Glad you got it fixed, but that is definitely a concern knowing that the dealer intentionally put pin-striping on to hide it. Did the drivers side have the same line under the pin-striping, or was it just the one passenger side panel?

 

Glad this got worked out for you in the end. It's good to see that you got the issue resolved through your persistence. Car dealers often lose sight that what they're selling is usually the 2nd most expensive thing they own in their life.

 

Thank you all for your support. I am glad this is over.

Agreed! I already changed my dealership from that one to a closer one and with whom I've had a better repertoire with. Hopefully that keeps going well.

Agreed it is troubling to have them *lie* to me about it by several "managers" then have the General Manager change their tune so quickly to get me fixed, while admitting fault. Driver side did not have the same paint line. It was just the passenger side panel.

Agreed. These guys think of it as "this is my paycheck" or "this will get me a bonus for the month, maybe to buy myself some fancy watch!" and forget that they are dealing with people. People who need these cars to retain value and function as advertised.

It's a shame, really, that consumers have to put up with such a headache to get this type of stuff resolved properly. Haven't yet taken pictures, but will when I remember later today. I feel a little horrible for those places that do good work, or sell cars with good reputation. I'd be frustrated when you work for an industry (selling cars) knowing full well that consumers hate dealing with you because people in your profession are so willing to be almost criminal in treatment to people once they have your money. I'd be ashamed to work in that industry. And it's sad that I say that so nonchalantly.

 

its one car to you, but one of hundreds to the dealer... and an economy one at that.

they will do the least amount of work to sell you a good looking car. had you been a normal person, pinstripes would not be removed and you might never know about the repair. it is NOT unusual for dealers to use the pinstripe as the paint edge as it costs extra to re-do the entire pinstripe on that side. it's all cost driven. probably not so much to try to 'trick' the customer.

goodjob to get the car to your liking.

 

Kenchan: You are right about cost. I just think it's a little sad that pure profit is essentially favored over making the customer satisfied.

As a computer technician, it horrifies me that people come to us and get a "bad rap" because of Geek Squad or something else. I do my damnest to make that customer as happy as can be. That translates to direct increases in my bottom line down the line, rather than sacrificing it and getting more money now.

On topic: So, I took some pics. Found out if I look real hard, I can see the line. In overcast skies, I can see the "pinstripe" line a little more clearly. In direct sunlight, it's almost impossible to notice. I think most untrained eyes won't see it. But pictures are generally unflattering and it is still hard to discern. I think the only reason I notice it so clearly is because I know exactly where the pinstripe was. Kind of like, when you spill something on a shirt and you are the only one who sees it because it bothers you the most...

I am probably going to still mention it, but not push too hard again as I really don't want to drive another hour to get this done again and maybe have it look even worse. At this point, it may not be worth it. If anyone has body shop experience, please let me know if this will get worse over time.

Here's some pics:





It's most obvious in this picture.


Edit: Oh and I got a Honda Customer Service survey in the mail. I filled that sucker out with paragraphs of criticisms for Honda's Service Center and that Dealer. It came from Bruce Smith, Senior VP Parts & Service...so let's see if they take it seriously. Doubt it though.

 

It's hard to say from still pictures with reflections. It looks pretty good.

Wait till you get your first door ding.

 

dey- i think it looks good.

glad you are now past this stage and finally enjoying your new car.

 

Hard to tell from the pictures. If you're OK with it then it's good to go!

 

So they didn't really paint the panel and just buffed out the built up paint where the pinstripe was?

That's the only way I can figure there'd still be a line there. I can definitely still see it in the "obvious" picture. That happens because the paint under the pinstripe isn't effected by sun and wear.

 

This has been one of the most interesting and educational threads I have read in a long time. I learned a lot from your experience and wish you well.

Cheers.

 

Good deal they finally owned up and like I said it happened on the lot so no report. You did a nice job of keeping their feet to the fire to get a pretty good result.

 

They sanding it down and blended it. They probably sanded down the extra clear coat and then blended it.

I am still waffling on throwing it back at them, but really, I would be without a car for a much longer time yet again. I would also need to bother my family for a trip back to the dealership, as the dealer hasn't been willing to give me a loaner. I would also need to spend a bit on gas to go back up. If I can barely see it now, then I don't know if it's really worth the time and stress I put others through on the issue just to be happy.

Edit: clarity

 

Called the bodyshop, they told me to bring it by whenever I feel comfortable and they will wet-sand it and buff it to my satisfaction.