The Rapido Serie 6, a popular motorhome model known for its spaciousness and versatility, was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) investigation period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This model, typically financed through various lenders such as Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Lombard, and Billing Finance, saw widespread use with finance amounts ranging between £40,000-£80,000. The FCA investigation uncovered significant issues related to [discretionary commission](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement) arrangements that affected millions of motorists across the UK.
How the Rapido Serie 6 was Typically Financed
The Rapido Serie 6, a motorhome renowned for its luxury and practicality, was often financed through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements or Hire Purchase (HP). These financing options allowed buyers to manage their payments over terms ranging from 48 to 120 months. Common finance lenders offering these arrangements included Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Lombard, and Billing Finance. Under PCP terms, a significant portion of the motorhome’s value was retained as a final balloon payment at the end of the term, which could be settled in cash or used to fund a new vehicle.
The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an extensive investigation into motor finance agreements, focusing on discretionary commission arrangements that were prevalent during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This probe revealed widespread mis-selling practices across various financial institutions and dealerships offering PCP and HP deals for vehicles like the Rapido Serie 6. The investigation found that over 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) were affected, involving a total of £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) in finance (FCA estimate) (FCA, March 2026).
How to Check Your Agreement Look for clauses mentioning “discretionary commission arrangements” or references to the term “DCA.” check if your agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, as these are critical dates specified by the FCA investigation. If any of these elements apply, it is highly likely that you may have been affected.
If your Rapido Serie 6 finance agreement was signed during the FCA’s motor finance investigation period and includes clauses related to discretionary commission arrangements (DCA), you can complain directly to your lender at no cost. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Lombard, and Billing Finance have established processes for handling complaints related to this issue. It is important to gather all relevant documentation, including the original finance agreement, payment records, and any correspondence with the lender or dealership.
You do not need a claims management company to file your complaint; you can handle it independently through your lender’s customer service department or dedicated complaints process. This direct approach ensures that you receive prompt and fair consideration of your case without incurring additional fees.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). (2024). FCA Motor Finance Investigation Report.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021.