Hello help please,
Late February it was strongly suspected I would be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This was confirmed some four weeks later, following further tests. Having been told there was a very strong possibility that the symptoms would deteriorate, due to the disease not having been spotted for years earlier, possibly even as far back as 20 years ago. That's my sob story, and not the complaint, but gives the background to the complaint.
I along with my partner Tracy, both agreed very quickly the first course of action would be to change my van, and get a large 4 x 4 automatic car to enable me to carry on working, and be far more comfortable driving, and getting to and from work. All the time I was being told the bad back I had/have would hopefully be cured, I was putting myself through a lot of discomfort just getting to and from places of work.
I chose 3 different types of vehicles, of which I test drove, with the following criteria/ tick boxes, in order of importance.
1. My comfort.
2. Tracy being a lot shorter than me, could drive the car, my partner, who has little legs lol.
3. Would tow our caravan.
4. Can be converted to mobility controls, of which at the time was as you see the least important.
My question was converting the car to hand controls or whatever was needed.
I chose a Lexus 450 h, from Motorline in Tunbridge Wells Kent. Comfort was ticked very quickly, Tracy was happiest driving this vehicle, as against the other 2 of my choice, towed our caravan with ease, and in the words of the salesman 'yes Mr. Edwards, there is no problem in converting our vehicles, it's not something we do, but can be arranged'. He was asked the same question again in April when I returned the car for some warranty works. Again the answer was and very quick 'yes no problem'. Tracy was present when I asked the question before purchasing the car, and my father when I returned the car for warranty repairs.
I then via my Physiotherapist, referred myself to South East Driveability for an assessment on my driving abilities, my condition as expected deteriorated, albeit much quicker than expected. Their findings were to meet expected DVLA driving standards, I was to be retrained to drive, with a left foot accelerator, I went back to Lexus who found me a firm who carried out conversions to cars, a left foot accelerator could not be fitted to this particular vehicle due to the location of the foot parking brake. I personally tried many firms, Ergonmobility, being the most helpful. They are the main conversion firm in the area, and carry out works for the Motability Scheme.
I basically had to sell this car, and buy another type of vehicle of which could be converted, of which lost me in access of £4000 on the Lexus, and roughly the same amount on the Toyota Rav 4 I purchased. I was realistic in my opinion in not expecting the full amount back on the Lexus, I had after all driven some 3000 miles in it, but would have expected a much more of a better deal than I got. A tow bar had also been fitted to the car, for me to tow our caravan, and borrow a small trailer from time to time to carry work rubbish away, if required. They said probably quite rightly, about selling privately, but time was not on my side. Even now the DVLA investigating my ability to drive, although I've passed all criteria required by South East Driveability.
I know now! I should have made enquires to conversion firms, re converting cars, of which I did when purchasing the Rav 4. The Toyota dealer straight away, told me to find out for myself, as did Mitsubishi. Lexus and their salesman did not, just, as previously stated 'yes Mr. Edwards no problem'. Them saying straight away 'yes' giving me confidence in them. When I first approached them reference the problem, them asking if I had it in writing, of what the salesman said. No I haven't, only family as witnesses to the conversations. They are a Main Dealer!
Does sound a bit of a sob story, it's not meant to be, however I was and am still angry re this matter. Lexus who win dealership awards year in year out, then do this. I contacted the financial ombudsman, who stated as no finance was involved, couldn't investigate. CAB have been contacted, but have stated, that the word of mouth clarification, will be difficult to prove.
Please has anyone got any ideas please.
Thanks in advance Dave
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