Volvo with Launch Control...

[HPsauce]

Well I've finally got SOME answers in writing, though not really as much as I wanted/hoped for.

Volvo won't move on the 60% contribution, but the dealer seem to have pared down some of their charges and a few items (mostly re diagnostics and failed repairs) are no longer apparent so the overall final bill will be a bit less eye-watering.

One of the factors Volvo say they use in considering the level of "goodwill contribution" is your history of buying Volvo cars.
I've asked the dealer to go back again and point out that, having had company cars all my working life I have no history.
But that this was the first new car I'd bought with my own money in 40 years (true!) so maybe they should think of me more as a future customer?
After all we're in a demographic that must provide a significant part of their business!

[steamship]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

One of the factors Volvo say they use in considering the level of "goodwill contribution" is your history of buying Volvo cars.

The fact that a fully Volvo serviced car requires a new engine after only 28,000 miles seems to have slipped their minds. Outrageous!

[Adrian E]

Surely they should also look at the likelihood of you buying another Volvo in future, if they stiff you on the repair of this one?!

Have you managed to get a legal opinion on your chances of success if you pursue the court route?

[paulrstaylor]

Where did you buy the car and how long have you owned it?

"The legal route" would be to bring a case against the supplier, not the manufacturer or the service agent (unless they sold you the car)?

[HPsauce]

I bought it from a non-local Volvo dealer (still in business), but not the (local) one who have serviced it for its entire life.
It was a quite rare specific model with options that were not that common and took some finding.
It was actually ordered as a demonstrator that met both the dealers and our requirements on the understanding that we would then (probably) buy it after 3 months, which we did.
Our local Volvo dealer, rather oddly, is just service and used cars, they don't sell new! Though other locations in the group do.
So a bit complicated....

And the local dealer are really just "piggy in the middle" though they're also a bit low on skills which doesn't help, but part of a larger group.

[paulrstaylor]

So you would have to bring a claim for the cost of repair against the supplying dealer that the car they supplied was defective, and therefore not fit for purpose. Have you spoken with the supplying dealer to see if they can help with the issue?

How did you pay for the car? Was there any form of credit, even a credit card deposit?

[HPsauce]

Good point re contacting the original seller, they will not want to be dragged into this so should be motivated to get Volvo to sort it out.
No credit that I recall, it was 6 years ago!

[paulrstaylor]

To be fair, 6 years is probably pushing the time limits, but can't hurt to involve another dealer in the process and see if they can apply some pressure on your behalf?

[sarg]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

One of the factors Volvo say they use in considering the level of "goodwill contribution" is your history of buying Volvo cars.

We had the same when our last Mini needed a new main wiring loom, luckily it was our 3rd Mini, which alongside 20+ BMWs over the years was more than adequate for them.

Interestingly a couple of those I think were company cars (albeit I owned the company), but they were as interested in my history of sevicing and maintenance custom as the car purchasing.

I've been using the same dealer, all bar the odd occasion, for almost 30 years so that stood us in good stead too. (Only ever used them for service mind you, only ever bought one single car - the Mini in question - from them as their sales staff never deliver)

It all goes to highlight that, right or wrong, a good relationship with your dealer's service staff is an important factor.

[HPsauce]

Unfortunately, while I had company cars throughout almost all my working life, Volvo was never an option, so I don't have that history, just the last 5-6 years with this car.

Originally Posted by paulrstaylor

So you would have to bring a claim for the cost of repair against the supplying dealer that the car they supplied was defective, and therefore not fit for purpose. Have you spoken with the supplying dealer to see if they can help with the issue?

How did you pay for the car? Was there any form of credit, even a credit card deposit?

I just checked and did indeed pay £1000 deposit by card, not sure how that helps though.

Edit: I have now spoken to the Sales Manager at selling dealer. He was helpful but did say that once Volvo made a goodwill offer they tended to stick with it, but he would call them anyway. He clearly did not want to get caught up in any legal claims so hopefully that will add a bit more motivation.