The handover was fine, but as is always the case in these situation, there is a lot yo see and take in. What one of you may know or notice the other may not. It was rushed (both wanted to get on).
The van worked well in most respects and was as seen. Only after the handover did I realise that I was disappointed in the naintenance of the vehicle. The windscreen, windows and mirrors were very dirty on the inside and out, the tyre pressures were very low and the wiper blades were so old and decrepit that even in heavy rain they dragged across the screen noisily and with limited effect.
Despite the van being otherwise quite nice the dirty windows and clattering wipers did hugely impact the fun of it. The tyres were also unsafe.
It is not only on the owner to ensure the vehicle is clean but slso safe. It is also, in my opinion, on goboony to include these and other safety/mechanical checks in the handover as neither party may be thinking of them
November 2025
Response from Amanda
I'm sorry you were disappointed with your experience of renting my van. I would like to clarify a couple of points to reassure future renters.
Regarding the handover being rushed, it did not feel particularly rushed to me. We had a cup of tea and a chat and I offered to charge your phone and got you on my home wifi so we could do the online form.
There is a lot to take in with the operation of any new vehicle. That is why I have a bank of videos which show how everything works. You turned down the offer of these because of your engineering background and having your own van. It is disappointing to read therefore that the rating given reflects that you did not have a thorough enough introduction to the vehicle.
This booking was a very last-minute booking, cancelled and then re-booked the day before collection, all requiring flexibility and accommodation on my part. You were aware that I was arriving back from holiday the evening before the collection. I had accepted the booking on the understanding, in writing, that I would not have time to get the van into its usual state of cleanliness and readiness. This was accepted by you at the time of booking, in writing.
I 100% accept that the tyre pressures should have been checked before collection.
Regarding the windscreen wipers, these have now been replaced. Unfortunately, I became aware of this issue on my trip the day before the booking and did not have time to replace them before you collected the vehicle. I am very sorry that these detracted from the enjoyment of your trip.
Poppy is a great van. She is nearly 20 years old and this is reflected in the price of hire compared to more modern vans. I will always be as accommodating as I can be to ensure that anyone renting her has a great trip.