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Hello!
Membership No: 3083 2619 6467 0165
I am not sure if you are able to advise me with the following situation or not, but I want to run it passed you in the hope that you may be able to help.
I have a 2017 Fiat Ducato-based Burstner campervan that has done about 34,000 km. I purchased it new in NZ. I paid around $138k for it.
The transmission has failed with 2 possible levels of repairs required: the first for about $3800 and the second (assuming the first does not resolve the issue) of a further $13,500.
Fiat in NZ don't take responsibility as it was supplied to Burstner in Germany for the campervan fitout, presumably by Fiat Italy.
The dealer (Wilderness Campervans) expresses sympathy while disclaiming any responsibility.
I think that's unreasonable and I am exploring my options.
I gather this sort of problem is not uncommon - both
with dealers ducking responsibility and Fiat Ducato transmissions failing (the more recent models are apparently now being fitted with a Mercedes gearbox).
I have corresponded with the CEO of Wilderness, John Managh who says the campervan is out of warranty. The motorhome is my permanent home for a couple of years and although
he's prepared to give a 50% discount on a rental as a replacement (the campervan is immobile and repairs could take months due to the need to import parts) I think that is unreasonable.
I want a reliable vehicle as I travel on my own and I want the assurance that the campervan won't break down in the middle of nowhere; it is currently not fit for purpose.
Please let me know if you have anyone who could help advise me on this matter.
Best and thanks,
Jane Butler
Hi Jane,
The CGA could apply as the vehicle was costly and has only traveled a low mileage.
I believe I have already discussed this with you over the phone yesterday.
Additionally the remedies seem unusually costly please contact Glen at Italian Auto Centre for some guidance on likely suspect parts.
*Note we have had a similar issue in the past that came across the technical desk with a Ducato that had just 17,000km the estimate of repair was over 10,000 dollars but ended up being a repair of less than $500 - this was covered by the campervan sales business who sold the vehicle to the client, feel free to call us to discuss this remedy further on 0800 500 333.
Sorry to hear you have also a problem with your Burstner, We have a Burstner from 2014 Then SMART RV from Auckland at 21.000 Km and 27 month from new we had gearbox problems loss of fluid from the clutch as this was out of warranty we were send to the Fiat dealer in Hamilton as there not able to found the leak in the clutch and advice use to keep filling the compartment .
After a year filling up we found a garage in Te Awamutu with lots of Fiat skill and Very good advice and did the repair.in 4 days
We have taken Smart RV now Wilderness Motorhomes to the small claims court and won, repair cost 6200.00
We had also very bad service from Smart RV in Auckland but on advice from the Garage in Te Awamutu
To take them to court.