Dealer installed scrathes :)

L

LouisanaJeeper

New member
I saw a car on the new car lot today that had the options I was looking for. the car had some scratches on the lower portion of the door (it looks like surface/clearcoat swirls) I have 3 options I could go with.



1) request dealer's "bodyshop" polish them out w/rotory I assume, repaint if necessary (what they suggested, told them I would think about it, did not mention options 2&3)



2) just tell them I am a detailer and I would just attempt to remove and give me the option to return it for repaint at no charge if unsucessful--pretty sure I can get them out, did not feel indentations



3) have them knock a few bucks off $500-$1000 and forget about it (and fix it myself)



I am denying dealer prep on the rest of the vehicle
 
I vote #3 depending on the damage. If you really think you can take it out to your satisfaction without repainting that would be the best deal.
 
Why not go with option 3 because you already have the expertise to correct the problem and enjoy the additional discount.
 
My truck came with them too. Its funny I didn't see that option on the window sticker did you? I took final delivery at night, BAD IDEA! I looked it over during the day it was dirty and didn't see anything so I thought it was fine, NOT! I didn't notice any of the swirls and scratches until several days later due to Minnesota and Iowa winter weather by then it was too late, the truck was mine I mentioned it too the dealer and they never really said anything.



Then I got thinking and I trust myself and only myself to fix them. I have seen some REALLY bad work in fact the one that sticks in my mind was a Mercedes dealer you would think they would turn out good buffing/polishing, and that was all I could think of. Its been a lot of work but I have gotten most of the swirls and scratches out it looks about 80%. It looks MUCH better and I am still working on the other 20%, then I think I will be satisfied.



Most dealers don't care, I shouldn't say the dealer, but the kid washing the vehicle with the towel that he/she just dropped on the ground, picked up and smeared all the pebbles and sand across the paint.



This is only the second brand new car I have purchased and it was a learning experience, I know for next time.
 
I shouldn't say the dealer, but the kid washing the vehicle with the towel that he/she just dropped on the ground, picked up and smeared all the pebbles and sand across the paint
Click to expand...



If the dealer cared they would hire someone who knows what they are doing for the job. Not some highschool kid looking to wash and drive nice cars for a buck:D
 
My fiancee is looking at a new car and we kinda walked around a few lots tonight to avoid dealing with salespeople. We looked at the PT Cruiser, the Mazda 3 5 door, the Mercedes C230 coupe/hatchback thing and that was about it. No Mini dealer closer than Annapolis or Baltimore.



Anyways I enjoyed looking at the relative condition of the cars. The Chryslers were HORIFFIC, terrible swirling. The Benzes were actually quite good. They have a new pre-owned lot that is under a cover with bright discharge lighting, all the used cars were well detailed with no swirls or buffer marks. Impressive. The Mazdas were un-detailed (which is probably best).



Got to sit in a Maybach, not bad for $320 large!
 
Mantic6t9 said:
If the dealer cared they would hire someone who knows what they are doing for the job. Not some highschool kid looking to wash and drive nice cars for a buck:D
Click to expand...





True, I see your point.
 
Maybe tell them you want to take the car home to detail first. This way you can see every little thing that might be wrong with the car.
 
Truthfully, I wouldn't get the car. If it has imperfections that just stick out like that, then why bother paying that big money for a car unless the swirls and scratches are small? If anything, the only reason you should get that car is if they give you a reasonable discount on the car itself.
 
For this reason, When i ordered my last 2 new vehicles, I told the dealer that i wanted the vehicles fresh right off the truck with no prep at all ! I told him i want the vehicle with all the plastic still on it, All the paper,Dirt,Accessories still in plastic bags,Fuses not installed,etc. I made him write it on the sales contracts. If the vehicles are not to my satisfaction and they are prepped i am backing out with 100% of my depost refunded. Both dealers looked at me like i had 2 heads. I explained to them that when the new vehicle arrives the paint is only weeks old. There is no need to buff them. Also i explained that there is nothing worse than seeing sp:) :) ge all over the tires and dash on a new car. Needless to say both vehicles came just as i asked. :up
 
hondaguy2582 said:
Truthfully, I wouldn't get the car. If it has imperfections that just stick out like that, then why bother paying that big money for a car unless the swirls and scratches are small? If anything, the only reason you should get that car is if they give you a reasonable discount on the car itself.
Click to expand...



true, true, but I've been having one hell of a time finding one with the right color combo and options.
 
Wow, this has really opened my eyes...and I worked for a dealer. I was a sales assistant, but I had to wash a car for delivery one night. I treated it like it was MY car (I wish it was...). I'm definately going to have the dealer send my next car out to a professional detailer before I take delivery...
 
Where I am in Iowa some dealers are now adding New car delivery bays, they are VERY bright, indoors and it looks like you might beable to see all the imperfections before you pick the car up. Hopefully they are taking more care in the finish of the vehicles they are selling.
 
Every new Porsche I have bought came with swirl marks and sometimes water spots. My rule is that if my fingernail doesn't catch in it, then I buy it and take it home to fix it myself.
 
The BMW dealer here in Rockville has a nice room with leather couches off of the showroom where they back the car in and show the new owner how to work all of the features in a climate controlled indoor environment before they take delivery. Its becoming a trend here too.
 
LouisanaJeeper- I'm with Hondaguy2582 on this, don't take it. I know, that's a bummer of a response, but I'm serious.



Take a long-term view of this. Order what you want and wait for it. Just my $0.02 of course.



I don't accept messed up new cars; I don't take ones with visible paintwork; I don't polish off clearcoat on them either. Used cars are different, but with new ones, I stick to my guns (I've turned them down before, yeah "breach of contract threats", but that never came to anything...).



It took me over 6 months to get my S8 but I'm really glad I waited for the right one.



I used to take new cars with "minor issues", but not anymore. That's not what I'm paying the "new car premium" (you know, the money you lose as soon as you drive it off the lot) for. If I want to fix/accept problems, I'll buy something used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top