Nationwide Vehicle Contracts

Cheap deal made up for poor admin and communication.

This was my first time with leasing so I had no previous experience to go by but, on hindsight, I've learnt a few lessons. Nationwide were very good during the sales cycle which is to be expected but as soon as the order was placed it went a bit pear shaped. Basically, it all came down to lead times. I ordered a standard car with no options apart for model badge deletion and was given a verbal then written estimate of 4 weeks. Not bad. 5 days before the due date I get a revised date of another 5 weeks. Even building in slippage which I did to be told it would be another 5 weeks so close to the original delivery date was annoying. Nationwide said it was down to demand. I accepted that even though I had now had to get my old car re-taxed, mot'd, and insured for another year (all which later cost me in admin fees to change them). The new delivery date arrived and I got an email saying that it was going to be another week. I spoke to Nationwide - reasonably helpful but sent me to Volvo saying it was not really their problem (even though they took £180 of my money as admin!). Volvo then told me the car was not even late! I explained the history and they advised that Nationwide do this all the time - tell customers the lead time is 4 weeks when it is closer to 10 week (after all, they have to build the car from scratch). Anyway - I was now in a loan car as my previous car was long since sold! I got the car eventually, its very nice but guess what - no model deletion! So I am now trying to sort that out. Unsurprisingly, Nationwide have sent me to Volvo! They have given me back my £180 though but it cost me over £250 in fees, loan charges etc. I'm trying to work out if this is a problem with Nationwide, or just the car leasing industry in general.

20 June 2012

Reply from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts

Dear Andrew,
Thank you for the feedback, I do appreciate it.

I have spoken to the Sales Person regarding your order and as far as I can see your vehicle was delayed with Volvo.

We will always do our best to advise realistic lead times for our cars but if a car is specifically ordered with the factory we are subject to their lead times and we will advise our Customers accordingly.

I would be grateful if you can give me further information regarding your conversation with Volvo ?? I would strongly disagree with quoting unrealistic lead times, this would serve no purpose to us or our Customers.

Please be assured that I act on all feedback given, so I would be grateful if you can supply me further details in order to investigate.

Regards

Glenn Nutsey
Tel: 0844 482 9595
glenn@nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk