Ryan B

MISSOLD 4X4 - V. BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE

I purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe (2009) 4X4 on Thursday from their Broxburn office. On the Sunday I was on a very icy road I discovered the back wheels were not rotating as they would in a 4x4 drivetrain. I have since confirmed this with the manual, which says the 4X4 version of this car will have a symbol that will illuminate when you start the engine. Before I laid down the deposit for this vehicle I make it clear to Val that being 4x4 was the most important feature of any vehicle I was buying as I am frequently up hills in the Highlands. Val, my first point of contact consulted her line manager who said it was a 4X4 - that if there was no button to turn on that feature then it was automatic. After making payment for the car I was handed the paperwork and I saw on the paperwork it said 2WD, I again queried this and you also assured me it was a 4X4 - I even believe the mechanic who put the car through it’s MOT said it was a 4X4. On their website it says ‘All vehicles are extensively road tested, evaluated and appraised during the preparation process.’ Definitely not the case! When I tried to return the car three days after purchase I called and I was still being told it was a 4x4. When I drove the car in on Monday I was kept waiting 40 minutes and finally I was able to return it. Derek said he was sorry, but I expect they're just sorry to see it back there....No compensation for inconvenience, the tank of fuel, the road tax or the insurance- but I'll be taking them to the small claims court in due course.