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AIBU?

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Original poster

To want an automatic courtesy car?

13 replies

GinThief · 15/04/2016 20:36

Took my car to be looked at by main dealer as it's under warranty. Problem can be fixed & is covered by warranty. It's going to take 2 days to fix.

Asked if I can pre-book automatic courtesy car (yes - my current car is an automatic) ... service lady replied with a blunt no! I said I wouldn't mind waiting a few weeks if necessary. Again a blunt no followed by they only provide manual courtesy car.

I explained I can't drive manual due to my disability. So I am now going to be carless for 2 days and have to get a taxi to work once dropped car off Angry and another home, same next day etc.

AIBU to want an automatic courtesy car while they are fixing my automatic car under warranty? If they sell automatic cars surely they should be able to provide at least 1 automatic courtesy car that can be booked?!

OP posts:
OooLookShoes · 15/04/2016 20:42

We had exactly this. Get stroppy with head office.

(We won)

GetAmoveOnAdults · 15/04/2016 20:44

Exactly the same thing we are going through now.

youknowwhattodo · 15/04/2016 20:44

Yanbu - i had exactly the same problem - it's so annoying!!

Original poster
GinThief · 15/04/2016 20:51

Have sent an email to dealer manager, if no luck will raise to head office as I think it's crazy! Not just for me, it should be changed for everyone reliant on automatic cars.

OP posts:
OddBoots · 15/04/2016 20:59

It would be much easier if they made all courtesy cars automatic - there might be come people that prefer a manual but at least everyone can drive an auto if they have to.

wheresthel1ght · 16/04/2016 08:11

Is it a motability car? If so they are obliged under the terms of the scheme to provide a like for like courtesy car. In terms of manual/automatic not size etc.

I would bypass the manager as they are rarely any use and get into their HO/social media pages to complain. nearly all of them have accounts with Tyne likes of Enterprise who will supply automatic cars

lampygirl · 16/04/2016 08:26

I had this but in reverse with my car. I have an auto, not through any particular need. When mine went in (on someone else's insurance as they crashed into my parked car, so not warranty repairs) the 'similar' (their words) car I was given was still an auto and a diesel, possibly the 2 bits I couldn't care less about in a courtesy car, but had a boot I couldn't get my own stuff in let alone 4 peoples worth. I couldn't get a 5th person in. So I had a useless fiat 500 diesel auto when I'd rather have had a Mondeo manual petrol estate. I had to hire a bigger car for weekends to ferry my team mates and all our kit for hobbies and just had to hope our 7 stone dog didn't need driving to the vets. Courtesy cars are ubiquitously awful.

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 16/04/2016 08:41

I would add that most courtesy cars come 'subject to availability' therefore you are not guaranteed one from a garage.
When my car was in for repairs, I waited several days for a courtesy car to become available, only to be then offered a tiny Ford Ka. It was not humanly possible to fit 3 children, plus car seats in it!

As always though, the squeaky wheel gets oiled first so it is worth complaining about it.

Original poster
GinThief · 16/04/2016 10:02

Not a mobility car. Hadn't thought about kids seats etc. Going to look at cost of hire for 2 days compared to taxi.

OP posts:
purplevase · 16/04/2016 15:05

YANBU I always ask for an automatic. I don't often need one as the garage is within walking distance but when I needed one I got one. It's one thing if you walk in and ask for one, but as long as you are pre-booking say a week in advance you should get one - it can only take a day or two to get hold of one surely.

And I am not disabled. As you are, they have to make reasonable adjustments so in my view they should prioritise you even if they have to rearrange someone else. If I was having non-urgent work done and they called me to ask if I could wait another couple of days because of the automatic courtesy car I would be fine about it.

WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 16/04/2016 15:17

I got two auto cars on an insurance claim.
They said it would be similar to mine. But a lot newer....

The first one got rejected as there was no way of locking the back windows closed. Dd is related to houdini. I couldn't risk open windows on a motorway.

I also couldn't have fitted a normal pram in its boot...

I didn't need an auto. I drive both. But as the car that got crashed was an auto, they offered. As I am used to auto at the moment.

If you are paying, you should get what you need.
If insurance is paying, it should be as similar to yours as possible.
If accident was your fault, you get the smallest/cheapest thing they can give you!
If it's a recall, I think the manufacturer/warranty is paying. So it should be a similar car to yours.
If you can't physically drive a manual, they should offer you taxis instead!

wasonthelist · 16/04/2016 16:53

On a related note - I really resent the casual way garages often seem to assume that you don't actually need your car - ie. a blunt "we'll need to keep it" usually at 5.30 or 6.00 when I have finally given up any hope of the promised call and dared to enquire after my car. Why the flip do they think we bought a car?

wasonthelist · 16/04/2016 16:54

Oh YANBU op. As someone else observed - the easy solution would be auto courtesy cars for everyone.

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