Listers Group, an automotive dealership in the Midlands and East regions of the UK, has been associated with Abarth vehicles through various finance arrangements. While Listers Group may no longer stock Abarth models, many consumers purchased Abarth vehicles from them on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements.
Abarth Finance at Listers Group
When you buy an Abarth through Listers Group using PCP or HP car finance, the dealership arranges a loan for your purchase. However, it's important to understand that Listers Group acts as the intermediary between you and the lender. They facilitate the financing process by introducing you to various lenders who offer competitive rates and terms. This arrangement often includes
discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), where dealers receive commissions from lenders based on the volume of finance agreements they secure.
The role of DCAs in car finance is significant because it can influence the cost of your finance agreement. Dealers may negotiate better terms with lenders, but this negotiation process can sometimes lead to higher interest rates or other fees that might not be immediately apparent to the consumer. As a result, buyers who entered into PCP or HP agreements between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 should review their finance documents carefully.
Finding Your Lender
If you purchased an Abarth through Listers Group using car finance, your first step is to identify the lender responsible for providing your financing. This information can typically be found in your finance agreement documentation provided by the dealer upon purchase. Look for details such as the lender’s name and contact information, which are crucial for initiating a complaint.
To address any issues with your Abarth car finance agreement, you should directly approach your lender rather than contacting Listers Group or any other intermediary. The lender is responsible for handling complaints regarding the finance agreement terms and conditions. You do not need a
claims management company; instead, you can contact the lender's customer service department to express your concerns.
You can [complain directly](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/how-to-complain-to-your-lender) to your lender for free by following these steps:
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents related to your car finance agreement, including the initial application forms and any correspondence with the dealer.
- Identify the Lender: Use the finance agreement documentation provided at the time of purchase to determine the name and contact information of your lender.
- Contact Customer Service: Reach out to the lender’s customer service department via phone or email to explain your concerns. Provide specific details about any discrepancies you have noticed in the terms of your financing arrangement.
- Follow Up: Keep a record of all communications with the lender, including dates and times of contact. If necessary, escalate your complaint through their official complaints process.
You do not need a claims management company; many consumers resolve their disputes directly by contacting the lender.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that approximately 14 million agreements were affected during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, with an average claim amount of £700.
- The total value of claims made during this period is estimated at £8.2 billion (FCA estimate).
- Information on discretionary commission arrangements and their impact on car finance agreements can be found in the FCA’s regulatory timeline for motor finance.