Santander Consumer Finance

[R0b]

1. The VT Guide already addresses reasonable care. Brakes are reasonable wear and tear and onus is on Santander to prove otherwise. If the brakes are faulty, don't work or otherwise make the car in an unroadworthy condition, the obligation is on you to repair. I think you are panicking, it's just a statement from them so wait and see what they come back with. Never have I seen condition reports do a full mechanical check and they would only charge if they weren't working.

2. Yes they can do that. It is factually correct is it not?

[Htfc1]

1. The VT Guide already addresses reasonable care. Brakes are reasonable wear and tear and onus is on Santander to prove otherwise. If the brakes are faulty, don't work or otherwise make the car in an unroadworthy condition, the obligation is on you to repair. I think you are panicking, it's just a statement from them so wait and see what they come back with. Never have I seen condition reports do a full mechanical check and they would only charge if they weren't working.

2. Yes they can do that. It is factually correct is it not?

Thank you R0b - yes maybe panicking a bit....i will take a breath and see what happens - car goes next Monday

[R0b]

I suggest you read the section in the VT Guide around vehicle damage and end of contract charges. Vehicle damage is subjective and there's no hard and fast rule about who is right and who is wrong. If Santander feel they have a strong case, then they can take you to court for the damage as is the usual case, but it almost never happens because the cost of taking you to court would normally far outweigh the cost of the damage and therefore it's not commercial viable for lenders.

To give you an example, if Santander try to claw back £200 worth of vehicle damage, instructing an external lawyer on an hourly rate would average £150-£300+ and I would expect at least 20-40 hours worth of work, for a fairly straightforward claim from start to finish.

That's not to say Santander or any lender wouldn't take you to court on principle, but you have to bear in mind that financial service companies are out to make profit, not losses.

[Htfc1]

I suggest you read the section in the VT Guide around vehicle damage and end of contract charges. Vehicle damage is subjective and there's no hard and fast rule about who is right and who is wrong. If Santander feel they have a strong case, then they can take you to court for the damage as is the usual case, but it almost never happens because the cost of taking you to court would normally far outweigh the cost of the damage and therefore it's not commercial viable for lenders.

To give you an example, if Santander try to claw back £200 worth of vehicle damage, instructing an external lawyer on an hourly rate would average £150-£300+ and I would expect at least 20-40 hours worth of work, for a fairly straightforward claim from start to finish.

That's not to say Santander or any lender wouldn't take you to court on principle, but you have to bear in mind that financial service companies are out to make profit, not losses.

Thank you again I have read you VT guide which does set my mind at ease and provides me with some solid material to rebuff any charges that they may look to present to me.

[Htfc1]

Vehicle has been collected by Crystal Collections
The guy picked up a scratch on the front bumper which is approx 20mm in length - below the BVRLA limit of 25mm....
However Crystal have emailed a report to me stating that it is a £58 !!!

I did not sign anything, so will wait for Santander to come back to me....

[Htfc1]

I hadn't heard anything from Santander since the car was collected, so was starting to wonder what was happening

Today I received the letter below

There is no mention of the collection charge for the vehicle or the costed damage that the guy who collected the car detailed

I guess i am home and dry on this, or could they still chase?

[R0b]

I think that would be confirmation of nothing further. Suggest you keep hold of that for the next 6 years in case they come back.

[Htfc1]

Thanks Rob, et al, for your help and opinions - was a reasonably straightforward experience which was ultimately successful

[TMOS79]

Htfc1 did you email the general email address or the Voluntary Termination email address? About to send my letter in. Thanks v much