[Chapmans of Pickering]

Looking forward to seeing if Chapman's are worth their salt. Picked up a 2010 2.0 TDI PD Scout two weeks ago. I know I should've sold my Octy 1 Combi, 1.8T 4x4 51 plate through the forum for parts, but they offered me £1,000 against a book price of £475 so it seemed so low on hassle. Watch out for it at auction. I will weep when you pass me in it. It was new when bought as the first combi 4x4 RHD model. Custom Code 1 by JBS Auto Designs took it from 150 BHP to something nearer 200. ( their rolling road was being rebuilt when it was done). Forge D.V. and hoses, Green Cotton Filter, Powerflex bushes and engine mount, R32 23mm FARB, Tarox drilled and grooved all round with Ferrodo D2500 pads - practically new, Powerflo catback, Haldex performance box, G90 Corrado single plate clutch, Helix lightweight flywheel, Koni sport shock absorbers, H & R 65mm lowering springs. Steel Skoda sump guard, badly scarred! An amazing car that has out off and winter blocked roaded much beefier things like Landies and L200s remarkably well despite its lack of clearance, due to my skillful driving and posh winter tyres ;-)

When I went to collect the new car (with reserve fuel nearly showing) the guy who sold me it had A) not removed the horrible Halfords caravan stick on wing mirror blobby bits as requested, not removed the big Chapman's sticker in the back window as requested, C) Failed to locate and install the front mats that we noticed were missing during the test drive and insisted had to be part of the deal, D) was faffing around trying to fix the wrong sized wiring cover for the rear view mirror, a week down the line from signing on the line, when I arrived, E) said everything equipment wise was in the wheel well, no need to check, after I'd transferred my gubbins to the boot, and when I asked about the spare lamp bulbs (cos I had a pack in my own car) said they were there....WRONG) Also the handy anti rattle spare wheel tool holder I had in my old Octy was nowhere to be seen. After driving the car dirty, as opposed to show room, it immediately became obvious that the rear wiper was defective. It may just be the blade, but I suspect from the towing history of the car, and my owm experience of Octy rear wipers that the arm may need a new spring. I went on holiday, and when I got back had a letter saying he'd given me the out of date version of the vehicle transfer document. Could I send another to DVLA? Did he replace the stamp I'd wasted ? What do you think? I am very hopeful that Chapman's prove keen to keep their word, and after returning and wasting my fuel two ways and my stamps, will get everything right this Saturday, and make me a happy, returning customer.

As a trader i looked at this lovely 51 plate car with all the fancy extras only problem is the gearbox jumps out of 3rd gear there is a big water leak and the 4x4 system does not work properly, I think this man thinks if here shouts load enough he'll get something for free. Also with regards to the DVLA document surley that must have been his to give to the dealership and his is legal responsability to send off, i'm sure he would complain more if he got a speeding ticket because the document had not been sent. OK maybe not a speeding ticket as the car would probably brake down before it got upto speed!!!!!!