SKODA VT

[astirman]

Hello. A fantastic forum/facility.

A common problem. Due to change in job etc I VT'd my Skoda Citigo. Experienced problems with British Car Auctions cancelling collection at short notice, I had travelled a round trip of 320 miles to be present. Further days where family members took days of work to be present and they didn't show up. Ultimately inspector turned up declared car fine and told daughter there would be nothing else to pay. In due course I received a request for approx £800 of excess miles charge, I wrote pointing out to Skoda finance that my contract said once I had paid £4300 (approx cant remember off hand exact figure) I would have nothing else to pay and expressing my displeasure at the cost and inconvenience at their failure to collect the car as arranged. I have received their final response which basically dismisses my complaint, saying it is a matter for BCA and I owe £800. They have in no way addressed the fact that the contract said I would have nothing else to pay.

So what's the best way to proceed ? Considering Ombudsman complaint.

Regards.

Colin.
PS . I have posted this elsewhere on the forum but not sure where, apologies.

[des8]

As it is the weekend prior to Christmas you might have to wait awhile for a response from R0b
Starting point re excess mileage might be here: https://app.box.com/s/cfcq7j11buf1wtnr89hkqkxhfgelh020
and for collection charges here: https://app.box.com/s/cfcq7j11buf1wtnr89hkqkxhfgelh020

These are very much template and you will need to select the bits you need and amend them to suit

[astirman]

Many thanks for this response.

Colin

[astirman]

I sent letter to Skoda Finance as suggested by DES8. Yesterday I received a text from Skoda saying they want to discuss the balance on my account. This may be coincidence or the response to my letter.

Any recommendations ?

Colin

[des8]

What balance? shouldn't it be Nil Balance?

[astirman]

Understood.

So ignore ?

Colin.

[R0b]

So why don't you call them and find out what they have to say? They will probably tell you that you them money, something you are already aware of but ideally you need to keep everything in writing where possible.

If you are going to call, get the name of the advisor and follow it up with an email to confirm what was discussed and your current position.

[astirman]

I phoned them. Very nice lady stated that a case handler should have already replied to me and that she would follow it up while I waited. I explained I was calling from work and cant really hang on would she mind following up the case and letting me know. She replied "that's fine". I was hopeful.

Today I get a letter from "Themis Recoveries" debt recovery stating I owe £762 .82 and I must contact their client etc etc.

I have to admit what gets me so cross with these big companies is how they can be allowed to get away with simply ignoring correspondence and issuing these sort of letters. Grrrrrrrr.

Anyway, not helpful I realise.

Any advice please on next step ?

Colin.

[R0b]

Hi Colin, you cant do anything until you know that it is they are claiming for, so that's the starting point. Ask them to send you a breakdown of those costs in writing along with any supporting evidence. This will usually be the condition report.

[astirman]

Rob,

Many thanks for your help.

To clarify ask Skoda Finance as opposed to the Debt Recovery firm I presume ?

My original template letter that Skoda has not replied to asked for such information I think but worth repeating the request ?

Colin

[R0b]

Well the last post you stated that the letter said to contact their client i.e. Skoda so i would say that you should contact them direct. That said and to prevent Themis from sending you further demands, it would be sensible to send them a copy of your letter to Skoda.

If Skoda haven't responded to your last template you could ask them for an update on that. Alternatively if there is an email address, follow it up that way.

[astirman]

Thank you.

[astirman]

A follow up, I sent hard copy letters (copies of original letter) to both Skoda Finance and their appointed Debt recovery men, Themis. Hard to say any actual correspondence address on the Themis letters, suggests to me they are really Skoda Finance in disguise. Anyway, couple of weeks have passed and the only communication I have received is another demanding letter from Themis Recoveries.

Any thoughts ?

[astirman]

I received several more debt collection letters from Themis and a letter stating it had been transferred to someone else for further action. In my frustration I decided to refer to the Financial Ombudsman via their website. Everything now seems to be on hold, presumably while the Ombudsman do their stuff.

[astirman]

And now I have received a letter from Blake Morgan demanding the money. The letter also offers me instalment payments but I have to endure a 20 minute phone call forensically going through my finances. Annoys me so much .