Alfa Romeo GT - Rejection New Lease Car - Bulkhead Weld Failure

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Tue 11 May 2010 12:06
Alfa Romeo GT - Rejection New Lease Car - Bulkhead Weld Failure - WipeOut

Hi,

Since new, I've had an Alfa Romeo GT that make a creaking noise while cornering or steering. Over three weeks ago, I dropped the car off some "minor" warranty work including an inspection of the creaking nosie. I was called to say the car was on a truck going to body shop to have welding done on the bulkhead.

1) I am annoyed that a minor complaint of creaking noise has resulted in over three weeks with out the car. Still no news on fourth week. I would have lived with a creaking noise rather than loose the car for four or more weeks.

2) Concerned about the safety of the car before the welding.

3) Concerned that with removing the dashboard, windscreen, bonnet, wiper motors, etc to perform the welding the car will be a worse state than new.

4) Last time the dealer investigated this issue, I had multiple electrical problems due to the dashboard been removed, including flat battery.

5) I've lost confidence in the car, and suspect I will be making multiple trips to the dealer once the fix has been performed.

Any suggestions as to what to do. The car is leased from Fiat/Alfa, the dealer has been good enough to provide a car, but at the end of the day I am leasing a GT. The car is now 1 1/2 years old.

Who do I complain to, Alfa UK, Alfa Fiat Lease, or Dealer, and can I reject the car?

Thanks WipeOut

PS Shame as it's a lovely car otherwise.

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Tue 25 May 2010 11:37
Alfa Romeo GT - Rejection New Lease Car - Bulkhead Weld Failure - LucyBC

You don't have grounds to reject the car. The owner (presumably the lease company) has the legal right to attempt to fix any errors they deem necessary.

The rules dealing with such occurrences should be dealt with in your leasing contract.

The chances are they should supply you with a replacement vehicle while you do not have access to yours and the car should be returned to you with all problems fixed.

Only if this does not occur might you have any grounds for complaint. You cannot complain in a consumer case based on the "fear" of something happening.

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Thu 27 May 2010 15:15
Alfa Romeo GT - Rejection New Lease Car - Bulkhead Weld Failure - WipeOut

Thanks for the advice.

I've contacted the lease company on a number of occasions. They've done nothing to help or even bothered to reply to my correspondance. 6 weeks later the car is still off the road.

I am going to seek early termination. A vehicle under lease is still covered by the Supply Of Goods Acts and must be fit for purpose and of a satisfactory quality. I have nothing but grief with this car.

WipeOut

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Thu 27 May 2010 16:25
Alfa Romeo GT - Rejection New Lease Car - Bulkhead Weld Failure - LucyBC

Is it a business or personal lease? If it's a business then the Sale and Supply of Goods Act (SSoGA) does not apply.

Even if it is a private deal and you are able to use SSoGA you have had the car 18 months. You will need to demonstrate that the car is not fit for purpose. That will require a serious failing at this stage.

You have very little realistic chance of successfully rejecting the vehicle given what you have told us. The fault needs to be fixed and you have to offer them the chance to fix it. While it is fixed they should be putting you in an equivalent replacement vehicle. If they are not come back to me.

Given that you are clearly unhappy with the car seem unlikely to fall withing the requirements of SSoga you may be better to negotiate returning the vehicle and entering into a lease on another vehicle.

Depending who the leasing company are this will be a negotiated arrangement and may or may not need to be an Alfa.

If you give me more information we may be able to assist you further.

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