Advice required: problem with new Clio

[Ally]

Im asking this on behalf of my dad. Please take the time to read it (sorry about the length!). Hes just collected his brand new Clio today - a DCi 80 (not sure on trim level but its NOT got alloys). It was bought for use as his driving school car and has already been fitted with dual controls, etc.

Today was the first time hed seen the car, and it wasnt until he collected it that he discovered that air-conditioning - which it was supposed to have - is missing! He agreed with the dealer as part of the deal that the car would be equipped with a/c - fortunately my dads got this confirmed in email from the dealer.

My immedaite reaction was to tell him to reject the car, but theres a problem: he needs the car in 2 weeks (Renault will take far longer to supply another car) and its already been fitted with the dual controls.

So, 2 options I can see here. Dont know if theyre possible but advice would be very much appreciated:

1/ Reject the car. Claim the cost of hiring a dual control car back to the Renault dealer until a replacement car - with a/c - arrives (since it was the Renault dealers fault that the cars not as it should be).

2/ Keep the car and have a/c fitted by the dealer - IS THIS POSSIBLE? Can a/c be fitted afterwards? Im talking about the proper Renault a/c here, not some retrofit aftermarket stuff. If this is possible it would be the preferred option because of the dual controls already being fitted.

I cant believe they messed this up. Actually, i can believe it - typical Renault dealer behaviour. Totally their fault and its well pissed my dad off.

What can he do: reject the car, or have a/c fitted to the car hes got?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[badinvincible]

(a) they wouldnt retro fit a/c onto the DCi, no chance

 

[Neil82]

There isnt an option (a) u gusset, id say option 1.

 

[iceblue182]

a) and put in a claim for any lost earnings due to the mistake they are liable and havnt got a leg too stand on the useless bunch of t@ssers!!!

 

[edde]

You could refit air con but it would cost a fortune.

Id say go for a)

Or go there syaing you want say £1.5k off (and accept £1k off) etc.

 

[Ally]

Cheers for the replies folks - help appreciated.

I know what Id do myself - reject the car straight away, and claim the cost of a dual control hire car from Renault until they supply the correct car. Its their error at the end of the day.

But my dads reluctant to reject the car. Hes just starting his own business after having worked for one of the big driving schools, and doesnt want to appear for his first lesson in a hired car. Its also a sh*tload of hassle that he says he could do without. ARRRGGH! They never make it simple, do they?

Thanks again folks - Ive passed on the advice to my dad. Your advice is very much appreciated in matters like this. Hes either going to reject it, or live without a/c (but with compensation, hopefully).

 

[cliopower]

Reject the car. Most reno dealers have 1 dual control test car so they can lend him that while they get another or they should be able to get one off another dealer in the group. My local dealer always has one.

 

[Ally]

RESULT!

My dad rejected the car. The salesman was actually realy apologetic and agreed that it was totally their fault. And today theyre ordering another new car (with a/c!) for my dad! Hes very happy with how theyve handled it.

Basically, the salesman admitted it was totally his fault and apologised to my dad. Even better is that my dads to use the brand new car hes currently got (the one without a/c) until his new one arrives. And since hes using it for his business, the miles will be getting piled on it!

Good effort on the dealers part - they made an arse of it initally, but I think theyve redeemed themselves pretty well.

(the dealership concerned was East Lane Renault in Paisley ).

Ally

 

[DAVE_RSi]

cool thats very good news, bet ur Dads pretty happy with that, no harm done 2 the business and gets 2 carry on driving the car till new one arrives

welldone renault for not complaining about it for once

 

[jon_r]

Yep thats really good news.

 

[Pete]

Yep, good news. tbh I dont think the dealer had a choice.

 

[Ally]

Ive got to say I didnt think it would be as easily resolved as that, but it goes to show that dealers can be good sometimes! My dad was quite reasonable with them, didnt get all stressed or shout at the dealer - TBH I think in this case that was the right way to go about things.

Aiming for a good shot of this DCi when its got a few miles on the clock!

 

[stuartturrell]

thats cool then, you wont need a/c for a fair while yet as the weather seems to have got a bit more of a "nip" in the air! I must say, from what i hear, renault do help people out if there are problems. My local dealer is meant to be very useful and helpful.