Faulty Caravan SOGA?

[BackintheBlack]

My elderly relatives have purchased a static caravan near the coast for retirement but have had some issues and I was hoping someone here with a sharper brain than mine could help as they are old and very distressed after spending a huge chunk of life savings.

 

The caravan is only 18 months old but already starting to rust away. They were hoping that it would last at least 15 years which is what was promised when sold.

 

The site have written to them stating that the caravan is indeed faulty but as they had no knowledge of this at the time of sale they feel that the caravan was sold in good faith “as fit for purpose.”

 

The site have proposed a repair in good faith as the caravan is outside the 12 month guarantee. Several other have been repaired nearby in the last 18 months and all have been subject to several problems and repeat repairs as it seems that once they are taken apart they are never the same.

 

My understanding is that after 12 months the onus is on the consumer to prove that the fault was present at the time of purchase. And they have admitted this in writing.

[Conniff]

What was the date of purchase ??

[BackintheBlack]

Hello, it was purchased in September 2014.

[Conniff]

That puts you firmly into the protection of the Sale of Goods act. You are correct about the burden of proof, but corrosion isn't the same as a mechanical breakdown so much easier to prove the van was not of satisfactory quality at the time of purchase.

 

Photograph every little part of their van so you have a record. Talk to all the others who are affected and get what you can on paper preferably with a dated signature.

 

I fear you may have to call in the services of an expert to report on the lack of weather protection and the corrosion. You will need a written report from him.

 

As caravans are usually made of aluminium, are you meaning the chassis or the bodywork ?

[BackintheBlack]

Thank you for your advice Coniff, much appreciated.

 

The problem is with the bodywork, the covering or finish is 'artex' as opposed to smooth and the distributor will no longer supply such a finish to the seafront. The actual site have cancelled several orders from the manufacturer (Abi) and now only buying alternative makes due to several problems.

 

Ultimately, I think they will have no choice but to accept a repair, despite their worries that it wont be the same post repair and their worries about it lasting, its a shame as it is a hell of a lot of money, more that I paid for my first flat! I think they were hoping it would outlast them, bless