Terminating Santander Consummer Finance

[KirstyH18]

Hi

looking for some help.

in 2016 we brought a car and took out Santander finance, we actually also have another top up finance with Creation.

we can not afford the car anymore and want to terminate the contract. We are up to date with payments so no arrears. We have paid off 50% of the total fins ace.

the car isn’t being used anymore as it failed the MOT due to the engine management light on as it’s in limp mode and something to do with the DPF.

I just wanted some help with wording a letter to Santander, I’ve read the contract and it doesn’t state it needs a valid MOT certificate. It says to return the goods in good repair and condition other than fair wear and tear together with everything supplied including servicing book, registration document and ANY MOT certificates. As I said the car does drive but is just in limp mode and im worried for this reason.

Hope this is enough info for a reply.

thabk you

[Kati]

R0b ?? one for you xx

[R0b]

I don't think you'd be able to get away without paying some kind of financial compensation to Creation and it wouldn't surprise me if their agent refused to collect the car on the basis that it is in limp mode. Maybe Des can expand on the mechanics but I thought that cars should not be driven in limp mode and if that's the case, then I suspect Creation would want to charge you a fee for it to be towed away, in addition to the cost of repairing the DPF.

[Laticsforlife]

I'm pretty sure I read on my collection pre-advice notes that an engine light was something they would NOT take away the car - so you re responsible for fixing it I'm afraid.

It makes sense because a scratch or a dent can be seen and they can 'value' that in terms of repair cost, whereas an engine light could be a £10 sensor or a £3,000 engine, how can they value that at the roadside.

[Aukey]

I don't think the engine management light on and needing a DPF will come under fair wear and tear, "It says to return the goods in good repair and condition", this isn't what they will consider good repair in my opinion as it's also in limp mode.

If they did take it then i would prepare yourself for a very big bill from what i can gather reading on here. Some finance companies charge £300 ish for a missed service so from what you have said it's going to be costly......

[SID160991SID]

Ok..... So if it was me in this situation I'd pay for a local mobile mechanic to diagnose the fault and clear the code. Sometimes these engine management lights are a little sensitive. Id make sure the light was off leave the car alone and hope it stays off for them to collect. If not atleast you have a better understanding of the cost to repair. That would be my course of action if i was genuinely struggling to keep up payment.