Why was my brand new Land Rover Discovery not supplied to specification?

I ordered a Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE from my local dealer on 31 March, specified a number of options and was told to expect delivery in early June. In early June I was informed that the vehicle had arrived minus two of the options that I specified (worth around £1200) and that I could now expect a delivery slot in August. Is this routine dealer behaviour? Do you think I have any recourse? Should I refuse to pay for the options and/or insist upon free servicing or some other form of compensation? Spending almost £55,000 I feel very disappointed by the experience.

Asked on 18 August 2012 by JM, via email

Answered by Honest John
Legally, no. The case law is Johnson v HWM Kingston County Court 1997. The ruling accepts that because of the complexity of car manufacture and component supply it is impossible for a dealer and a manufacturer to guarantee a precise specification.
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