Hi
I need some assistance concerning a damage to property dispute with a car showroom dealership.
To summarise the events, I sent in my car for a job to be completed. It was difficult for me to arrange the collection as two people needed to attend to collect the vehicle. When I finally arranged a collection and turned up 4 to 6 weeks later (due to work and getting a friend to come with me) I was told the 'key wasn't ready'. It wasn't until another 4 to 6 weeks again that I was able to return to finally collect the vehicle.
Upon receiving the vehicle I noticed damage to the exterior body work that I wasn't familiar with before dropping off the car, the car had been parked under a tree for about 2.5 months. The damage report that was done on the vehicle at drop off was massively understated compared to the in-depth thorough damage report they did after I bought this to their attention at pick up - at least three times as many areas of damaged were identified. They claim the first one was due to 'dirt' which wasn't true.
In a way they have self incriminated themselves by providing such a high discrepancy in the damage report and I'm wondering what the success rate (or holes in the case) that I need to take into account if pursuing this in court. The quote for respray is about £3,500 - half the car's value.
From my view, the dealership had full responsibility of the vehicle once I handed over the keys, despite any comments which I received that they were not taking responsibility (closer to the time of collection) when it became clear their vulnerable situation.
I've dealt with legal cases before and realise the extent to which they are time consuming and stressful. I'm also wondering whether in this circumstance I would be liable for the other party's cost if I lose. Any points of consideration welcome.
I will begin with a few letters to the firm asking for payment, at which point I will expect their solicitors to get involved.
I need some assistance concerning a damage to property dispute with a car showroom dealership.
To summarise the events, I sent in my car for a job to be completed. It was difficult for me to arrange the collection as two people needed to attend to collect the vehicle. When I finally arranged a collection and turned up 4 to 6 weeks later (due to work and getting a friend to come with me) I was told the 'key wasn't ready'. It wasn't until another 4 to 6 weeks again that I was able to return to finally collect the vehicle.
Upon receiving the vehicle I noticed damage to the exterior body work that I wasn't familiar with before dropping off the car, the car had been parked under a tree for about 2.5 months. The damage report that was done on the vehicle at drop off was massively understated compared to the in-depth thorough damage report they did after I bought this to their attention at pick up - at least three times as many areas of damaged were identified. They claim the first one was due to 'dirt' which wasn't true.
In a way they have self incriminated themselves by providing such a high discrepancy in the damage report and I'm wondering what the success rate (or holes in the case) that I need to take into account if pursuing this in court. The quote for respray is about £3,500 - half the car's value.
From my view, the dealership had full responsibility of the vehicle once I handed over the keys, despite any comments which I received that they were not taking responsibility (closer to the time of collection) when it became clear their vulnerable situation.
I've dealt with legal cases before and realise the extent to which they are time consuming and stressful. I'm also wondering whether in this circumstance I would be liable for the other party's cost if I lose. Any points of consideration welcome.
I will begin with a few letters to the firm asking for payment, at which point I will expect their solicitors to get involved.
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