What would you do? Car dealership question. - Page 3

NYC Susan · ‎03-13-2010

@Seannie wrote:
Hi all,
I had my car's oil changed and tires rotated a couple of days ago. Besides the black
fingerprints all over (expected) there were a couple dirty streaks near rear passenger
tire. Well, they didn't wash off. One is an inch dent and scrape down to the metal and one is just a 3 inch black streak.
IWhat would you do if this happened to you and am I out of luck since I didn't notice
before I drove it home?

TIA, Seannie

I posted what I would do a moment ago. But I did want to add that I don't think black fingerprints all over should be expected. I've never had that happen any time I've had my car serviced anywhere. They're supposed to take care not to have that happen. It's evidence of sloppiness and being in too much of a hurry, IMO, and I wouldn't be happy.

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

That's awful. Dealerships usually pride themselves on their service, since they charge an arm and a leg. I go to the local "grease monkey" garage down the road, and they are great. No mess. All I ever have to do is put my seat back where it belongs.

♥Surface of the Sun♥

terrier3 · ‎03-10-2010

I sell advertising to a lot of dealers.

Their best form of marketing is word of mouth from satisfied repeat customers.

If you go in assuming they will help you - I bet they will!

nun ya · ‎03-09-2010

Go asap and show them. They most likely have a bodyshop on site and will fix it. The black mark can probably be removed by them with thinner. The dent should be fixed and repainted. But don't wait.

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

It's in their best interest to fix this since they probably want you to keep buying from them. At least, give them a chance and see how it goes.

mima · ‎03-14-2010

Just one more view: Since you didn't notice it before leaving the dealership, is there any way it was already there from you last trip to the store, work, etc.

I know when I leave work every day, I would not know if there was a dent or scratch on the other side of my car (passenger side). I just don't walk around and look at it.

I wouldn't be able to accuse anyone of doing it. I'm not observant though.

Seems like dealerships would be extra careful and "used to" working on cars without doing damage.

I'm not saying I don't believe you, this is just another angle.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Seannie wrote:
Hi all,
I had my car's oil changed and tires rotated a couple of days ago. Besides the black
fingerprints all over (expected) there were a couple dirty streaks near rear passenger
tire. Well, they didn't wash off. One is an inch dent and scrape down to the metal and one is just a 3 inch black streak.
IWhat would you do if this happened to you and am I out of luck since I didn't notice
before I drove it home?

TIA, Seannie

Was this a dealership or an independent mechanic?

I would call the Manager first, explaining the problem, and see how they want to handle it. When I come in they are expecting me and know what the problem is.

Also ... I agree with the suggestion that you only use AAA accredited mechanics. They are in a class by themselves and really go out of their way to please you so they don't lose the AAA referral.

Seannie · ‎05-19-2010

Hi there all,

OP here. Thank you so much for your good replies. I really appreciate your

insights. DH says to drop the issue since I can't prove it happened at the dealership.

I did notice the 1 inch dent when I picked up the car, but since it was down low by the

wheel I just assumed it was filth from the road (snow hasn't melted in weeks here!).

Yesterday, I tried to clean it off and saw the bare metal. Certainly it is hard to

prove but body gouges by the wheel would almost certainly be shop equipment.

Nobody else bangs into the car down low like that.

Anyway, I decided to write a review of the dealership online to call attention

to that sloppy employee. Maybe nothing comes of it, but it certainly feels good

to do it.

Seannie

kdgn · ‎03-09-2010

First, take a photo of the damage. If you took your car to an authorized dealership, the person writing up your service order is supposed to do a walk-around and note any prior damage. That's what is done at my car dealership. The service writer takes out her clipboard, notes the mileage and then does a quick walk-around to see if there are any dents/scrapes. If there are, she notes it on the page with the diagram of a car.

If you have a paper like that, it will show that the damage was not there when you took the car in. If the dent is under a grease/tool mark then it should be obvious to them when it happened. Check the paperwork-

I've never had a vehicle returned to me with any grease marks showing. They no longer wash the vehicles as a courtesy (drought conditions).

lulu2 · ‎03-09-2010

@Seannie wrote:
Hi there all,
OP here. Thank you so much for your good replies. I really appreciate your
insights. DH says to drop the issue since I can't prove it happened at the dealership.
I did notice the 1 inch dent when I picked up the car, but since it was down low by the
wheel I just assumed it was filth from the road (snow hasn't melted in weeks here!).
Yesterday, I tried to clean it off and saw the bare metal. Certainly it is hard to
prove but body gouges by the wheel would almost certainly be shop equipment.
Nobody else bangs into the car down low like that.
Anyway, I decided to write a review of the dealership online to call attention
to that sloppy employee. Maybe nothing comes of it, but it certainly feels good
to do it.

Seannie

Respectfully, I would have given the dealership a chance to rectify the problem before I posted a negative review.

As another poster pointed out, when you bring your car in they do a walk around, noting bumps and scrapes. If the dent and scrape were there prior to your visit, it should be noted. If not, it's on them.