We purchased two VW Amarok in May 2018 from Sinclair VW Van Centre Swansea with a 60,000 mile service package and a 2 year warranty.
In October 2019, the above vehicle front kerbside suspension collapsed in Kidwelly town causing the driver to lose control and veered sharply to the left hitting a parked car. When he investigated the cause of the collapse, he found the bottom wishbone had snapped where the ball joint is attached. (See photos)
The broken piece was found 10 metres behind the vehicle on the road. When we examined it, we found the crack was rusted and only attached by a shred. There were scores inside the hole suggesting the ball joint was lose and turning. The impact with the parked car caused further damage, snapping the track rod end and knocking out the driveshaft.
VW roadside assistance guy came to examine the damage, took photos, organised recovery and told me that Sinclairs would organise a replacement vehicle and the repair would be carried out under the VW warranty. To my surprise Sinclairs informed me that the work would not be covered by the warranty because it was caused by the accident. I have explained to Sinclairs that the suspension collapse caused the impact in the first place, which they totally refuse to accept. They failed to find any evidence of damage from any earlier impact.
I contacted VW UK, raising a safety issue. They came back and said after investigation they would cover the damage under warranty if Sinclairs agreed. Needless to say, Sinclairs didn’t agree, quoting my insurance for the repair. When I checked the quote, Sinclairs had padded it out by including parts that were not damaged. I instructed my insurance AVIVA, to take it to another approved repairer as I disagreed with VW profiting at my expense. Whilst visiting Sinclairs, I spoke with the workshop, they confirmed that the vehicle had never been on a lift or over a pit to be properly assessed.
My insurance is pursuing Sinclairs.
I’m happy with the vehicles but buyers need to be aware of the servicing and warranty.
In October 2019, the above vehicle front kerbside suspension collapsed in Kidwelly town causing the driver to lose control and veered sharply to the left hitting a parked car. When he investigated the cause of the collapse, he found the bottom wishbone had snapped where the ball joint is attached. (See photos)
The broken piece was found 10 metres behind the vehicle on the road. When we examined it, we found the crack was rusted and only attached by a shred. There were scores inside the hole suggesting the ball joint was lose and turning. The impact with the parked car caused further damage, snapping the track rod end and knocking out the driveshaft.
VW roadside assistance guy came to examine the damage, took photos, organised recovery and told me that Sinclairs would organise a replacement vehicle and the repair would be carried out under the VW warranty. To my surprise Sinclairs informed me that the work would not be covered by the warranty because it was caused by the accident. I have explained to Sinclairs that the suspension collapse caused the impact in the first place, which they totally refuse to accept. They failed to find any evidence of damage from any earlier impact.
I contacted VW UK, raising a safety issue. They came back and said after investigation they would cover the damage under warranty if Sinclairs agreed. Needless to say, Sinclairs didn’t agree, quoting my insurance for the repair. When I checked the quote, Sinclairs had padded it out by including parts that were not damaged. I instructed my insurance AVIVA, to take it to another approved repairer as I disagreed with VW profiting at my expense. Whilst visiting Sinclairs, I spoke with the workshop, they confirmed that the vehicle had never been on a lift or over a pit to be properly assessed.
My insurance is pursuing Sinclairs.
I’m happy with the vehicles but buyers need to be aware of the servicing and warranty.
