Richard
Disappointing hire: advertised features missing and several faults
We booked this van months in advance, partly because it was advertised with air conditioning and local. By the time we collected it, the air conditioning had been struck off the listing. We weren’t told about this through the platform beforehand. We found out on the day we picked up the van, when it was too late to make other plans.
The bigger problem was the heating system, which blew hot air into the cab constantly, even when switched off with the vents closed. The only way to keep some form of ventilation was to drive with the windows open the whole trip, including on motorways in rain and strong wind. It was uncomfortable and tiring, and I had to stop for breaks far more often than I’d normally need to.
We had other problems too:
Water supply: the water-pump connector to the tap kept blowing off whenever we used it, soaking anything on the floor. I fixed it myself with a hose clip so we could use the water.
Dashboard warnings: battery, coolant and an intermittent “can’t select drive” warning came up regularly. Some were mentioned at collection, but not how often they’d appear. The drive fault cleared after restarting, but it wasn’t reassuring on a long trip.
Bodywork: there was damage to one side of the van, which we only learned about at collection.
The van fell short of what was advertised and of a “top of the range” listing. Travelling with another couple in a different van made the difference very clear.
We still completed the NC500, but the van made the trip harder rather than easier. I’d advise anyone considering this listing to confirm in writing, through the platform, which features are working before booking.
I raised a dispute through goboony who tool weeks to review (The timer doessn't drop unless you log in every day. It didn't feel like they were interested in the customer experience only taking the word of the van owner and not an independent).