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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2018 4:14 pm
by C7Steve
Sorry to hear that the problem could not get resolved for you.


Steve.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2018 6:17 pm
by H8OAG
A sainthood surely awaits.
You have demonstrated that you were willing to give the Dealer an opportunity to fix the problem.
They failed....good luck in your quest

:cheers

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2018 11:35 pm
by Ferg
Nightmare. Hope you get to where you need to be with the least amount of hassle.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 12:19 am
by renmure
H8OAG wrote:
Tue Nov 06, 2018 6:17 pm
A sainthood surely awaits.
You have demonstrated that you were willing to give the Dealer an opportunity to fix the problem.
They failed....good luck in your quest

:cheers
Absolutely. The thing I don't really understand is that you've probably been an ideal customer and given the Dealer every chance to sort the problem. You've let them go through the whole process, let them discuss it with HQ and not even been a ranting, raving, shouting loon. I've got no doubts that you'll end up with your money back but also have to assume that the car will be sorted properly before being advertised and sold again through the same Dealer and the cost of that will be decided (or squabbled over) between Lotus and the Dealer. So, why would they sleepwalk into a situation where you, who have already bought the car, walk away from it because they don't do what they are going to end up doing anyhow? Takes all sorts :?

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:11 pm
by Stevoraith
Unless they plan to sell it like it is and hope the next owner does not notice or complain about the fault....

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:56 pm
by j2 lot
A risky and foolish strategy if that’s the plan as if the next customer notices or is made aware (small community) they will be even more miffed and that’s a 2nd customer lost and they still have a broken car with another owner added to the V5 ....

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:45 pm
by rawsco
So I wrote to the dealer asked for a refund today and things are escalating quickly with the likelihood of a resolution extending off into the distance. Their position is basically... you ruined it, we fixed it good will, and we don’t believe the problem is still there. I’m getting the CRA miss quoted to me and manipulation of verbal conversations that I had previously wrote to them about and corrected. They are also implying that they have a right to inspect the vehicle and that I should engage the motor trade ombudsman for arbitration. Neither of which I am obliged. It’s a fcuk disgrace excuse the french.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 7:15 pm
by neil
Wow! They seem to be going out of their way to destroy their reputation as a dealer. Unfortunately it sounds like it's now time to speak to a lawyer. Best of luck getting it sorted.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 7:27 pm
by campbell
We had high hopes for these guys. Pity. Maybe time Arnold Clark moved in on them

Very frustrated for you Ross, a case study in emotional intelligence for holding it together. Top lad.

Hope you won't desert Lotus altogether. I suspect Leven might be worth a look now instead.

I mean. How bad can it be?!

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 7:54 pm
by rawsco
It's becoming increasingly difficult, Campbell. I think I'm done with Lotus to be honest, I can't see how in my right mind I could possibly put myself at the risk of going through something like this again and I'm not even close to the end now. The real challenge is that I really have no idea what I'd replace the car with, I thought long and hard about giving up my S2, even saying to the sales person on collection that I really wasn't sure I was doing the right thing, doubting the dynamics of the 350. I was right to change on that front, I very much preferred the Sport 350's drive, sadly I was unknowingly right for other more horrifying reasons.

Yes Neil, you are right on all counts.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 8:46 pm
by Ferg
Any route to compensation and getting it fixed elsewhere? You seem to still love the car....which I can understand.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 10:01 pm
by rawsco
Possibly Ferg but I expect it’s a more complex legal process than it is to reject. In any case I now doubt the repair, (parking sensors failed and something loose in the engine bay) so what else haven’t they done? I’m also now working on the assumption the car has been abused and may hide other defects yet to surface.

You’re right I do love the 350 but in my position right now I’m not intending keeping it, nor will I be buying another.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 1:08 am
by Simon82
Absolutely dumbfounded by this. Full refund and your car back (seen as it’s still for sale) would be the absolute least they could do in my opinion.
Disgusting how they have treated you.
I would really like to compare our cars back to back to see how the issues compare and see how it ends up but as I’m not back until January I hope your situation shall be resolved by then

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 10:25 am
by pete
That's an awful experience, which really hurts the brand- after the noise Ferg's makes I really want a v6...

But a genuine thanks for sharing the story - too many of us (me included) keep these bad experiences to ourselves.

Good luck, if it helps I'm sure a crowd of us would be willing to come down for a mass, supportive, visit to the dealers with you? It could be a new way of getting quick resolution?

(50 of us wandering round their shiny dealership knocking stuff over and leaning on cars. It wouldn't even be malicious, we're all getting on a bit and prone to clumsiness. Plus Robin's bladder isn't as strong as it once was - then throw in a long drive followed by getting in and out of low slung sports cars and there can be leakage. And it's a bugger to get that smell out of alcantara.)

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 11:20 am
by rawsco
:-) Plenty of asparagus and beetroot for Robin then!!!