Help with Subaru Car Purchase

LPeteT on 02/04/2019 - 22:50
Last edited 02/04/2019 - 22:51

Hi I’m hoping to find out if anyone here has experienced this or have any advice for me. I recently bought a brand new Subaru car and went to pick it up from the dealer, unfortunately after inspecting the car I identified several marks/ scratches around the car and also a patch of little bumpy dots- which I’m told by the staff are datadots that Subaru sprays on their cars for security reasons- however it would appear that they didn’t do a very good job of it as it has left spots clumped together to form these bumps. The staff also said that this is very common and can be easily cleaned off. I checked every other car at their showroom and none of them has these dots.

They took the car away and worked on it for 45 mins only to come back to say that they need more time. When asked what about the scratches/ marks on the car, I was advised that I should come back another one and give them a chance to rectify the car I.e clean it up properly.

I was gobsmacked by this and said I signed up for a brand new car not a demo car - why should I have to accept one that needs to be rectified?! They won’t swap the car for me as it’s registered in my name nor will they let me cancel without incurring a cancellation fee. What can I do? My concern is that even if they rectify so that it looks fine for delivery again- what about the long term if effect of them using all the chemicals to get rid of these data dots- who can give the guarantee that it hasn’t caused a variation in the shine of the paint in that particular spot and colour discolouration in the long term etc

Needless to say it’s been awful experience dealing with Subaru to date !!!

Any help would be appreciated- tia!

Automotive Car Subaru

Comments

    • SnoozeAndLose on 02/04/2019 - 23:12
      +33

      i think no matter OP will >get it damaged in the first month in a carpark anyway 😉

      Paying for a new car then it should have been "Fixed" before the pick up when the staff doing the final check prior call up OP for pick up.

      I think you are coming from the car sales but we are coming from a customer perspective

      • PeteT on 02/04/2019 - 23:22
        +17

        This is exactly my point. I signed up for a new car not a new car that came with scratches that needs to be worked on. Had I not had knowledge of this then fine- but to expect me to accept the car with this knowledge is a slap in the face.

          • PeteT on 02/04/2019 - 23:30
            +48

            @spackbace: What a company does behind closed doors is up to them - no comment on that but what they’ve allowed to happen in this instance is a a car that is unsatisfactory for delivery as a brand new car. They didn’t sell the car with a disclaimer that it “may come with scratches and marks but we’ll fix them up”.

              • John Kimble on 02/04/2019 - 23:44
                +15

                @spackbace: Offer some compensation

                  • John Kimble on 03/04/2019 - 00:05
                    +35

                    @spackbace: The fact they made him wait 45 minutes and then said come back another day? from a customer service perspective is pretty bad, regardless of the damage severity.

                    I know it's possible that it was an unforeseen issue, but someone missed it and now he's without his new car and perhaps missed work now…so some sort of compensation would be a nice gesture.

                    • spackbace on 03/04/2019 - 00:27
                      -2

                      @John Kimble:

                      The fact they made him wait 45 minutes and then said come back another day?

                      They obviously would've preferred to let the op drive out in their brand new car the same day. A good cut n polish takes time. They would've given that a go in the hope they fixed it and sent the op on their way.

                      Delaying the delivery is never a desirable option.

                      so some sort of compensation would be a nice gesture.

                      Given that op hasn't picked it up yet this could already be on the cards, or could be something he/she could mention. 1st service free could certainly be an easy way of 'keeping the peace'.

                      All this depends on how the relationship is still between op and the dealership. If it was level-headed, or if emotions got in the way.

        • singingwolf on 10/04/2019 - 00:28

          I had a similar issue a couple of years back. They needed the car for a week to clean it up! I wanted a replacement but they wouldn't do it. They gave me a loan car for that week. I complained to the dealer principle and the staff got a beating and they gave me a year worth of free services (~$1300).

          I will never buy a previous year model car again. Always make sure you get a car made in the year you are buying it.

      • spackbace on 02/04/2019 - 23:23
        -3

        I come from both sides actually but I'm coming from a realistic side. You guys see a handful of examples, I see far more. Hell I don't see everything that gets damaged either, god knows what happens before they get to us!

        No one is perfect, they might not have spotted it. It happens. The key is how it gets rectified, which it appears like the dealership is doing everything right and didn't just brush off the issue.

        • SnoozeAndLose on 03/04/2019 - 03:43
          +10

          I understand you are coming from both side and I only have about 5 new cars pick up experience.

          But I only coming from the point of view as customer and I am very realistic.

          A new car with scratches is not one of them@i would accepted when I ready to pick up the car and once it got point out they seem knew to it. Was there a good check prior calling the customer to pick upnthe car is questionable, may be they think peopel would just accept their new car has scratches.

          Of coirse evwrything can be fixed,but customwr wont be happy in this situation.

          Compensations should have been offered when OP got send back and give them sour taste when they leave like OP now, what is done is done,so now OP asking for advice here,if he gor ofter compensation,then OP should come here with different story.

        • RockyRaccoon on 03/04/2019 - 05:55
          +27

          The issue is that the dealer charges deliver fees, which should mean proper detailing on delivery. They failed on this, then gave nothing to compensate the customer.

          Of course cars can’t be pristine when shipped outside of the factory, but that’s why as you know they get detailed. Detailing after the customer gets to inspect is bs.

          As you know it’s perceptions, that’s what sales is all about. My niece picked up her new I30, she’s so happy, she sent me a photo. There’s the car with a big bow on the bonnet.

          The op’s dealer failed the delivery and now has to regain the customers trust. The more it drags on, the less the trust.

          We are all human, mistakes are made, but in this case the dealer is making the customer bear the cost of those mistakes.

          I would like the op refuse to accept the car and take it up the line as far as I could, also name the dealer

          • 91rs on 04/04/2019 - 08:01

            @RockyRaccoon: "I would like the op refuse to accept the car and take it up the line as far as I could, also name the dealer" - Dumb comment of the day goes to this guy.
            "name the dealer" so that it does what exactly? in this forum as if people care about shopping at a particular place, its about price and as a one off event does not mean every car they deliver has this happen to the customer.

            So far OP has not taken delivery of the car, if the dealer was on the ball they'd have given them a new loaner or similar model and sent them on their way and then correct this come collection time with something extra (free service(s), Fuel card(s) whatever).
            But we will have to wait and see what is or isn't done before everyone collectively howls about how bad it is.

            Why not just provide a list of all dealerships as they've all done it at some stage, this isn't an isolated case by a long shot.
            Cars get damaged between the factory and the dealership, this just sounds like a PDI that was not done or not done well, could have also been something post PDI in a car park that was not seen when it was moved for collection.

            Scratches (as long as its not down to metal) will buff out and be fine. Yes its nice to not see those when you get a new car but to reject it even after correction is stupid. Its not a valid reason (given the lack of scale provided).

            Not knowing about the datadot just sound like they didn't really look in to or know about what they were buying, no there shouldn't have been over-spray but there is also no reference to the locations of either the scratches or the datadot over-spray. That could be in the engine bay and is totally a non-event but OP didn't like it.

          • josho9 on 05/04/2019 - 17:40

            @RockyRaccoon: Did she check if there are scratches under the bow?

    • Never Pay RRP on 03/04/2019 - 10:52
      +6

      Likelihood is you'll get it damaged in the first month in a carpark anyway 😉

      Is this a valid excuse for delivering substandard cars?

      Might as well sell damaged second hand cars as "new". We'll just damage them anyway…

      • spackbace on 03/04/2019 - 11:00
        -7

        sigh it was a side-note. I have no need to make excuses for another dealership selling a different brand.

    • yellowfever on 03/04/2019 - 21:23

      only a lousy Toyota dealer would say this. poor form. Fix the scratches before it is delivered to the customer. Clearly the dealer didn't bother to inspect and rectify properly and now they are in this situation.

      • spackbace on 03/04/2019 - 22:10
        -6

        Calm down sunshine 😂

    • ozeebee on 04/04/2019 - 07:07
      +7

      "Here's your brand new $2000 mobile device sir. Unfortunately there are some scratches on the screen due to the shipping process where it gets thrown around. But since you've paid for it, you're going to have to take this one. No swaps because it's a difficult process.

      All good though, you'll likely scratch it yourself within the first month anyway."

      In all seriousness, I know that you work for a car dealer and the professional in this forum, but this advice if ridiculous. In which fantasy world do car salespeople live that paying for something "brand new" and receiving something inferior is acceptable.

      • 91rs on 04/04/2019 - 08:07
        -1

        Terrible comparison, if you could wrap up and pack a car like you can small electronic devices it'd be a non-event.
        Take in to consideration the difference in build and transportation process alone.

        Customer hasn't received anything yet. Its getting resolved. Unfortunate yes but its like people think the sales guy (who wants none of this sh!t) had gone out there and scratched the car himself!

      • spackbace on 04/04/2019 - 11:01
        -5

        In which fantasy world do car salespeople live that paying for something "brand new" and receiving something inferior is acceptable

        In the world where you have no idea what's happened to your new car before reaching you.

        It's already been pointed out by multiple sources that cars get damaged during transport.

        So you have 2 options, blindly believe it doesn't happen and continue living a lie, or open your eyes and realise the truth.

        Do you want the blue pill or the red pill? Lol

        • ozeebee on 04/04/2019 - 11:55
          +4

          Regardless of what happens in transport, the customer doesn't care about any of this. What they care about is receiving a products that you've paid for. So if you buy a brand new item, you expect it to be brand new, nothing less.

          No wonder car salespeople have such a bad reputation.

          • spackbace on 04/04/2019 - 12:02
            +1

            @ozeebee: If you want to guarantee your car hasn't been fixed, no scratches buffed out etc before delivery, buy a Lamborghini or something which ships in a dedicated crate covered in plastic.

            Get your head out of the sand.

            The car has come from another country, on an open-air boat, and can often then be put on an open-air train or truck and transported around Australia.

            If you think it hasn't had scratches buffed and polished then you're just ignorant.

            • ozeebee on 04/04/2019 - 12:17
              +4

              @spackbace: Obviously not understanding each other here. For some reason you think it's ok for a customer who paid for a brand new car to take delivery of a car which has damages because "it's the transport circumstance fault".

              It's the dealers responsibility to make sure a car is in the condition paid for by their customer.

              • spackbace on 04/04/2019 - 12:23
                +1

                @ozeebee: You realise at no point have I defended the dealership. I've said it might have been missed, I've said they tried fixing it (likely tried a brush touch), and now they've kept it to fully rectify it.

                We have no idea what level the scratches were, how deep they were. It's all speculation.

                We also have no idea if the dealership will offer anything at delivery, it's all speculation. I'm actually surprised it's taken 2 days (so far). It would be something we'd want to rectify asap.

                Given a lack of photos, lack of actually knowing what the damage is, everyone is just guessing 1 way or the other.

                As I said, it's a matter of how the dealership handles it and what they do next. Until OP has picked up the car, it's all just a guessing game.

    • abuch47 on 04/04/2019 - 22:00

      This bias is why conflict of interest is a thing. obviously spackbace should just backspace but this is a similar issue at every level of the world.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 02/04/2019 - 23:07
    +4

    ask them to put into the delivery report so if there is anything happened they should be warranty claim down the track.

    • PeteT on 02/04/2019 - 23:23

      What’s a delivery report?

      • SnoozeAndLose on 02/04/2019 - 23:25

        They should have a report to record what they nee to inspect , check, before they release the car to you.

        It can record on the condition of everything.

        I have own Mazda and Honda brand new not subaru

        • PeteT on 02/04/2019 - 23:32

          Thanks - will
          Ask for it

          • josho9 on 05/04/2019 - 17:43

            @PeteT: If this isn't something which you get a copy of from the dealership, send them photos by email so that it is recorded and timestamped for future reference.

    • This Guy on 05/04/2019 - 12:14

      Delivery reports are only completed for some manufacturers and at some dealerships. They are not universal. They are normally filed away, never to be seen again unless you try to sue or they get audited by the manufacturer.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 05/04/2019 - 16:40

        I have got all 5 of my new card. Toyota Mazda and honda

  • [Deactivated] on 02/04/2019 - 23:48
    +1

    Final detailing is usually done by dealership.

    A friend used to work for a dealership and all he did was predelivery detailing. The pads get re-used much more than it really should so it's no surprise there are swirls. Also, they don't finish to an ultra fine compound.

    Pre delivery finish is done to the minimum standard the general public will accept. It's mainly to remove the grime and grit deposits from a long trip at sea.

    I used to bring a torch to check out scratches etc. My recent cars cost much more than my earlier cars and as long as I don't see the scratch from a few feet away and the undercarriage doesn't have a combat wedged in there, I'm good to go. There's not much point in getting the car back for more detailing. If it's a workhorse, it'll get marked. If it's a nice car, send it to a proper detailer.

    • abb on 04/04/2019 - 09:45
      +11

      the undercarriage doesn't have a combat wedged in there

      Ugh, I bought a new ute last week and when I put it on the hoist at home, what did I see? The damn battle of Khe Sahn! Nearly lost an eye to Charlie sniping at me from the trees behind the diff.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/04/2019 - 10:11

        Gotta watch out for those militias. They dig holes in the garden too.

      • ntt on 04/04/2019 - 22:02

        Lol I laughed. It's Khe Sanh btw

      • kiitos on 05/04/2019 - 08:45
        +1

        I didn't understand what the poster had meant to type instead of combat?

        • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2019 - 13:05

          Ah. I was just a little bit off. Stupid autocorrect.

          Meant to write "homeless person and/or persons".

  • John Kimble on 03/04/2019 - 00:07
    +4

    Please tell me you took photos and/or videos for record purposes?

    • PeteT on 03/04/2019 - 00:22
      +1

      No :((

      • Kangal on 03/04/2019 - 15:42
        +2

        You've potentially opened yourself to a "he said/she said" scenario on the matter.

        Spackbace is usually correct in all matters, but here he isn't. If the product is substandard when in "Brand New" condition and it was not properly communicated, then this is a fault of the seller.

        With that said, you're going to need to decide which comprises to take; the compromise of taking the car substandard, compromise of possible compensation, or a compromise to your time as it is being wasted especially if you cancel the transaction and buy elsewhere.

        • 91rs on 04/04/2019 - 08:13
          -1

          How is it substandard? if its rectified with correct detailing (probably why they asked for more time) then it will appear and function as new, I think you over estimate what "brand new" means in this context.

          Not taking photos is a rookie move, we have no scale of the damage apart from what OP has said, there is nothing about location, depth, length, pattern, discoloration (did it hit primer or metal)?.
          It could be some light brush marks that show up poorly in fluro lights and their time constraint is related to removing the datadot over-spray (which we also don't know where that was found).
          For such a big deal there is little detail about the actual "damage".

          • Kangal on 04/04/2019 - 09:22
            +2

            @91rs: Well, I feel like if the OP was able to spot the blemishes that quickly, and the dealers were reluctant to give the car after the second round of detailing… it probably is substandard.

            Yet like you said, without a photo we don't have a scale. So I'm only going off the information that's known. Yes, I know the difference between Brand New, New, Factory Refurbished, Refurbished, Used, and Parts Only.

            The fact is there is an expectations from dealers that Brand New Cars demand more money, and an expectations from consumers that Brand New Cars are in the best possible condition. It is a two-sided affair. Why do you think practically New but Dealer Demo cars are usually thousands of dollars cheaper?

            • 91rs on 04/04/2019 - 13:41
              -1

              @Kangal: Because they kilometers on them, from dozens, hundreds or thousands. Not the couple (<10kms) most new cars have on them at delivery.
              They might have also been scratched or damaged and repaired to look "new" when sold as demonstrator.

              More details would have really helped for the scale of whats happened.

  • Cheeper on 03/04/2019 - 02:29
    +4

    You paid for a new car and that is what you should get. A car that requires repairs to the finish at the delivery stage is not a new car. I would be demanding a new car or a refund. The fact that it is registered in your name is not your problem.
    Cars do get damaged in transit and some have blemishes but these should be sorted prior to delivery, NOT after you have paid for it.
    It's a shame you did not get pics of the defects.

    • AdosHouse on 03/04/2019 - 02:59
      +17

      Mate a lot of cars need repairs before delivery, that is why dealerships do a pre-delivery inspection. Clearly they didn't do a great job here. I'm sure the sales manager isn't very happy with whoever did the inspection, because having this sold car in the yard is taking up valuable real estate.

      Give Subaru a chance to rectify the problem, like a day or two, if they cannot fix it, then you can start hammering them.

      • ATangk on 03/04/2019 - 19:28

        Also no bonuses for a car that isn’t delivered.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/04/2019 - 10:25
      -3

      Question - Under what law is OP entitled to a new car or a refund for these minor issues?

      Answer - None.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/04/2019 - 16:37
        -2

        Lol at the neg - just because you don't agree with fact.

      • robbyjones on 03/04/2019 - 20:05
        +1

        Eh, contract law would be one. If he signed for a new car that is what he should get to begin with.

        • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 04/04/2019 - 09:09

          I'm guessing contract law isn't your bread and butter? What exactly do you think it says in the Contract? It covers for this exact scenario.

          The car needs to be substantially different than the particulars in the Contract of Sale to end the Contract pursuant to the relevant Act. A few scratches will not be classified as substantial. OP is only entitled to damages - which would be extremely minimal.

          What about the ACL? OP would only be entitled to a repair. Exactly what the dealership is doing.

  • whooah1979 on 03/04/2019 - 06:03
    +3

    Buy a pre-owned vehicle. Problem solved.

    • Baysew on 03/04/2019 - 10:46
      +7

      Or just park new car at nearest shopping centre for five minutes.

  • apsilon on 03/04/2019 - 06:11
    +3

    As several have said, many new cars are damaged in transit or during PD. I personally have rejected two cars that were presented to me damaged. One with interior scratches that couldn't be fixed without replacing the piece which they weren't interested in doing and another with a large deep scratch that would've required repainting and blending. This would appear as an accident repair to anyone looking to buy it used in the future and knows what to look for thereby effecting it's value. In both cases I got my deposit back and walked.

    The problem in the OPs case is to fix it they will polish the hell out of it which will dramatically thin out the clear coat (assuming they don't burn all the way through it) which could lead to future issues. I doubt I'd accept it but I certainly wouldn't accept it without compensation and them putting in writing the issue and resolution for future warranty claims.

    • PeteT on 03/04/2019 - 06:43
      +1

      There is talk of compensation- don’t know what though- but too be honest I’m not interested in this- I just want a car that I signed up and paid for.

      What can I do to know whether the clear cost has been thinned or burn through like you’ve suggested?

  • apsilon on 03/04/2019 - 07:52
    +2

    Assuming the effected area is on a metal part of the car, the easiest way is to use one of the cheap paint thickness gauges on ebay. I think you can find them for around $20. They're not terribly accurate but for this sort of thing you're just looking to make comparisons so they're OK for that. They're extremely useful for buying used cars. Basically go around the car and take readings from several spots. It should be reasonably consistent. If the reading from the effected area is significantly lower then you can be concerned of long term effects. eg if it averages 160 around the car but then that spot is say 80 then they've buffed away a lot of the paint thickness. Conversely if it's significantly thicker like 250+ then you know it's been resprayed which is an easy way of picking up accident repairs.

    Clear coat is critical as that's where the UV protection comes from so colour fading could be a concern. If they've gone completely through the clear coat then you'll know within months, certainly within the warranty period as the paint will start to peel. If it's documented then they won't be able to deny the repair citing your neglect etc.

  • brad1-8tsi on 03/04/2019 - 08:09
    +2

    I'm not sure why you'd want the datadots removed…

    How deep are the scratches? if you run a fingernail over them can you feel it?

    If you accepted delivery you are probably stuffed. Better to reject and continue to reject until they allocate you a new car and sell that one as a demo. It's not hard to transfer the rego.

  • pegaxs on 03/04/2019 - 08:15
    +12

    While it is a shit job they did on pre-delivery, nearly all cars require repairs and/or panel work before they are given to the customer. Having worked in pre-delivery and at a car forwarding facility, I have seen how cars come from the docks. If some people saw how these cars came to us and the amount of work done on them before the dealers even see them, you would be shocked.

    The problem is now that OP has just become a nightmare customer for this dealship. They have started their life out with their new car in the worst way possible. This is one of those situations as a service manager, we hated. We just know that this car is going to spend every second day at the dealership with imaginary issues that we can’t rectify. OP will increasingly look for anything to get the car returned under ACL and will never be happy with it.

    Sure, the stealership did a horrid job of prepping the car, but at least give them a chance to rectify it. It’s very poor form for them to have to rework a car, but at least they seem to be willing to give it a go. Some stealers would just say “on your bike, old mate…”

    And as petty as this is, I would hate to be in either sides shoes. A customer who will forever be unhappy with their car and a stealership who now has a customer that will never be happy.

    PS: lol @ the people in this thread jumping on the “compensation” train… what’s fair? The dealership has said they will make good on the car. What more do you want? A few overspray data dots and some slight marks on the car =/= used car.

    • Never Pay RRP on 03/04/2019 - 10:47
      +8

      nightmare customer for this dealship

      Seriously??? Someone buys a brand new car, and expects it to not have noticeable scratches is a "nightmare customer"?

      We just know that this car is going to spend every second day at the dealership with imaginary issues that we can’t rectify

      Just a thought, maybe you customer service isn't your calling…

      • pegaxs on 03/04/2019 - 14:58
        +7

        Calm down champ. It's a bad thing for the customer. You obviously just read the part how you wanted to read it, got all bent out of shape and went and abused your keyboard over it.

        The stealership has done this to themselves. At no time do I admit sympathy for the stealership. They did a piss poor job and they should be held accountable for it. But OP has even admitted that the stealer have offered to rectify it. But people have to look at it objectively, not emotionally. Calls for "replace the car" or "gimme compensation" are not fixes. And the people here calling it a "demo" because it has marks on it. Cars are not perfect, and considering their bulk, I'm surprised they even get here with a little damage as they do.

        I am saying, through years of experience in the automotive industry (in various customer service roles), that this type of customer goes on to be a complete and utter headache for everyone including themselves. There is no fix here. OP will go on to resent the car and the dealer and the whole experience. Nothing will be good enough to fix this. I have zero sympathy for the dealer. They made their own bed.

        I would bet my left testicle that OP will be back on here not long after owning the car for a short while, asking how they can get it taken back under ACL for the smallest of issues, and will reel off a list of minor things.

        And my customer service is on point. I have been in customer service roles most of my life. I have dealt with countless people like this to know that for a lot of them, they are not able to be saved.

        • Never Pay RRP on 05/04/2019 - 12:15
          -2

          You obviously just read the part how you wanted to read it

          I read your whole post.
          I only commented on the parts that I felt strongly about (unfortunately negatively in this case).
          I do actually agree with some other parts of what you have said. You are the one who jumped to the conclusion that I didn't read the rest.

          Just FYI for you, when you immediately assume the worst of a person, and treat them as such, they will generally pick up on your attitude, and become the 'nightmare' that you assumed them to be, based on the way you initially treat them.

          I've also worked in customer service all my life (tech support), and now as a manager, I see this behaviour often with my staff, that someone just immediately treats a customer as a 'nightmare' based on past experience or some other random factor, and then is surprised when the customer gets upset at their poor treatment. I often have to go in and reset the expectations, generally with positive results. My advice reset all expectations back to zero and see how your customer interactions may change.

    • syousef on 03/04/2019 - 19:13
      +4

      Where do you work? I'd like to make sure I never become a nightmare customer for you.

  • JimmyF on 03/04/2019 - 08:19
    +2

    I was gobsmacked by this and said I signed up for a brand new car not a demo car

    Where does it say it was a demo?

    How many kms had been on it?

    crap happens, cars are made and not every car is perfect….. The dealer will correct these issues for you.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2019 - 08:25

    The dealer should not have registered the vehicle unless you were happy with the condition. In Victoria, the dealers have access to Vicroads where they can register a vehicle outside of business hours, ie: on a Saturday etc.

    At the time of delivery you should have been given time to inspect the vehicle and if happy, sign a condition/delivery report.

    Once this is signed, that’s essentially you confirming you’re happy with the vehicle.

    I’m not clear. Have you taken possession of the vehicle?

    If you’re not getting anywhere with the dealership, contact Subaru Australia.

    What dealer did you purchase from? Most are actually owned and operated by the same company which imports the vehicles into Australia (Subaru Australia).

    Also, datadots are a security measure. I would be leaving these in tact. It helps identify if the vehicle is stolen and it’s parts dissembled and sold off.

    • JimmyF on 03/04/2019 - 10:13
      +3

      The dealer should not have registered the vehicle unless you were happy with the condition.

      The OP was there it pick up the car….. They can't leave with a unregistered vehicle.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2019 - 13:43

        They register it after you’re happy with it. They did it for my car last year on a Saturday. The dealer has their own portal access on Vicroads.

        • spackbace on 03/04/2019 - 13:46
          +3

          That's a rarity. Every dealership I've worked for has had a licensing clerk, who's only there Mon-Fri, certainly not on the weekend.

          And licensing also requires RDRing the car in your name, which is through the Manufacturers systems.

        • JimmyF on 03/04/2019 - 16:05
          +3

          They register it after you’re happy with it

          yeah nah, thats not the norm

          • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2019 - 16:42
            +3

            @JimmyF: It can be done. Just not everyone knows about it. Knowledge is key little buddy! You’re paying the money, dealer works around you. If their processes times/dates don’t work for you, then you go elsewhere. Easy.

  • TLR on 03/04/2019 - 08:27
    +2

    Unfortunate to hear this. Bought a brand new car from Subaru Docklands 2 years back and the process was smooth as silk, a couple speed bumps after but Subaru were very accommodating throughout. It may be the dealership you're at? When I went to look at a car at my local Subaru dealer their attitude was…poor to say the least, but was adamant in buying a Subaru so drove an additional 50km to the main Subaru dealer in Victoria.

    Anyway, looking at clear coat is difficult for our cars because of the pearl paint, it reflects so much light it's hard to see. But i'm hoping you remember where the marks/scratches and dots on the car were. Take a torch and thoroughly inspect those areas of paint, if the clear coat has been thinned or burned you'll see a discrepancy in the paint when comparing to the areas around it.

    At the end of the day it depends on what you're happy with as a customer. I understand that there's obviously going to be the chance of scratches and other issues delivering a vehicle from factory Japan to Australia. But it's also the dealers's responsibility to make sure a brand new car is fit for customer delivery. If you're not happy with their work take it further up and request a new car OR make a list of compensations you'd accept the car with. Listen to the compensations they're willing to offer and if you're not happy with them present your own ones and come to an agreement.

    Note: Where was the patch of bumpy dots? I was just doing some more research on datadot application and at no point did they spray it onto the outside body of the vehicle. It was all in the engine bay, suspension parts, door hinges, the inside of body parts.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEUSqgaEgr4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpB4TfP-KZs
    https://www.datadotdna.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LE_res…

    • PeteT on 03/04/2019 - 12:35

      On the exterior of the car - front passenger side near head light

  • kiitos on 03/04/2019 - 08:33

    So are the datadots in the clear coat or the paint?

    • pegaxs on 03/04/2019 - 15:02

      Datadots are sprayed up from under the vehicle into the engine bay, around the suspension and back along the underbody of the vehicle.

  • Bid Sniper on 03/04/2019 - 08:33
    +3

    Datadot are certain areas under the hood and under the car. VIN numbers are printed on exterior panels on the inside.

    Get dealer to fix it and ask for next service to be free to keep you good. Overall minor. Have a look at YouTube and Tesla deliveries LOL

    • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2019 - 09:03

      Got me interested. Any specific vids?

      • Bid Sniper on 03/04/2019 - 09:26
        +1

        There are three 15min vids "Rich Rebuilds What did you do with my Tesla Elon!" Love this guy

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ro6kpKlw0&list=PLHgCeKJSmJ…

        New car issues
        "Everything That's Wrong With My Tesla Model 3 - Quality Problems"
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSLTNjGI8hw

        • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2019 - 10:58
          +1

          Ah. I thought they were vids of delivery of a brand new in the showroom with evidence of faulty manufacturing. I've heard of cases where the brand new car has issues even before leaving the showroom.

          Unfortunately, no one has videos of this until they have left the showroom which makes the credibility a little questionable.

          Good vid of the buying experience though. I'd never go through all that. I don't need to sit and do homework when I'm the paying customer.

          • Bid Sniper on 03/04/2019 - 11:32

            @[Deactivated]: second link has is the issue with a brand new car. Panel misalignment and scratch, paint defects.

            google "tesla panel gaps"

            • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2019 - 12:11

              @Bid Sniper: Yeah. Ive seen those but would love to see how Tesla reps handle it at delivery.

  • HeWhoKnows on 03/04/2019 - 16:50
    -4

    I would NOT have accepted the car and asked for a full refund IMMEDIATEY on the spot or choice of another NEW car.

    You did not get what you paid for and are certainly entitled to a refund.

  • Pinktaco on 03/04/2019 - 17:23
    +2

    Subaru that I purchased was a shit box, NEEDED a respray after i took it home and the panel looked shagged in the sunlight, rubber was split in sunroof also, so first week involved driving it to panel shops and subaru, (although ticked of as okay on pre inspection). After a few weeks the dash rattled harder than charity worker shaking a tin on the street, servicing crazy and e pensive AF every 6months to keep warrenty, in a nut shell this is not a car for a TRUE OZ bargener, note i sold it.

    • spackbace on 03/04/2019 - 17:28

      Yeesh :/

    • Levathian on 04/04/2019 - 23:30

      Luckily the new impreza only needs annual servicing, but looking at the schedule is a bit of a scare. Seems like it alternates between a $350 service one year and a $700+ one the next, with $1500 services every 100,000km. The average Toyota seems to be like… half that cost :/

  • vietbargain on 03/04/2019 - 17:51
    +2

    Sorry to hear OP, but I had a very similar experience at VW (Noble Volkswagen in Chullora for anyone asking. Stay away.) a few weeks ago where I found a chip in the door that vw poorly touched up @ delivery and other paint defects.

    My thoughts:

    1. NAME AND SHAME THE STEALERSHIP.
    2. Do everything you can to refuse delivery and get your money back. But like spackbace said, it's not likely to happen.
    3. Make a complaint to HQ, however don't expect much support. The boffins in hq will "investigate" but they will just say "sorry, not sorry, you're stuck with the car". The complaint is to just make the dealership's life complicated.
    4. I made a complaint to ACCC, but found that consumer rights is not your friend in this case. Depending on minor/major defects (yours is considered minor) all that the dealer/manufacturers must do is fix the issue at not cost to you. They can offer you a refund or replacement, but you can't force them.

    My experience was terrible ie

    • in and out of paint shop 4 times over 8 weeks
    • sales manager avoids you whilst waiting to pick up car
    • general sales manager threatened to take back compensation because I raised issue with ACCC
    • The car is no longer considered "factory condition"

    Good luck, my last car was a wrx and i miss it

    • vietbargain on 03/04/2019 - 18:05
      +3

      BTW, if they do offer paint protection and claim it's worth $1000… Don't believe them, they give you the cheap stuff. Stealership use a spray on, wipe off car wax.

      The proper $1000 paint protection is a full pro deatil + paint protection + curing under heat lamps.

      • PeteT on 03/04/2019 - 19:40

        Sorry to hear and thanks for the advice

      • Bid Sniper on 04/04/2019 - 14:33

        +1 This its a scam, real stuff is ceramic coating. Which costs the same but last years.

      • ssx on 04/04/2019 - 18:09

        I was quoted approx $2100 for paint protection :\

        (No I didn't get it)

    • chk on 04/04/2019 - 10:47

      dont think naming subaru stealerships would have any impact as from my understanding most dealers in vic at least are owned by the same group/company

    • Bid Sniper on 04/04/2019 - 14:32
      +1

      Miss my old WRX too but the car I replaced it with was a STI. True story

  • smpantsonfire on 03/04/2019 - 19:55
    +3

    Data dots are the size of sand. They are having a go here. Those dots are from poor painting.

    You wouldn't notice data dots.

  • buffalo bill on 03/04/2019 - 20:14
    -6

    Is it really just very minor detail to a jap car you're worried about, or do you have other problems in your life?… Have a sit down, relax, some herbal tea and let the forums of OzBargain provide catharsis… we can help…

  • p1 ama on 03/04/2019 - 21:08

    My concern is that even if they rectify so that it looks fine for delivery again- what about the long term if effect of them using all the chemicals to get rid of these data dots- who can give the guarantee that it hasn’t caused a variation in the shine of the paint in that particular spot and colour discolouration in the long term etc

    Yes, this shouldn't happen. Yes, it's bad form on the dealer's part. However, what you're saying here makes no sense - "variation in the shine of the paint". What?

  • whooah1979 on 03/04/2019 - 21:23

    several marks/ scratches around the car and also a patch of little bumpy dots

    These are minor faults. The supplier have the right to either provide a free repair, a replacement or refund.

  • chk on 03/04/2019 - 21:44

    how many kms are on the car if you believe its a demo?

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