Hey folks
If there are any minor scratches, dents, marks etc when collecting a new car, is there anything you can do about it with the dealer? Or would you just live with it?
The dealer said the car will be cleaned and ready to go for when we collect later this week. But I have noticed a 4 inch scratch on one of the panels which didnt rub off. If it doesn't come off I can live with it but this is my first ever new car and you'd expect it to be perfect right?
No brand new, waited 16 months and its just arrived today.
If it's still there when I collect it then i will raise it up with them. When i rubbed the other marks and scratches they came off but there was one that didn't.
If it's still there when I collect it then i will raise it up with them.
Are they, or are they not, aware about the scratch? Did you bring it up when you saw it?
The dealer specifically told me not to worry about any marks or scratches on the car as it hasnt been cleaned yet. Hence the question is for when I'm collecting the car. Thanks
@oscargamer: Exactly. They have specific dealing teams that ensure what you receive is an excellent transaction, and will return again.
@Lcfc2016: Ah ok you saw it fresh from transport. Yeah that's the worst scenario, but it should be fine in the showroom. If not, ask them what they can do
@spackbace: Happy to report the scratch was not there on collection. Thanks everyone for your replies.
I've rejected cars based upon damage at delivery before. It's up to you what you're happy to accept. Even a quality respray effects resale price IMO but then I'm someone who looks for that stuff, 99%+ of buyers wouldn't have a clue and just go by how shiny it is.
It would suck in the current market though with the extended wait times so factor that into your decision.
Tell the dealer and they'll touch it up before delivery to you.
You'll get plenty of scratches over time just from normal driving, it's not a big deal.
You mean dings and scratches from supermarket/mall parking.
Yep this. Other morons who can't drive for poo and couldn't care less about others.
Don’t give them the money unless everything is okay.
If genuinely brand new and not a demo, it shouldn't have any scratches whatsover, or any evidence of wear and tear.
If it has these, I'd be strongly concerned they are selling you a demo as new. Even shop floor stock should have little to no evidence of being sat in etc.
Transport damage happens often… Just think how far these cars are going
Just because you've never seen it doesn't mean anything
I'm referring to when the car is ready for collection, not fresh from transport, which was the whole thrust of the OP's question.
You could have made your point without the unnecessary passive aggressive sentence.
If genuinely brand new and not a demo, it shouldn't have any scratches whatsover, or any evidence of wear and tear.
How did that sound like you mean ready for collection?
@Shoocat: Yes, they should discover these in a pre-inspection and fix them before giving a car to a customer, but if it is a small scratch I guess it is easy to miss.
New car? Ask them to fix it.
When I picked up my car, I had some minor defects like window seal slightly crumpled, small chip in paint from someone opening the edge of the hood into windscreen wipers, small scratch under door handle.
Mentioned to them and all fixed within the week.
I guess it depends how particular you are about your car. Some people won't care - others will. Given you are asking here - I will assume you care a bit. ;)
As mentioned, the transport process may introduce a few surface marks and scratches, and hopefully they come out with the final detailing process at the dealership - however if you are not happy, you are within your rights to ask for it to be 'fixed'. My suggestion is that you request for this to be done by a professional detailer (or panel beater / auto painter depending on how bad it is) of your choosing - at the dealership's cost. Make sure you do this before driving away with it - once you are off the lot it's probably too late.
FYI - I have taken my last 3 new cars (2008, 2015 and 2022) to a professional detailer within a week of picking it up from the dealer for a paint correction and ceramic coating. This 'fixed' most of the minor surface scratches that had been picked up between the factory and the dealer (a journey of many thousands of kms) and helped me to keep them looking good.
Good luck!
If there are any minor scratches, dents, marks etc when collecting a new car
If its present when collecting the car, ask the dealership to fix it or reject delivery. If the scratch is deep it might need a respray. Car can get damaged in transport. But dealer should be able to fix these issues before delivery.
Can you post a picture? Your view of a minor scratch could be different to someone elses.
If you tried to rub it off and it didn't budge, it ia def in the clear coat and could even be through the paint.
If the clear they can fix it. If it's through the paint, i would reject it.
I purchased a BMW and it had a minor scratch, dealer repaired it. Was rushed around pre-inspection, when i got home and had more time, i noticed the repair.
Took it to an approved BMW repsirer snd they ssid they would have to redpray the rntire side of the car (front and rear guard, both doors) for a minor scratch on the rear door as you would always be able to tell with a paint gauge it had been repaired. Also lower resale if picked up etc.
Handed the car back to BMW for a full refund.
Happened to me, they just fixed it.
They have to fix it mate. It's a new car.
A 4 inch scratch that catches your finger will not "rub off" and requires cut and polish done properly . THe number of brand new cars with insane swirl marks and minor scratches is crazy.
What did they say when you brought it to their attention?
Likely just needs a buff and polish but depends how deep it is.
It's not a demo?