(Also posted in Evo forum)

Hi folks!

Without going into too much detail - my father is importing vehicle from Belgium via a popular UK broker (who shall for the moment remain nameless!)

It has been IMPLIED that the last delay was caused by damage in transit (from mfr to European dealer).

Dealer has just called to say "your car has arrived", but is still unable to confirm cause of delay (ie cannot confirm whether car was damaged or not !?!) Just sent digital pictures and it looks OK...but then any repair would have to be pretty shoddy to appear visible in a picture!

Question is - can a car be repaired prior to customer delivery and sold as new? Do they legally HAVE to declare that it is a repaired car (whether UK or European?)

Any informed folks out there?

Thanks,
Mik

Alright then.....*pretty* please....

double post dope




[This message has been edited by mik (edited 27 April 2001).]

Mik,

Yes, it can be repaired - many cars need a scratch fixing or a door re-hung before customer pickup, and no, it doesn't have to be notified to you or anyone else.

Cars get damaged in transit - all manufacturers and dealers know and accept this, and until the car come off the dealer's forecourt it's essentially assumed to be in the manufacturing process.

Just find out what the damage was and make sure you're happy with it before you pay the balance.

Bros

Ok, its me!!

If you can see damage then you can reject the car as unfit for purpose (as one would, understandably expect a car to be un-damaged if it was new)

The ABSOLUTELY important thing to do is to REJECT it there and then - do NOT under any circumstances accept it, even if they say that they will mend/fix it soon!!

I am no expert by the way

Pete

There is something in consumer law which states that refund or replacement need no longer be given after repairs have been attempted.

Being realistic though, if its a bit of minor bodywork or interior trim that has been damaged, an approved repair would be reasonable IMHO.

Steve

Guys,

Thanks for yer input. Initial indications are that rear bumper may have been replaced (just going on Belgian dealers' comment at the moment).

Difficulty is around the uncertainty - if they cannot confirm that it WAS damaged, they cannot confirm what needed fixed ....grrr.

Realise that this must happen to many cars, and yes - if it is just a rear bumper, or something minor then that's OK.

Pete - Option currently selected is delivery to my dads front door on the back of a wagon. This demands that you pay Belgian dealer up-front (!) Currently reconsidering this.....trip to belgium may be prudent.

LATEST UPDATE - Dealer says all of the gold alloys were kerbed, but he is happy to replace with silver. I would personally see this as a downgrade...and a downright insult!...what do you reckon Pete? (Bear in mind you have to answer! Is it your birthday yet?)

Ta Mik

mik,

is you father going out to check the car before collection. if so, petes on the money with his suggestion.

If you broker is having the car collected, ensure the transport company is aware of the problem and checks the car over thoroughly.

Or maybe your broker is arranging for the car to be put on the ferry back to a UK port and collected from there?? Do you know the procedure.

Were in belgium is the car coming from and what model is it??

regards

s

"S" ~ it's a Seat Leon from "Oosterhout" .....

Not entirely sure of procedure - I *think* it is transporter from Beligan Dealer to door....need to check.

Weekend now - going home!

Thanx again

mik,

The dealer's having a laugh about the alloys! All four kerbed?!! Sounds more like he's been offered some cash for your nice gold alloys and has some old silver ones sitting around that'll fit your car. What's Belgian for cowboy?

Brian