Technical Motorhome Clutch Problems - Help please

[Defyn]

Firstly , congratulations on the site. I have not used a forum such as this in the past, but there is lots of interesting stuff.
I am looking for some help regarding the well discussed Multijet 130 clutch issues on Motorhomes. My wife picked one up on hire (Ace Firenze 6 berth)and only managed to get 1.5 miles before the clutch went. The hire company now refuse to give our rental back or our deposit - a total of £1300 for about 5 mins use!!!
I am taking them to courst but can not find any reports, articles, documents that would support the ascertion that Fiat has a problem in this area.
There are many owners with stories to tell, but I wondered whether anyone knows where I could get something more 'official' to present in small claims court?
I can not afford to lose this money and resent being taken for a ride.

Also, can anyone comment whether it is actually possible to burn a clutch out completely in 1.5 miles? My wife has driven lots of big vehicles before.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[buffallobill]

sorry to here about your problem.

 

[MYTHING]

Hi

Before arguing about the life of the clutch you need to look at your problem a different way.

Did you pay by Credit Card?
You get automatic legal cover if you did, the legal agreement is supply co, to CC Co, to you...Your contract is with the Credit Card Co in this instance

What hire agreement did you sign and have you looked at the terms and conditions?

Is the hire company part of the HAE (Hire Association of Europe) if so start dealing with them regarding your complaint

If you have to fight this in the small claims court, it is not that daunting!
You need to make a written request for the service record of this vehicle, what pre hire inspection was carried out and what documentation were you given, what has the hire co got for the life of this vehicle? you then need to prepare your case, follow the simple instructions and make sure the paperwork is correctly presented and then go allong and state your case. The case will be held around a table, and the points discussed, what you need to concentrate on is "was this failure reasonable?"

Whatever happens, good luck.

Regards

MYTHING

 

[Defyn]

Thanks for the tips. Have thought about the credit card company however I am concerned that they may be prepared to settle easily and apparently they will take some time to review etc.
I will certainly ask for the service record as part of my prep.

I will report back when I have news

Thanks again

 

[T14086]

The hire company can only charge you the excess, thats why you pay the insurance for........you didnt get insurance did you?

Anyway welcome to the FF, however you will not get any information to support your claim here, the fact is the hire company hired you a vehicle unfit for use. You 'beef' is with the seller (hire company) not the manufacture.

Follow MYTHING excellent advice posted above.

 

[Defyn]

The hire company can only charge you the excess, thats why you pay the insurance for........you didnt get insurance did you?

Anyway welcome to the FF, however you will not get any information to support your claim here, the fact is the hire company hired you a vehicle unfit for use. You 'beef' is with the seller (hire company) not the manufacture.

Follow MYTHING excellent advice posted above.

Thanks for the info. I understand my 'beef' is with the hire company, however they are saying that we burned out the clutch completely in 1.5 miles of driving, and they are being backed up by their local Fiat dealer.
I am just trying to cast doubt on the reliability of the clutch in these vehicles, I can support my position about the Hirer being unreasonable. I am trying to find something quais official from Fiat but no joy so far

cheers