Brand New Car.... Faulty Paint

suchislife12 on 16/02/2015 - 22:36
Last edited 17/02/2015 - 01:23 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I purchased a brand new car for myself about 4 weeks ago and have enjoyed every moment of it so far but unfortunately have run into a hick up. When I was washing the car yesterday I noticed that the paint on the bonnet seems to have flaked away on the edge of the bonnet linking to the quarter panel.

A first I thought that somehow I may have scratched that particular part some how but it is nearly impossible to do so. Today I decided to get it inspected closer and it appears the car has been repaired prior to being sold as a 'new car'.

Pics:
Bonnet: http://postimg.org/image/km5y0g9yl/
Quarter Panel: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s9Z
Rust Forming: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s7I
Rust on Latch: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s7O
Quarter Panel dust under paint and inconsistencies: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s7X
Paint run under bonnet: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s7b
Bolt missing specs of paint as if it has been removed: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s9K
Other bolt shows same thing: http://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/5s95

What are my options and what is the best course of action

Regards

Automotive

Comments

  • Mad Max on 16/02/2015 - 22:59
    +2

    What type of car is it?

    • Cheeper on 17/02/2015 - 03:49

      Proton… he mentions it below.

      • smpantsonfire on 17/02/2015 - 17:27
        +4

        Yeah, he does, an hour after maxi commented….

        • Mad Max on 17/02/2015 - 18:52
          +4

          Just wanted to make sure I do not buy one of those ;-)

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 16/02/2015 - 23:31

    need more details, such as was it purchased from a dealer or was it a private sale?

    • Daabido on 16/02/2015 - 23:35
      +5

      "brand new car", usually means dealer.

      • resubaehtgnolhcs on 16/02/2015 - 23:36
        -6

        usually doesn't mean always …

        • Daabido on 16/02/2015 - 23:38
          +6

          Your semantics fly in the face of the probability of a private seller selling a brand new car (which somehow has not been registered to them and is really a second-hand car).

        • resubaehtgnolhcs on 16/02/2015 - 23:39
          -5

          @Daabido: not really i purchased a car that was won as an unwanted prize 5 years ago, and I became the first registered owner! So best not to make assumptions …about the car being a dealer car. But I see OP has clarified the issue

        • Daabido on 16/02/2015 - 23:43
          +1

          @schlongtheabuser:

          The odds would have been astronomical. I'm glad you live your life free of assumptions. And I did say usually, not always.

        • resubaehtgnolhcs on 16/02/2015 - 23:45
          -6

          @Daabido: glad you're a gambling man …odds … probability … and I know you said usually which was why i was trying to clarify in the first place, nothing wrong with that is there …sheesh!

        • Daabido on 16/02/2015 - 23:46

          @schlongtheabuser:

          I think you're the gambler, flogging this dead horse.

        • Daabido on 17/02/2015 - 00:02
          +2

          @Daabido:

          Anyway, apologies to the OP for hijacking the thread. I look forward to hearing what resolution you come up with.

          To my sparring partner this evening and everyone else, have a good day tomorrow.

        • Cheeper on 17/02/2015 - 03:48
          +1

          @Daabido:
          Seen it many times in forum… people refer to it as their brand new car or new car and to them it is "new" as in a new car to them.
          Not a biggie girls… :-)

  • Daabido on 16/02/2015 - 23:34
    +4

    This is not all that unusual, but they have made a mess of it to be sure.

    The first thing to do is approach the dealership and see what they say. They will try to get it fixed as cheap as possible, but given the state of repair from the previous repair I would be getting quotes from reputable repair shops and try to come to an agreement.

    Get the agreement in writing that they will pay for the damage at a certain dollar amount.

    Sorry you had to go through all of that with your new car, but hopefully there will be good will to get it sorted. Go in with that mentality and escalate as required.

    If they start to get cute, get a lawyer to write a letter for you.

    • suchislife12 on 16/02/2015 - 23:41

      Yes I have heard it is quite common for damage to occur to cars on the lot but usually they are fixed properly. The dealer was quite good with the sale and were extremely helpful, I don't think this was a work of their own but it may have occurred when the car was in storage…they have been quite helpful with other issues I have had but I live quite far from the dealership. I've emailed Proton head office in hope that they'll help me reach a resolution.

    • travelwiz on 19/02/2015 - 12:26

      lawyers letter means squat if they won't do anything. Can't get blood from a stone.

      Bought a new car last year, with 2013 plate. Much cheaper as was middle of 2014.

      Anyway, car had to be shipped form long way away.

      Then got call to say windscreen damaged, but for time delay while fixed, dealer will pay for window tinting.

      Anyway got that car, all good, but found paperwork saying window tinting done in 2013. So sales person was telling porkies.

  • suchislife12 on 16/02/2015 - 23:35
    +2

    It's a Proton (I know I know) purchased Brand New from the dealer in Western Sydney (not naming and shaming yet). I did check under the bonnet but it isn't something you notice initially under a darker lighting scenario like this dealer has.

  • Davo1111 on 17/02/2015 - 04:54
    +2

    So have you tried like…talking to the dealer?

    • djones145 on 17/02/2015 - 08:23
      +36

      why would I take it to the dealer? posting it on ozbargain is the way to go
      they'll tell me what to do, better than google

      I would call bikies or batman

      however if you cant, well u could go to the dealer, but that's the last option!

      • UFO on 17/02/2015 - 19:36
        +1

        thanks mate… i just spilled a little drink over my keyboard laughing at "bikies or batman".

        i'm sad, but happy all at once- plus vote :).

  • rigby75 on 17/02/2015 - 07:30
    +1

    Approach the dealer first. If you're not happy with the dealership then go to head office.

  • RockyRaccoon on 17/02/2015 - 09:09
    +3

    I'd go to the NRMA if you are a member to have them inspect the car. The damage might not just be to one panel, it maybe more severe indicating not just minor damage but major.

    If not then look under the car for overspray on other parts to at least

    Your profile says you are in Sydney

    Towards the bottom the the page on this link at Fair Trading you will find the section I quote.

    http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Motor_vehicl…

    New vehicles

    A motor dealer is obliged to disclose damage in a new vehicle when:

    there has been replacement or repair of the whole part of any panel, structual member or component of the vehicle by cutting and welding, by application of heat or by any other means
    there has been replacement of not less than 4 major external panels fitted to the vehicle by means of bolts, screws or other mechanical fastening devices
    it is water damaged.

    • Cheeper on 17/02/2015 - 10:10

      Try other resources after taking it to the dealer at least once.

  • Fake News on 17/02/2015 - 09:25
    +1

    Vehicles regularly get a few minor nudges on the cargo ship coming over, and need small repairs- but as RockyRaccoon says they should have disclosed this to you!

    I'd be pushing them for a replacement model personally, who knows what could happen to other panels…

    • Kevan2 on 20/02/2015 - 17:11

      future rust

  • Charity on 17/02/2015 - 10:36
    +7

    Get them to replace it with a new car.

    • silverrat23 on 19/02/2015 - 17:38
      +3

      and for a sec, I thought jv was commenting…

      • Charity on 20/02/2015 - 00:54
        +1

        Hehe. No.

  • snappy1234 on 17/02/2015 - 10:39
    -2

    @gina

    Quick video :)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38jDQkkaxT8

  • jagboy on 17/02/2015 - 10:46
    +18

    Brings back memories from 1990 when I purchased a brand new Nissan Patrol from my local dealership. Like tes2131, the first time I washed it large chunks of paint came away from the bonnet and the roof. Returned it to the dealership and initially they claimed that it must have been something that I had done or added to the water I used for washing the vehicle. They outright denied any responsibility. I researched an independent paint expert and had him inspect my vehicle. It was the undercoat on the entire vehicle that was at fault. The final colour would not adhere properly to the undercoat. My suggestion is to approach the dealership and if you have no joy, do as I did and have an independent inspection conducted. Then return to the dealership with the report and wave it in their faces. Amazing how their attitudes will change. The dealership also reimbursed me for the cost of the independent inspection. Good luck.

    • paloverde88 on 19/02/2015 - 11:32

      If I have to get an independent lab analysis considering time costs to counter the denial attitude change or not, I'd be heading to the courts for outright fraud charges.

  • al2011 on 17/02/2015 - 14:35
    +3

    Bonut

    al2011 on 17/02/2015 - 14:35 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • McFly on 17/02/2015 - 15:34

      Yeah, what is it with bonuts these days?

    • subywagon on 17/02/2015 - 17:59
      +1

      Yepp. Obviously didn't check under his Bonut.

    • bargdebarg on 17/02/2015 - 18:06
      -2

      He needed to check the bonut for errors

  • eneloop on 17/02/2015 - 23:19

    Mate I think it's time to call in the bikies

  • saty1296 on 18/02/2015 - 05:36

    Follow what Jagboy has suggested. This is what I would do if I were in your situation.

  • drprox on 18/02/2015 - 11:09
    +1

    As a side note, I have an uncle who sprays cars and generally believes the industry standards when it comes to finishing quality of paint have been falling for years. He drives a 20 year old statements which has been cut and polished god knows how many times but because the paint used was much thicker it still looks pretty good. I had a brand new Civic Type R 3 years ago and the paint was chipping and falling off it within months! It bothered me so much I sold it and now drive a much cheaper car!

    • Cluster on 19/02/2015 - 16:57

      Car manufacturers have changed solvents over the years. They used to use nasty hydrocarbons but generally use water based paints now.

      The 'they don't build them like they used to' doesn't apply to all cars however. A family member had a red Barina in 1996 that started to fade within a couple of years. After 3 years the entire clear coat was gone. It didn't flake off, it just slowly dissolved and disappeared evenly.

  • ToobsAU on 18/02/2015 - 13:48
    +3

    I used to work at the docks driving cars off roro cargo ships back in my uni days… Probably 3 in 1k vehicles will suffer some minor damage during transport usually from the chains used to lash them to the deck but sometimes one shifts slightly and rubs on the car in front or behind. On rare occasions a car on a higher deck will leak some fluids onto the cars on the deck below (the decks have holes in them used for lashing). This is probably what happened to your car.

    The dealer probably didn't even know the car was repaired so remember to be polite and not accusational when you approach them… It happens enough that they have probably dealt with sort of thing before and will probably try to give you a discount or free servicing or something.
    If you don't want to accept this then just be patient but persistent and they will reluctantly replace it for you and sell yours as an ex demonstrator or something.

  • TailsK on 18/02/2015 - 16:31
    -6

    Why do you need to post on a forum to be told that the first thing you should do is speak to the dealer about your concerns?

  • tanabe88gg on 18/02/2015 - 18:49
    +6

    All these smart arses complaining that the OP didn't go to the dealer first…

    I know you might enjoy smirking at people on the internet but seriously, are you suggesting the OP goes back to the dealer without first seeking information and advise about their rights?

    Chill out trolls, this site is about consumer empowerment after all

    • TailsK on 18/02/2015 - 21:01
      -2

      Not being a smart ass, being practical. If you purchase a product from somewhere, and you have a problem with it, you should always speak to the place you purchased it from first.

      OP even mentioned having the car inspected, which makes me wonder if there was any cost involved. Why go to all the trouble of possibly paying for an inspection and waiting for replies on a forum when you're going to need to speak to the dealer anyway? If OP is unsatisfied with the dealer's response, then by all means, ask for advice and pursue it further, but at least get that dialogue going as soon as possible.

      • tanabe88gg on 18/02/2015 - 21:20
        +3

        Hey relax. Not everyone feels comfortable with or trusts car dealerships. No harm in asking for advice. I would personally recommend it because in my experience, they're vampires

        • TailsK on 19/02/2015 - 07:45
          -1

          I'm relaxed. :)

  • r3volt on 18/02/2015 - 20:29
    +2

    I had a friend have a similar thing happen to his brand new patrol ute. Within a month or so surface rust started to appear on the roof/back pillars. They did the whole it must of been in water, ect ect. Took him quite a few months and i think in the end him literally sitting out the front of the dealership with signs made up is what it took for them to finally fix it and make him go away.

  • suchislife12 on 18/02/2015 - 23:39
    +2

    Hi All,
    Whilst I do understand the need for an individual to say this post was 'pointless'and I should just goto the dealer first the reason I posted was to seek advice on how to address he situation. If you don't have any advice fair enough but there really is no need to tell me so.I posted here because like other have said dealers are vultures and maybe people with similar experiences could offer tips. I did approach the dealer in a calm cool and collected manner and pointed out my concerns with the car and what I thought had happened. They didn't think the car had been repaired or anything like that but thought it may have been a factory issue. They also proposed the theory that someone had tried to close the bonnet with the stand still up and hence warped the bonnet causing it to rub but I quickly shut it down by pointing out that none of the panels are rubbing and the bonnet in no way was distorted. To be clear they didn't accuse me of doing it but they said that may have been a possible cause.They then sort but not really agreed to fix it acknowledging there was a problem, took their own photos and then said they'd call me in the coming days. They seemed quite willing to help but stated they needed to do their homework which is fair enough in my book. It was sort of odd to be honest and they did make me fill out a Job Card and reassured me it would be fixed up but wouldn't confirm it 100%. I'd assume this would be the case because they probably need to get it approved by head office as a warranty repair. Overall I am and have been impressed with the dealer the whole time since purchasing the car so I'm hoping they do right by me so far it seems positive. If not we live in a country with great consumer protection and lots of bikies..

    • xyron on 19/02/2015 - 13:53

      be firm and don't forget about your ACL rights (per your last line there). Not sure why anyone in their right mind would buy a brand new Proton but I'm sure you had your reasons - Proton is having such a bad time in Australia at the moment with poor sales and poor press that they probably don't want word getting out that their cars rust before they've even left the dealership…if you get my drift…:)

    • smpantsonfire on 19/02/2015 - 22:07

      Make sure to document discussions, times, Questions asked/answered etc. Record in your pocket also. Good luck.

  • sillyguy on 19/02/2015 - 00:37
    -7

    You didn't purchase a car history report? It looked obviously 2nd car to me

    • maybeamacy on 19/02/2015 - 00:39
      +3

      You're going to purchase a car history report for a car which is brand new and has never been registered before? What's it going to have on it?

      • sillyguy on 19/02/2015 - 00:44
        -4

        This: "A first I thought that somehow I may have scratched that particular part some how but it is nearly impossible to do so. Today I decided to get it inspected closer and it appears the car has been repaired prior to being sold as a 'new car'."

        So it was obviously OP was tricked into buying a fake brand new car.

        And… ozbargain spirit, I've never bought a brand new car before, ha, so have next to none experience buying brand new.

        • maybeamacy on 19/02/2015 - 00:47

          Technically you're allowed to repair 3 panels and still sell it as new. I've read incidents of Audi's being crashed into parking poles with the bumper, radiator cracked and coolant leaking etc. but they can still sell it as new lol (disclosure is up to the dealer).

        • sillyguy on 19/02/2015 - 08:07

          @maybeamacy: Thanks for the good tips. I'll keep this in mind if I ever buy a brand new car

        • Serapis on 20/02/2015 - 00:24

          @maybeamacy:

          Wut.

          http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/content/acl_resources/download…

          Has applied across Australia since 2011.

          Look page 11, follow the checklist. Dealer must disclose or possibly be liable for refund, replacement, repair costs or compensation.

          Any business doing this is either or both
          a) Dodgy
          b) Taking a huge risk.

          And no they cannot sell it as new.

  • suchislife12 on 19/02/2015 - 00:50
    +1

    Well you can't buy a carhistory report for a car that hasn't even been registered yet. It would be the biggest waste of money in history.

  • muncan on 19/02/2015 - 01:12
    +1

    I trust you've checked the odometer…………….

  • suchislife12 on 06/03/2015 - 12:20

    Just an update…the dealer has agreed to fix the car but will need it for 3-5 business day. I'd assume this will involve repainting rather than touch up work. They have been quite helpful.

    • what on 08/03/2015 - 21:22

      Good to hear.

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