An angry and disappointed Range Rover Vogue owner was confronted by the Harwoods Land Rover Edenbridge, a retailer for the brand, when he parked his car at the forecourt on Saturday, after experiencing a number of problems with it. The frustrated owner plastered the car's exterior bodywork with the alleged problems he faced. It said, “Crime Scene. Life threatening. The car blew up three times. Beware.”
Speaking to Asian Voice, the Indian-origin owner who has chosen to remain anonymous, explained what the issues with the Range Rover were, “The sales manager from the retailer told me if I left my car at their forecourt, they would inform police and get it towed. This threat was made despite the fact this car was purchased from the same show room.
“The sales manager then went on to say that if there were any concerns it should be taken up with the head office in Birmingham, rather than Harwoods. He also told me if I wasn’t happy with the vehicle I should just sell it. This is a very irresponsible solution to a serious problem, with potentially serious consequences. The problem has already occurred no less than three times on this model. Offering such a solution is also very demeaning as a loyal customer, as this is my third Range Rover.”
This Range Rover model has broken down no less than three times whilst under his ownership. The last occasion being on the busy A41, where there was no hard shoulder. The police were called to the incident, as there is a high risk of dangerous accidents when there is a breakdown on this stretch of the road. The occupants were told to vacate the car and stand well away from the vehicle.
The police attended within minutes, and cordoned off the area leading up to the car. Despite doing this several cars still nearly went through the cones. The recovery vehicle then came and the took he car away. This being the third experience the driver has had with the same model, he assumed Ranger Rover would take it with the seriousness it deserves. However, the retailer simply said as it was within the warranty it would be repaired and sent back. An offer was made for £500, for the inconvenience caused, which was duly rejected.
“This is not a warranty issue,” added the disgruntled owner. “It is much more serious than this. Potentially it is a life or death issue. If a car engine cuts out suddenly on a road, especially where there is no hard shoulder, this puts all the occupants of the vehicle at high risk of injury or even death. And, other road users are at serious risk as well. The way this issue has been dealt with is not something you would expect from a brand who prides themselves on safety and reputation.
“My first complaint was directed to the head office, who then passed him to the retailer, as the contract is with the retailer. Once they refused to anything about the issue, it was then escalated back to head office, who made me the offer of £500.”
The car was purchased in 2015, from the Harwoods Land Rover Edenbridge and cost £86,000.
This is not the first time a driver of this particular model of Range Rover faced such fate. In July, the Daily Express had reported about a Range Rover Vogue driver in anguish, who had abandoned his car outside the dealership with its issues plastered on the car. Since it was dumped at the dealership it has been spotted by other drivers on social media.
Harwoods Land Rover Edenbridge was not available for any comment.
