UPDATE: Friday lunchtime, April 6th, we set-off for Suffolk - first trip in the RR, hotel booked for a birthday celebration with grandkids etc. 144 miles from home on the A1 south I lost power, and very quickly, lost all power and came to a halt on the Applegreen BP/Travel Lodge car park. That was at 3.15. Quick check under bonnet and then googled by phone an Indy Landy garage in Lincoln. Phil, the boss said I've got one on the shelf, I'll ask the mechanic if he will come in tomorrow (Saturday) morning and do it. The mechanic said yes and then Phil said I've got a Freelander here you can borrow to continue your trip. WHAT A CAN-DO bloke, OFG Garage Lincoln.
I then called Saga Breakdown, allied to my insurance Told the girl I need a transporter not a mechanic - the car cannot be repaired in situ and I hada garage waiting to receive my car.
She cannot send a transporter she says - the mechanic has to come first and he has to make the decision.
One and a half hours later, the AA mechanic arrives and says 'alternator?' I said yes. He called for a transporter.
I explained that my wife had severe health problems and that keeping calm and low-key without any anxiety was important. He said I'm making you a priority. I thanked the young fellow. He told me that he'd made the call and that we should expect a lift at 1740-1800.
At 1810 I called Richfords who run the local AA car transporter service.
The unhelpful girl who answered said the job had only just appeared in her computer. I'm not going to argue with you over something that's not my fault she shouted, we will be with you at 1900.
At 1830 the AA man came back - he was coming in for his break and was surprised we were still there. He made a call and then told me they would be here soon.
At 1919 I called Richfords again and was told someone would be coming soon.
At 2000 I called Saga Breakdown and complained. The girl said a manager would call me back.
At 1943 the AA called and said the transporter would come in one hour.
After 2100 a transporter arrived and hoisted us on board. Richfords are just up the road he said, there's a dozen transporters there but they won;t use 'em.
Just before half past ten at night we were off-loaded and then got to our destination at 0245 Saturday morning.
I picked up the Rangey on Sunday and dropped off the Freelander with a full tank.
The warranties apparently will not cover the breakdown as I didn't call them first to request permission for repair.
This morning I called the owner of the Dealership who had sold me the RR. I asked him if he remembered me texting him before I picked it up and asking him to give me a battery voltage check - I was looking for 13.9v - 15v and told him it would be reasonable indicator of an alternator problem. I reminded him that there were less than 300 miles on the vehicle since I took delivery.
He suggested I go back to the Lincoln garage and ask them to lie and pretend the Rangey was just coming in.
I just won't do it but am I alone in believing all this behaviour is unacceptable and that warranty or not, such a failure is something the dealer should accept responsibility for.
Mrs B is currently afraid to go in it but I'm hoping that will change.