A tale of woe .fortunately now resolved
Discussion
August 2025, I ordered a new Range Rover Sport D300 SE with a few extras but deliberately didn't go for a Dynamic as I didn't like the dark wheels with my wife's chosen colour of Varesine blue. Then came the cyber attack so November delivery came and went.
5th January 2026 vehicle was made and subsequently delivered to my Dorset/Hampshire dealer, there was a delay before it could be registered due to a campaign/TSB on the high pressure fuel pump. Dealer kindly gave me a Velar until mine was fixed although initially it was completely open ended with no fix in sight. Vehicle finally handed over on 30th January.
Within days the engine started making a ticking noise similar to a solenoid. Eventually nailed it down to the fan which was rotating about an inch, back to dealer in early February who agreed there was a fault but couldn't book it in till May, they suggested taking the vehicle home and calling LRA which I did. AA patrol turns up and within seconds puts his arm deep down between engine and fan cowling and pulls out inspection torch in excess of a foot. Back to dealer, all very apologetic and free service offered. At this time I started to hear a faint chattering noise similar to a timing chain and/or tensioner. This progressively got worse and was booked back in to dealer where in stayed for 3 weeks while a master tech tried to find out what it was. I had had enough, vehicle rejected and then following day fault identified as a 'heat shield' very near to high pressure fuel pump although dealer said nothing to do tech who lost his torch and was loose from factory....much rolling of eyes.
Car returned with written assurance my having the car would not affect rejection. Car was fitted with a dash cam so like anyone else I trawled through the video, to find the day after they told me they fixed the fault the car had gone into their cosmetic repair booth and the FOS wheel removed for much of the day, clearly the wheel had been damaged. The dealer however, neglected to tell me or ask if they could repair it. I considered it to be a deception and a complete cover up they said it was damaged but the paper trail wasn't completed properly.
After a couple of weeks of 'investigation' they accepted the rejection, personal plates came off and car handed back. As of today all money returned and I assume car will be up for sale very shortly, fair to say it's running fine now.
Normally I would expect the car to go wrong not for the dealer to do everything in their power to screw up a nice car and turn a repeat customer into someone who will never darken their doors again.
I've now bought a very nice BMW X7 without added illumination.....
I won't name the dealer but I'm sure you can work it out, so if you want a mint ceramic coated varesine blue RRS with privacy glass, tow bar and soft close doors with about 3,300 miles you know where to go.
I figured now the matter has been settled in my favour and the dealer and myself have moved on you might find the tale interesting. I was quite surprised how easily the dealer rolled over and accepted the rejection, I realise the Consumer Protection Act 2015 was on my side but there was no arguing and the dealer staff from bottom to top were very polite and sympathetic throughout.
5th January 2026 vehicle was made and subsequently delivered to my Dorset/Hampshire dealer, there was a delay before it could be registered due to a campaign/TSB on the high pressure fuel pump. Dealer kindly gave me a Velar until mine was fixed although initially it was completely open ended with no fix in sight. Vehicle finally handed over on 30th January.
Within days the engine started making a ticking noise similar to a solenoid. Eventually nailed it down to the fan which was rotating about an inch, back to dealer in early February who agreed there was a fault but couldn't book it in till May, they suggested taking the vehicle home and calling LRA which I did. AA patrol turns up and within seconds puts his arm deep down between engine and fan cowling and pulls out inspection torch in excess of a foot. Back to dealer, all very apologetic and free service offered. At this time I started to hear a faint chattering noise similar to a timing chain and/or tensioner. This progressively got worse and was booked back in to dealer where in stayed for 3 weeks while a master tech tried to find out what it was. I had had enough, vehicle rejected and then following day fault identified as a 'heat shield' very near to high pressure fuel pump although dealer said nothing to do tech who lost his torch and was loose from factory....much rolling of eyes.
Car returned with written assurance my having the car would not affect rejection. Car was fitted with a dash cam so like anyone else I trawled through the video, to find the day after they told me they fixed the fault the car had gone into their cosmetic repair booth and the FOS wheel removed for much of the day, clearly the wheel had been damaged. The dealer however, neglected to tell me or ask if they could repair it. I considered it to be a deception and a complete cover up they said it was damaged but the paper trail wasn't completed properly.
After a couple of weeks of 'investigation' they accepted the rejection, personal plates came off and car handed back. As of today all money returned and I assume car will be up for sale very shortly, fair to say it's running fine now.
Normally I would expect the car to go wrong not for the dealer to do everything in their power to screw up a nice car and turn a repeat customer into someone who will never darken their doors again.
I've now bought a very nice BMW X7 without added illumination.....
I won't name the dealer but I'm sure you can work it out, so if you want a mint ceramic coated varesine blue RRS with privacy glass, tow bar and soft close doors with about 3,300 miles you know where to go.
I figured now the matter has been settled in my favour and the dealer and myself have moved on you might find the tale interesting. I was quite surprised how easily the dealer rolled over and accepted the rejection, I realise the Consumer Protection Act 2015 was on my side but there was no arguing and the dealer staff from bottom to top were very polite and sympathetic throughout.
In fairness to the brand, I have had a number of Land Rover derivatives and still have a Jaguar XK as a weekend car.
The car left the factory absolutely fine, the problems started when a Tech (fitter?) opened the bonnet just prior to handover to complete a TSB/Campaign on the fuel pump which is still mystery to me.
The dealers lack of quality control seemed to allow those that worked on the car to go unchecked. I can't believe the Tech didn't realise he hadt lost a ruddy big inspection torch and not thought about where it could be, and then do nothing about it.
The car, once fixed was a joy (for the time I had it) quiet, refined, comfortable. But by then I had lost all confidence in the dealer and as they are the only JLR dealer for miles I was stuffed. Initially I was offered the opportunity to order another Range Rover which I thought about for about one second.
I'm still amazed even as I write this how they can screw up a long term customer to the point where I wouldn't want to shelter in their showroom in a thunderstorm.
The car left the factory absolutely fine, the problems started when a Tech (fitter?) opened the bonnet just prior to handover to complete a TSB/Campaign on the fuel pump which is still mystery to me.
The dealers lack of quality control seemed to allow those that worked on the car to go unchecked. I can't believe the Tech didn't realise he hadt lost a ruddy big inspection torch and not thought about where it could be, and then do nothing about it.
The car, once fixed was a joy (for the time I had it) quiet, refined, comfortable. But by then I had lost all confidence in the dealer and as they are the only JLR dealer for miles I was stuffed. Initially I was offered the opportunity to order another Range Rover which I thought about for about one second.
I'm still amazed even as I write this how they can screw up a long term customer to the point where I wouldn't want to shelter in their showroom in a thunderstorm.
That’s disappointing to read. The main dealer spoiling the experience to that degree.
These main dealers just need to be honest with people. The majority of people buying new LR products will be successful, busy people. Don’t waste their time, be open and honest with them. It’s not rocket science.
Better luck with the X7 op
These main dealers just need to be honest with people. The majority of people buying new LR products will be successful, busy people. Don’t waste their time, be open and honest with them. It’s not rocket science.
Better luck with the X7 op
I have a RR Evoque, it went in for a recall and came out with an engine management light on (half a mile down the road). They completely denied it, saying I could bring it back but if it was unrelated to the recall, I'd be charged £160/hour diagnostic fee. I looked myself and it was something not plugged in, so was able to fix it (but it was PITA to get to).
They are a product with a sprinkling of design flaws all over the place, very complicated for the sake of being complicated, and a dealer network which generally can't cope with the volume of warranty stuff that comes back. Its basically a continuation of the BL days.
They are a product with a sprinkling of design flaws all over the place, very complicated for the sake of being complicated, and a dealer network which generally can't cope with the volume of warranty stuff that comes back. Its basically a continuation of the BL days.
I just don't understand how so many people pay good money for them. They are really awful. I was behind a 26 plate the other day and one of the brake lights was out.
And yes, there are people that have had theirs for years, covered mega miles and been trouble free, but there are also people who have played Russian roulette and come out the other side, but it doesn't mean it's a good idea.
And yes, there are people that have had theirs for years, covered mega miles and been trouble free, but there are also people who have played Russian roulette and come out the other side, but it doesn't mean it's a good idea.
The car is back up for sale amongst their used vehicles albeit substantially below what they had to pay when I rejected it, plus all the ancillary costs. It would probably be a good car if you like my particular spec.
I do feel fortunate that my rejection went through the system and they capitulated without the added cost of Solicitors. I wonder where they are going to absorb the £15,000 loss.
I do feel fortunate that my rejection went through the system and they capitulated without the added cost of Solicitors. I wonder where they are going to absorb the £15,000 loss.
Not shocked at all. What I am shocked about is why people order a Range Rover and expect a reliable, well built vehicle! The horror stories out there are plentiful! And everytime I see a vehicle broken down by the side of the road, 99% of the time it’s a new Range Rover! (The 1% tend to fine are Toyotas! I’m more shocked by that!)
I'm guessing the technician realised he lad lost the torch, but was too frightened to admit to his boss due to the implications of them having to phone you to return the car for them to retrieve it, so he kept quiet. That's probably what I would have done 
Anyway, how is the X7? I bet it' an amazing car.
One thing I remember from watching a Youtube review was that they don't do it in a 30d engine, but the 40d instead. A 30d might see a trade off in a bit of power for a gain in fuel economy?
I would love an X7, but think I will be settling for a used X5 next year.
Anyway, how is the X7? I bet it' an amazing car.
One thing I remember from watching a Youtube review was that they don't do it in a 30d engine, but the 40d instead. A 30d might see a trade off in a bit of power for a gain in fuel economy?
I would love an X7, but think I will be settling for a used X5 next year.
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