Dealer sold me a scratched car!

fit_consumer · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 08:57 PM

Hi all.

Well, it was a sunny day when I bought my brand new 2009 silver fit. When doing the final walk around, I noticed a few scratches. The dealer took the car around back and supposedly buffed them out. They brought the car back-fixed-or so I thought. Dealer said if I found anymore, bring the car back and they'd fix the scratches.

Well, I found more. Lot's more. Mostly shallow, clear coat scratches but a few go into the paint layer.

Anyway, I took it back to the dealer today. Two rounds of buffing and then I told them to stop or they'd ruin my clear coat. Most of the scratches are gone, but there are two spots-both very visible-where there are deep scratches.

Dealer said they won't fix them. They said they'd have to re-paint the car, which I think is untrue and absurd. Dealer said they are going to 'discuss' it and 'get back to me'.

Can someone tell me what steps the dealer would have to take to 'fix' the scratches? How much might this cost to them? Does anyone have suggestions if they offer to leave the scratches as is but offer something else, like an accessory for free?

Any help or suggestions would be great.

Sad Mad Fit Owner

j1nNju1c3 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 09:13 PM

When I bought my Fit, there were scratches on it too, but I noticed it right away so the dealer said to bring it back the next day and they would buff it right out. But with my Fit, I got a Finishing Touch on the exterior, so after they buffed the scratches, they put a protective coat on it to prevent future scratches (paid for it though). I didn't pay anything extra on mine and got a free loaner car when they took my car back for the buffing. I don't know about your dealer. Their a little shady imo. They should be able to fix that for you with no charge...

calrose rice · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 09:32 PM

Sorry to hear about the scratch. I had the same problem when I bought mine from the dealer. There was a deep scratch on the driver door. I brought it back the next day for them to buff it out, but it actually came out alot worse. As a result of their failed attempt to fix the scratch, one of the neighboring company they do business with who does an outstanding job of fixing scratches and dents came and repainted over the scratch and made it appear brand new. They didn't repaint the entire door, just that area that was scratched.

Be persistent with the dealers, that is your best bet. They may ignore you! Keep calling them! Dealers are dealers! The good dealers will keep in contact with you. The bad ones will sell you the car and call it quits.

Committobefit08 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:10 PM

The dealer probably caused those scratches. Quick prep washes by low level techs at a dealer usually cause the fine scratches when washing. They say they are "buffing" them out but are probably using a rotary buffer and using fillers that will mask the imperfections but not fix the scratches. I'm sorry to say but in a month or so the imperfections will probably resurface.
My opinion is to find a local professional detailer fix them with and have the dealership pick up the bill. I would search for a reputable detailer.

Here is my website to see what kind of work I'm talking about. Also see my prices to compare to your local detailers.

Auto Detailing - Home

I would also search on here for local detailers. Its a well know site for professional detailers.

Autopia.org Car Detailing Forum :: #1 in Auto Detailing Discussion!

Hope this help.
Good luck.

Cat · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:12 PM

Honda Fit paint scratches easily and swirls like heck! You have to be careful if the person doing the buffing is not experienced or they will
make the problem much worse. I have always had good results with claying the car and doing a good wax on top. It seems to improve the paint and since I show my car it has to have a good looking finish. The car is my DD and is a 2007 - Cat :x

hogwylde · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Committobefit08

The dealer probably caused those scratches.

I understand the sentiment some may have towards dealerships as it applies to motorcycle dealerships as well.

But when it comes to cars, lets not forget that many other people test drive these cars and since the car isn't their's (yet), they may not take the same care as if that specific car was the one they were purchasing. And many times they have other people with them carrying purses, having chain wallets, and who knows what else.......

Committobefit08 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat

Honda Fit paint scratches easily and swirls like heck! You have to be careful if the person doing the buffing is not experienced or they will
make the problem much worse. I have always had good results with claying the car and doing a good wax on top. It seems to improve the paint and since I show my car it has to have a good looking finish. The car is my DD and is a 2007 - Cat :x

Honda/Acura clear and paint is very soft. German cars and Chevy's have the hardest paints in my experiences.
Clay bar just removes existing contaminants already on the paint. Yes clay baring and waxing is good to maintain unscratched paint but will do nothing about already scratched and swirled paint.

Committobefit08 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogwylde

I understand the sentiment some may have towards dealerships as it applies to motorcycle dealerships as well.

But when it comes to cars, lets not forget that many other people test drive these cars and since the car isn't their's (yet), they may not take the same care as if that specific car was the one they were purchasing. And many times they have other people with them carrying purses, having chain wallets, and who knows what else.......

That is very true I agree completely. I guess it all depends on where the scratches are. If they are on the hood and upper half of the car then more in likely they were not caused by random test drives. Yes door/fender scratches could have been caused by inconsiderate test drivers/customers.

mike2100 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 12:53 PM

I guess this advice is irrelevant to the original poster but to anyone else reading this thread that hasn't bought yet: I always insist on a car fresh off the truck (mine had 2 miles on it!) and NEVER let the dealer prep the car!
Save up about a hundred bucks (consider it part of the down payment) and take the car straight to a pro detailer to have a good sealant put on.

FITMugen · #10 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 01:51 PM

Before I bought a new 2009 Honda FIT on 8/15/09, I searched the Internet for 2009 Honda FIT model, options and color I wanted. Then schedule for a test drive with a dealer that I spotted the car. I walked through the dealer when I got there. I picked the one that still had plastic protected films on the hood, roof, etc. Then I looked around for damages. I got one that just came in. So I took it without dealer preparation. I leave the plastic intact until I finish my upgrade. So I don’t have to worry about scratch while I do the upgrade. It works out every good. I am happy with it. This is the second Honda that bought without dealer preparation. However, you have to be a car savy.

citabria7 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 05:50 PM

taking it without prep is great..IF you can do it.. The dealers in Phoenix won't even let you see it till they have "done their thing", usually adding a few dealer add ons, like the $600 wax job.

Gbaby2089 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 06:29 PM

you weren't sold a scratched car

YOU bought a scratched car

mike2100 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gbaby2089

you weren't sold a scratched car

YOU bought a scratched car

indeed, never trust a dealer... always look over the car before you buy it

radareclipse · #14 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 07:19 PM

Paint job.

kenchan · #15 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 10:20 PM

Yah, its unfortunate so many cars at dealers are damaged even before the sale.
Typical damages are scuffs on doors (inside/out), seatbacks, dings, scratched lips, lower bumpers, minor but visible hail damage on roofs, hoods, trunks, etc.

Also watch out for missing bits, failed dealer install bits, under inflated tires, etc.

Never take your dealer's word, look over the car very carefully top to bottom.

citabria7 · #16 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 12:24 AM

Never, EVER, trust a dealer to correct a problem, especially small ones like scratches when you take delivery. You really have no recourse other than a lawyer, and are you prepared to hire one for scratches? The dealer KNOWS you will not. Damaged cars before delivery? Yep, happens all the time, some really badly damaged. I worked at a Chrysler plant and some were dropped, hit by fork lifts and worse. Repaired and sent to the customer who had no idea what had happened.
Supposed to keep a record of these damages, but when they don't, and they OFTEN don't, you are screwed if something shows up later. They claim you did it after purchase.
Next time, make sure it's right, or don't buy it. Check for overspray..sure sign it was damaged before delivery, wavy sheet metal, anything you can think of.

radareclipse · #17 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 02:21 AM

I've owned two previous Hondas with blotchy paint on the side of the vehicles. Showed up in the sunlight a week or more after I took delivery. Honda rep even came to check one of them out. Nothing came about.