Dealer let down

[Africa Tipple]

Here's a gripe....

Bought a Triumph Tiger from my local dealer (and a real hero on the racing front).

Took her home and after 100 miles, checked the brake pads to find they were totally worn out - to the metal! Dealer's staff wouldn't replace them - had to buy new ones myself.

After a month the Dealers staff phone to say they need to do a cherised transfer - I was told I couldn't refuse as they still had the tax book! That was in April.

I still don't have the tax book, can't tax the bike, and someone else and me have the same registration. Dealer never phones me back re the tax book.

Any advce?

[DaveS]

Is the dealer affiliated to any professional body?
Are they a Triumph Main Dealer? Can you contact Triumph directly.

Do you have the equivalent of a trading standards over there?

Certainly seems as if you need to take it further!

[Africa Tipple]

Yes they are THE main Triumph dealer in Northern Ireland and we have the same trading standards as UK.

Methinks this is a case of a rather "low performance" staff member, but have heard several "box shifter" stories about this dealer.

If anyone knows who the N.I. Business Development Manager is for Triumph please pass on their name to me.

Everyone needs to be allowed to make a mistake, but feeling very unloved on this one.

[Xander]

Give the head guy there a shout, tell him you are sending a letter reiterating everything you told him in writing and you are also sending a copy to the head of Triumph here, as well as the Irl trading office. Beyond the pain in ass factor you should be careful of the legal situation you are in, you now have a bike that is "not taxable" which could mean bigger issues (i.e not leagally yours in the eyes of the goverment, or that it could be class D'ed), and if some one else is running on your rego he could cause you no end of pain and cost..

One thing I think you may want to consider is calling into your local cop shop, and tell em the story. at least the rego bit, as at least it is on record BEFORE you get a ticket or they come calling saying you stole the bike.. I have found that the police really do appreciate this heads up on this stuff.

[Wee Jack]

Xanders plan is good , remember to mention that this issue is now on the net in a bike forum. Businesses are really starting to waken up to the power of the "interwebsuperinformationhighwaynet" now.

When somebody types triumph into google now they will, (among about 20 gizzilion other hits) find your gripe above !!!

But the best advice is - tell the police about the reg issue and the DVLA
you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear from telling the truth, before they come looking and assume your guilty of something !!!.

[Africa Tipple]

Thanks Guys

Yeah, I think I'll have a chat with someone I know in the police and ask his advice. I've since discovered that this particular dealer has let others down on simple administration (laziness?).

I do not believe for one moment this dealer is anything but above board, it is just that once they have your money - they don't give a damn about you anymore.

The annoying thing is I planned to go back to buy a new / newer bike off him. I may have to switch to Honda to achieve a decent standard of customer service!

Will keep you posted on progress.

[Africa Tipple]

Update

Nabbed by the boys in blue this morning for exceeding the speed limit. My fault, can't blame them for booking me.

They did tell me the bike was still registered in someone else's name and this is an offence.

I'm off to the dealer in the morning to ask for a credit note to the value of the purchase price of the bike. When they have the bike fully legal, I'll decide whether to buy it back. Might drive it for three months and then make my decision.

[Africa Tipple]

Another Update

Went to see the dealer this morning. The principal was not aware of the situation, and the staff member had obviously not made him aware of the facts! (You could tell by the pale complexion when I asked to speak to the boss!).

So I wait with baited breath until Monday, when I expect a phone call and fulfillment!

[Simon]

Thats all pretty crap. You own fault for speeding though!

Hope you get it sorted. Must say i would be pushing for a free serivce etc from Philip over this one. I would think a lot of people would deal with him because of who he is. I'm sure he wouldn't want his good name tarnished.

By the way did you decide about the car? What about the VW? Sold yet?

[Wee Bro]

Thats all pretty crap. You own fault for speeding though!

Hope you get it sorted. Must say i would be pushing for a free serivce etc from Philip over this one. I would think a lot of people would deal with him because of who he is. I'm sure he wouldn't want his good name tarnished.

By the way did you decide about the car? What about the VW? Sold yet?

He went for the Saab in the end (he's away to france today in it with family in tow!).
What the hell were you doin up at 5.55am??? Thought you were on holliers??