 

[Buckman]

If the overseas maker still had dealerships it would still work, if no dealerships that would be more difficult unless they accepted AWS to carry out work. But there’s only so far that any such scheme could go. A change to CRA2015 would be just as difficult to implement for overseas makers too. You can never cover all aspects when companies closed down or go bust.

Any legislation like CRA 2015 which will put responsibility on manufacturers would need to be general and not specifically for caravans.

 

[borderbilly]

Forget buying new, go down the 2nd hand route.

 

[Dustydog]

Taken from the web

Businesses that import goods into the UK typically need to have a permanent business establishment in the UK to get an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This establishment can be a registered office, central headquarters, or a permanent business establishment.

 

[Dustydog]

Forget buying new, go down the 2nd hand route.

One well out of warranty? Like six years plus?

 

[Buckman]

Forget buying new, go down the 2nd hand route.

To get to be 2nd hand they need to have been bought new at some point? however if the supplier goes bust after selling a 2nd hand unit, you are still in the same situation as someone who bought new.

 

[borderbilly]

I'd rather take a chance on 2nd hand, at least that way you are not losing a lot of money.

 

[borderbilly]

One well out of warranty? Like six years plus?

Majority of warranties on any goods aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

 

[Buckman]

I'd rather take a chance on 2nd hand, at least that way you are not losing a lot of money.

Whether new or second hand the cost of the repair will still be the same?

Majority of warranties on any goods aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

Agree totally!

 

[Beachball]

I'd rather take a chance on 2nd hand, at least that way you are not losing a lot of money.

We also brought a 2nd hand one owner caravan that was a great buy and when we let it go we still made good money with all it service history .

 

[Dustydog]

We also brought a 2nd hand one owner caravan that was a great buy and when we let it go we still made good money with all it service history .

You were lucky BB.
This is more about those poor (sic) souls who have spent a kings ransom on a caravan with warranty but no Dealer to deal.

Even a lot of used , 2nd hand models come from Dealers with various warranties. Even old bangers usually get six months from a dealer. But once the Dealer goes you are alone!