Been a while but looked at credit file-MMf/Lucas wanted £1422 but original debt was to Peachy for...£355!!!! they multiplied it by 4 so the £1 was all they got and all they will get......

So what happened and what car did you buy?

Theyre only getting £1 a month (lucas/ mmf) -still 1420 months to go. I am only paying as I need to wipe defaults from my file. I have given myself till may/ june 2016 to pay off the 4 lowest of the 10 defaults on my file valued at £84 (should be paid by end of this year), £270, £430 and £460 while saving for a deposit as I need to get a more reliable car for my work commute. From the kitty I have everyone else gets a pound while the lowest value gets the balance. Since I got that email there has been silence but the main concern was the potential job loss if they did do anything.

Another concern I have is my job working with sensitive personal financial documents, I'm just about to be taken on permanent and anything like a CCJ and definately bankruptcy would cost me -someone lost a job over a default, another nearly didnt get in because of a missed mobile contract payment and I nearly lost my job before ( going back to same company) because I was in a Scottish trust deed which was mis-reported as bankrupt but got cleared up. after 14 months out of work and a year working my way to earning a job back I dont want to be on the scrapheap again.

I might have taken one out with them but it would have been summer 2012, tried a few back then but theres nothing on my Experian -the only ones there are 3 for MEM -2 settled 1 default being paid up and 1 for motormile being collected by lucas which is being slowly paid. If I did go near speed credit it was nowhere near what they want. I havent recieved emails/ calls that they claim, no acknowledgement of ownership or any paperwork -just this today.

Sorry forgot to add -just got this out of the blue as spam. Never heerd of or from this lot and have no idea what it relates to. There is nothing on my credit file for that amount.

Total Due: £1243 Please be informed that your loan is still outstanding with Digital Finance Services UK for the above mentioned amount. We have tried to reach you on 2 different occasions continuously both by email and over the phone. We are disappointed that you have failed to respond any of our communications. We write to advise you that unless we receive a payment of £1243 within the next 7 days we will be left with no alternative but to issue court proceedings against you. In order to avoid legal proceedings, we advise you to visit our website www.digitalfinancialservices.co.uk and click on ‘PAY NOW’ section to make the payment for your loan. Alternately, you may use our bank details and pay via faster payment, CHAPS or wire transfer service. Our bank details are provided below-A/C: 43266351Sort Code: 406080 If we are forced to issue proceedings against you then we will also be claiming interest, court fees and fixed solicitors costs on top of the sum outstanding. The cost structure is provided bellow -We trust the above will not be necessary and that we will receive payment of £1243 by 19th November 2014. You are strongly advised to contact us to the provided contact details for any assistance to arrange the payment. Kind Regards, DFS collection teamDigital Finance Services UK ltd Phone: +44 203 026 0796 Email: collection@digitalfinancialservices.co.uk

Looking for some advice here-made the grave mistake of buying from this dive at the end of march this year. I had been looking for a diesel for my 100-mile a day work commute when I was tipped off about an 05 plate Vectra SRI at said garage for £2000. I had not seen the advert online but went to look at it. The shabby condition of the vehicle just sitting on the street should have been the first hint to walk away but I made the mistake of giving them a chance. Salesman came up offered £300 trade in on my then 51-plate Astra and a THREE month warranty. We barely got a look at the vehicle before getting pushed into a joke of a test drive -14 miles of diesel and an EGR valve problem they tried to keep from us. I definitely should have walked away there but [said] they would fix it and do the timing belt and NEW tyres I asked them to do so put down my deposit. This was 22/3/14. We asked for service history they claimed to have it and I have never seen it yet despite asking for it FOUR times and FSH WAS advertised. I get home that night and see advert online advertised with 90000 miles, had 99000 -felt pressured into buying as had put deposit down and feared they would try their best to hide behind their t&c and not refund but looking back I would have taken the legal route if need be-easy to do in hindsight One week later [edit] we get there and he tells us NONE of the engine work done and they had only done 2 of the 3 tyres (near bald part worns) and rushed to put another one on and he said ONE month warranty -we told him were were told THREE months (4 of us heard it). The car had been warmed up so we got it home and finally got to do the checks we were pushed away from doing to find a mouldy boot carpet and 3 inches of water in the spare wheel well (easy cheap fix), debris from the previous owner strewn all through the car, mouldy seatbelts, loose rear seat (despite them claiming it was fixed!!), washer pump not working ( failed MOT twice for this), still no service history so it was asked for again [EDIT]. Next day I drove it and because car was cold the EGR problem was there again-took 5 minutes revving to warm it up. Twice it stalled in traffic nearly causing accidents despite them claiming they fixed it too. Following day I returned it demanding a repair or refund -they took it in to get the valve and timing belt done. Two days later I get car back -they demanded the £200 for the belt in cash -I only had card so was driven [EDIT] in my own vehicle to an ATM to withdraw the £200!!! 1st Saturday in april -still no history I took it for a major at my local Farmer's at a cost of £219 where they found a bodge job done on the exhaust instead of a replacement they cut out the faulty part and poorly welded in a bit of metal that could have gone at any time-quoted £400 plus. Other work I had to do was replace the tyres -I went for decent ones with the miles I do - Goodyear efficientgrip at £130 a corner x4 and the fitter was in shock -2 tyres had 215 width and 2 had 225 (all legal claim DVS) but the ones I got were exactly the same, replace thermostat at £85, washer pump at £30. In 8 weeks car was in garage every weekend bar one getting bits done. 12th may heading down the M90 to work car starts bucking like skippy on substances. I make it to work but for safety had to be towed home. Next day I got the fuel filter replaced at £42. When they took it off the local garage said it was that black and spaghetti-like inside they thought it had NEVER been changed from the day it was fitted in 2005!!! I was advised to run the filter in again drove the car to work and back-no change the Wednesday back to the garage. On the Thursday they diagnosed it needed a new fuel injector ( part plus labour just under £400) I told them do it and on the Friday when they went to fit it.. ..found the swirl valve snapped (talking £700 work) and they didn't want the job (CDTI engine, MAJOR work) but at least they didn't charge for the unfitted part. When I told the mechanic I beat a guy with a young family to that car his words chilled me -" You did them a HUGE FAVOUR, that car was unsafe". I have tried rejecting it but they are hiding behind the line " You didn't follow the terms and conditions, You did the work without our permission". I also noticed the false advertising on the trade in - I know it had done 117500 miles, they listed it at 109000, if only I had printed the screenshots. When challenged, [they] clammed up and went on the defensive like he knew he had been caught out. Because I felt I was going nowhere (and couldn't afford a tow truck or get anybody to tow the car to them because they were never going to do it) I felt I had to take £500 for it. I spent £2900 on a £2000 car with another £1500 needed-disgusting and not fit for purpose. Went to a main dealer, got another Vectra 03 plate- 82000 miles £1800, better presented (even in pre-forecourt preparation stage) and the experience was so much better - the salesman wouldn't even talk a deal until we had checked everything worked and heard the engine, he was even honest on the first week to say no history before taking the deposit but a week later full history turned up and was given it to read before paying the balance. We were not allowed to leave before he had gone through every function-much better than the other [company]. I have got trading standards involved with DVS but the lack of evidence isn't helping. My question is even though I felt forced in both buying and selling can I claim something, even just a partial refund, after all what they sold me was totally neglected and they knew it, they were keeping quiet and pushing me away from the faults hoping they would go unnoticed.

Letter in today from FOS Complaint recommended to be upheld-Billing Finance have given their response and it doesnt surprise me;They disagree they were unsympathetic and would not agree to pay compensation but they agree to payRefund £96.07 of charges and 8% interest from agreement settlemant date to complaint settlement dateI have accepted this to finally end this situation.

letter I got today was dated 17th so it was cleared last week.

Today I got letter from Billing Finance -Congratulations your agreement is finished and now closed. Glad I dont have to deal with them now. Next stage pay back family member that bailed me out. Pejero-they are a 2 bob ragtag cowboy shark outfit only interested in getting what they want when they want. Like me you signed that agreement in good faith you had no idea what was round the corner. 1.Ask them for income/expenses form to cover the period -if they refuse (which theres NO good reason to) make your own and make 3 copies-1 to them 1 for you 1 for FOS. First complain to the cowboys-give them 8 weeks where theyll whitewash it then after that progress to FOS. Also photocopy surgery appointment and send them a copy and send FOS a copy should you have to go there. 2.Cancel the direct debit and pay what you can when you can via standing order or card payment on their site. They probably will add charges for letters and there will be 'arrears' but claim them back. 3.Only deal with them in writing-easier that way. 4.Pay £10 for an SAR- they can be interesting reading. 5.If 'arrears' get to about £4-500 they might get nasty but you should have a case here, especially if it is well presented and you have all bases covered. 6.If it does go to FOS they will listen to your side and try to get BF to play ball once they get your side. BF wont but will play hardball instead in the hope you give up and roll over for them -dont as they will soften eventually once they see you wont be intimidated. Should it get there and you get the ajudicator I did she is good and really fights the corner for common sense and reason -she kept banging heads until they saw reason. Like me you probably have a case for unsympathetic treatment and they could be forced to pay compo to you at level I would get it. Just stay strong, keep everything in writing and most important remember they are trying to trip you up and turn on the pressure but you can catch them out and claim back any charges if you get any. Like me you thought you were doing the right thing advising them of problems and being honest up front but they are best mates when they are getting what they want but you are 5th class vermin * *** if you upset them.

latest update-I didnt need to go to court on 1st may and case was continued until 17th where it will be dismissed once full and final settlement is paid. Also had call from FOS and ajudicator while pleased car will be paid off in full reckons I have been treated unsympathetically and could be in line for £100-200 compo which would be nice if it does happen-it would cover unfair charges at least.

I would try but this offer is on condition of payment of full amount-im not even getting money off for early settlement but if they still want court on wednesday it is worth a try. The offer to pay in full only came at the weekend when said family member offered to pay off the car for me to repay them

further update- email recieved earlier; I refer to your correspondence with my clients Billing Finance. I note that you have put forward a proposal to repay the outstanding balance due once you are in receipt of funds from ****** and understand that you anticipate being in receipt of these funds within the next 2 -3 weeks. I appreciate your desire to retain the vehicle and in order to avoid a Decree being granted against you I would be content to have the hearing assigned for 01 May 2013 continued for 3 weeks to allow you to make payment of the outstanding balance in full. This offer is made solely on the proviso that I am in cleared funds of the entire balance outstanding (£1,230.95) by 17 May 2013. I note that you are of the view that you are entitled to the expenses of the Court action but I would point out that you are currently in arrears on your agreement which entitles my clients to seek its return. They are only exercising their legal right to do so and in these circumstances I am of the view that they are entitled to the expense of raising the relevant Court action. If however matters can be resolved in the foregoing fashion my clients are prepared not to insist upon their legal expenses and will dismiss the Court action on a no expenses basis if you make payment in full by 17 May 2013. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Philip Philip Hall Associate ACH SHOOSMITHS The family member will be paying via their own bank account and BF have been advised to expect funds between 12-15 may

I had no choice as the car would have been vital because of the location and no public transport. Could you imagine me getting the job then having to ask for a day off for court then in a worst case tell them I cant go back as I have no way of getting there? Would look like I had wasted their time. On a plus note there could be a positive outcome. After speaking with a family member they are looking into loaning me the balance so I have asked for a settlement figure so I can pay for the car in full and repay the family member instead at the same rate. Only thing is it could take 2-3 weeks to get hold of the money if it is possible. I have relayed this to BF, ACH Shoosmith and FOS, just awaiting response.

Contact today from ACH Shoosmith -BF's solicitors asking me to come up with a payment plan to give to BF. So I told them £80 per 28 days starting 8th may if I dont get the job and £80 8th may followed by £125 per month ( last month about £145-150) if I get it. I stressed to them the car is vital especially for this job and if I lose it I will have no option but bankruptcy. So the offer goes to BF, they just laugh at it demanding £205.16 per month starting 1st may (case day!!) or else it is court. This is despite me putting in writing what I can afford. I will have to mention this at the interview tomorrow which could cost me this job. To me it seems they just want everything their way or no way.

I'd tell the truth, that the FOS adjudicator is trying to reach an agreement and time is needed to reach one

im only thinking about doing it as the FOS adjudicator is desperate for an agreement, she wants the same as me-an agreement in place and to avoid court if possible. She wants more time to get them to agree as if it gets to court they're powerless-cant judge when a court is.

Got the SAR today-everything is in it. Looking through it where I said they wouldnt send income/expenses form they actually said reduced payments are only possible where they have proof of difficulty-somehting they didnt ask for-only said wouldnt be necessary if payments were made and brought up to date.

A few updates; Got call from FOS adjudicator just before easter-seemed sympathetic to me and gave the impression she wanted a deal sorted out. At that point she hadnt heard from BF. Still no SAR but still 8 days left-putting bet on they post it 2nd class on day 39/40 (16th as deadline 17th) Job inteview 17th at Breedon at the quarry on A9 at Blair Atholl. Tried emailing ACH Shoosmiths to appela to their better nature, advise of the interview , explain car required to get there and basically to try avoid court. Papers are lodged to apply for time to pay order.

Interesting paragraph on the statement; Paying less than the agreed sum If you pay less than your agreed payment in most casesd it is likely to take you longer and may cost you more to pay off the debt under the agreement. If you have difficulties making payments under your credit agreement please contact us if you have not already done so to discuss terms for the rest of the agreement. You may also want to seek advice on what to do from an independent free advice agency such as the CAB. Exactly what I did!!!! And they would not negotiate-only interested in getting what they want when they want, tough s**t if you cant get it!!

Decided to apply for a time order as I feel that is my best chance. Hopefully their solicitors (and a sheriff if it still goes that far) will see now I have filled in the income/expenses form (exactly what BF refused to do) that I am making best effort. I have even offered to prove monthly I am signing on and also offered to re-negotiate to pay more once I am in a position to also. Got the yearly statement, I have paid £1089.85 (which will be £1169.85 before court date) of the advance fee of £2272.46 , the balance sits at £1308.51 (£1228.51 before court date) but if BF had been reasonable and shown understanding the charges to the value of £120 and the 'arrears (which will be £286 before court) the 'arrears wouldnt exist and the balance would be £1188.51 (£1108.51). I feel at this stage and rate the balance is payable in a reasonable time (15 months maximum and 8 months after it was due to finish) and just hope solicitors and or sheriffs agree with me and set it in stone. I really do feel BF have been very unreasonable, after all I thought they had to supply me with an income/expenses form once I informed them of my situation?

If it means anything the pursuing solicitor is ACH Shoosmiths, Northampton but the service was done in Edinburgh for my local sheriff court (Not Edinburgh)

That is interesting reading. I just hope in my situation I can get a favourable outcome.

Have been paying every 28 days since october.applying for 20 jobs a week locally and nationally-jobs I would expect a fair chance of getting but no luck