@Oscarmax I’m fully aware that the people who take the calls aren’t the decision makers. However, this person wasn’t clutching at straws or making it up as they went along. They were very knowledgeable and when the subject of us possibly leaving the scheme came up they raised the subject of an extension. It was only when I mentioned extending for 2 years but changing at any time within that period that they said to me that the policy had now changed.
I would be prepared to take them on about this, as I added a few grands worth of options and would say that when we took out the lease I factored in the fact that the rules at the time allowed an extension of up to 2 years (not really true, as I think lease extensions are usually a poor financial decision), so would expect them to honour it. What I most definitely would not wish to do though is extend for a fixed two years. It would only be if we could change at any time within the two years.
I do think that those ordering now, since the rule change, should do so with their eyes open and not assume that having it for 5 years will be an option, as it looks like it may not be. Hopefully there’s some discretion for those who ordered before the rule change though