[MrP]

Hi – sorry this is really rambling but any help appreciated.

I tried placing an order for my new Motability car with Renault this summer.

I wanted to order a Renault Arkana – the 1.6 E-Tech (full hybrid) Engineered trim. The dealer told me the lead time would be around November but by that time the available versions of Arkana would be named differently and instead of being called ‘Engineered’ it would be known as RS Line E-Tech. According to him, same car, different name. The AP was £2995, the same as the equivalent ‘Engineered’ trim.

I couldn’t actually find this model on the Motability website but within a few hours, on my online Motability account the order was showing as in progress, with the model shown as a RS Line E-Tech as he had said. Although this model still wasn’t actually on the Motability website.

At this time I was still awaiting my replacement driving licence which was due to be renewed by the DVLA, like it is every 3 years.

My new licence arrived and I rang to let the dealer know and to check everything was OK. The dealer explained that because it had been a certain length of time that he had to place the order again (which started making me a bit suspicious of something not quite right).

This all seemed to be straight forward and I received the paperwork from Motability confirming my order, for the RS line.

Now, since I placed my initial order the price of the Arkana E-Tech Engineered has dropped to £2795 – the RS line the dealer keeps referring to still isn’t on the scheme – and the price stated on my Motability order is still showing as £2996.

Where so I stand with this £200 discrepancy? Should I speak to Motability? The Dealer is being quite obtuse now and seems to be saying take it or leave it.

Any help appreciated

 

Topic

[Carmad]

As per Motability t&c the price at time of your order is what you pay.  Protects you from unwanted increased AP’s.  Enjoy the car when you get it.

[MrP]

My point is that I’ve never seen the actual price of this model written or shown anywhere, only once the order was made by the dealer and I received the Motability paperwork earlier in the month.

The car isn’t on the website. And the equivalent car is a lower price

[WardyGTC]

The Arkana was on my shortlist and I do recall the R.S. Line being on the scheme at some point last quarter. If Motability have accepted the order it must have been.

The only difference I can see after a quick look is the wheels and upholstery.

It does sound like the sales rep has given you duff information about the change of trim levels and I’d use that to try and negotiate the £200 reduction in AP. Take it up with every channel possible, the sales rep, his manager, the CEO of the dealership, Renault UK customer service and Motability. Keep it civil and friendly but play on the fact that you are disabled and vulnerable (even if you’re not).

If all else fails you always have the option of cancelling and re-ordering but who knows how long you’ll have to wait.

If I seem a little strange, that's because I am.

Skoda Karoq SEL.

[Glos Guy]

The dealer gets a fixed handling fee from Motability, so it makes absolutely no difference to them what the AP is as it goes to Motability, not them. As the Motability ‘order’ isn’t an actual order, it’s just admin, most good dealers will re-do the admin with Motability so that you pay the lower AP. Takes a matter of minutes and doesn’t affect the actual order (which is between the dealer and Renault U.K.). My BMW dealer did it without me even asking them to when the AP dropped £100 the week after we ordered.

However, it is most unusual for Motability to process order admin for a model of car that is not listed on the website. In fact, I’ve never heard of it before so, in this case, I’d also be a bit suspicious. I guess if the RS line exists and you want it, keep quiet, hope that you get it and accept the higher AP. Alternatively, if the Engineered version still exists, is still available to order, is still on the Motability website and you would prefer that model, ask the dealer to spend 5 or 10 minutes changing the admin and save yourself £200.

 

[kezo]

MrP wrote:

This all seemed to be straight forward and I received the paperwork from Motability confirming my order, for the RS line. Now, since I placed my initial order the price of the Arkana E-Tech Engineered has dropped to £2795 – the RS line the dealer keeps referring to still isn’t on the scheme – and the price stated on my Motability order is still showing as £2996. Where so I stand with this £200 discrepancy? Should I speak to Motability? The Dealer is being quite obtuse now and seems to be saying take it or leave it.

If the AP is reduced after your initial order, it is common practice that a dealer will put the order through again at the lower AP, if it has reduced, which in your case £200. Some dealers do this automaticaly, others you have to request it. (I always find it best to go in the dealers, but can be done over the phone)

Doing this does not loose your car or place in the queue and soley a matter of paperwork between the dealer and MB.

You will find many on here including myself that have done this a few times and nothing to worry about.

[MrP]

Thank you

[Carmad]

Very important MrP.

Looking at the updated information on the available cars on the Motability list and this has come up:

RS-Line added, only available with 1.3 petrol 136 bhp mild (micro) hybrid and not the excellent E:Tech 1.6 full hybrid. The advantage being it is a lighter unit so will enhance the sporty feel and it has a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox.

I think this is why the salesman hasn’t been very forthcoming.  What you think you ordered and what they’ve ordered are two very different cars.

Hope this helps.

[MrP]

Thank you for all the responses.

 

I double-checked my Motability order paperwork. I have no received 2 (I’m assuming he made 2 orders on the system!)

First order is for an Engineered Hybrid 1.6 at £2795

2nd order is for exactly the same car model only the price is now £2995

I’m still not convinced everything is correct. The only thing on record regarding me getting the RS Line Hybrid is his word – not on any Motability system.

 

[Author]

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