Damage to Brand New Car - Who's at Fault Car Dealer or Car Detailer??

Leaj2809 on 16/02/2022 - 10:09
Last edited 16/02/2022 - 13:04 by 2 other users

Good day Fellow Oz-Bargainers,

Long-term lurker but first-time post. Appreciate the brain trust feedback on the following matter.

Two-week ago, I took possession of a brand new car from a dealership in Melbourne. Did a thorough inspection prior to handover and everything checks out. After the handover, I immediately took it to the detailer to have paint protection done to the car.

Upon collecting the car the following day, I was told by the detailer that there were two dents that were "strategic" located under the bonnet protection that I requested the dealership to install. The dents were so "strategically located" under the bonnet protection that it is impossible to notice unless the bonnet protection is removed and in this case for paint protection to be done.

I brought the matter to the dealer's attention but they are stalling their feet and putting the blame on the detailer. thanks and HAGD.

Pics of dents with bonnet protector removed.

Pics with bonnet protector on.

Automotive

Comments

  • iamherenow on 16/02/2022 - 10:16
    +13

    If the dents are impossible to notice under the bonnet protector, then the detailer would have opportunity to hide it if they did the damage (rather than raise it as an issue). I vote for damage being present before reaching the detailer.

  • DJR9000 on 16/02/2022 - 10:19
    +1

    looks like part of the bonnet protector's design? maybe that's where the pads go that separate the main plastic of the protector from the front of the bonnet?

    It looks like a Mazda - that part is plastic if it's like my 3… given its under a bonnet protector for the next few years, does it matter?

    • eaj2809 on 16/02/2022 - 10:32
      +1

      I would have led the matter slide if I discovered the "dents" 3 months down the road but this is a brand new car and I paid a "brand new" price for it. If the damage was apparent on pre-inspection the category and the pricing will be different.

      • DJR9000 on 16/02/2022 - 10:53
        +4

        Sure, but getting the dealer to do anything after you've driven away with the car is like squeezing blood from a stone. My point is, do you even see the damage with the protector on?

        Might need to lawyer up or send a strongly worded letter/letter of demand if you actually want to get anything

  • GG57 on 16/02/2022 - 10:30
    +1

    I took possession of a brand new car from a dealership in Melbourne. Did a thorough inspection prior to handover and everything checks out

    Probably too late to go back to the dealership with a valid claim.

    • eaj2809 on 16/02/2022 - 10:36

      I was definitely under the assumption that I am protected under consumer law.

      • GG57 on 16/02/2022 - 10:42
        +5

        Perhaps, if the vehicle does not perform to the expected level or some components fail etc.
        But I think it would be almost impossible to prove where the 'damage' originated from (i.e. before or after you took ownership).

      • Hybroid on 16/02/2022 - 10:44
        +4

        Doubt it since you can't prove it was the dealer's fault and you took possession of the vehicle. You're asking the question to randoms yourself.

        Reality is, live with it since it's so minor and under plastic cover or take it to a panel beater to fix at your own costs. Sucks but that's life sometimes.

      • Aussiebargainer on 16/02/2022 - 14:16

        I agree that consumer law does apply. The issue here is that it's 'he said she said'. You cannot prove that the damage was there prior to taking it to the detailer. This is why they do prior inspections before driving away. The dealership would just blame the detailer and the detailer will blame the dealership. It's possible the detailer damaged the bonnet when trying to remove the cover?

        Anyway, understand that it's a brand new car that shouldn't have any damage however, in this case, I don't see the dealership fixing it.

  • JiGaXD on 16/02/2022 - 10:38
    +2

    It's all speculation at this point since you don't have any proof. The car detailer is going out of their way to tell you about this, so presumably they're just wanting to help you out.

  • pegaxs on 16/02/2022 - 10:39
    +9

    Not the detailer. They wouldn't damage a car and then show you the damage if they knew that just reinstalling the plastic protection would just cover it up again.

    It almost looks like the rubber standoffs where put on and then once the strip was mounted, they applied pressure to seat the stand offs.

    Good luck with it though. This is going to piss everyone off. You are going to get the dealer offside if you blame them, you are going to get the detailer off side if you blame them. You are going to be pissed with yourself if you don't get it fixed. and the other two are going to fight tooth and nail over defending that it wasn't them that did it.

    • apsilon on 16/02/2022 - 11:33
      +2

      It almost looks like the rubber standoffs where put on and then once the strip was mounted, they applied pressure to seat the stand offs.

      Was going to say the same thing. Those bonnet protectors always cause damage, don't know why anyone bothers with them.

    • abb on 16/02/2022 - 15:43
      +1

      You are going to get the dealer offside if you blame them

      I've never heard of a car dealer being on anyone's side but their own so I don't see the downside here?

      (But yeah, what remedy is OP gonna get? A new bumper? Hell no.)

  • Hithere on 16/02/2022 - 10:39
    +1

    It'll be a typical he said she said scenario. Can you prove who did the damage?

    Unless you want to waste a lot of time going back and forth and get legal advice just forget it.

  • Euphemistic on 16/02/2022 - 10:48
    +15

    Yet another reason not to install a leaf catcher that’s marketed to protect the bonnet.

    • Sleeqb7 on 16/02/2022 - 14:25
      +2

      But then where else will I store my leaves?!

      • Euphemistic on 16/02/2022 - 15:14
        +4

        I find they fit quite well at the base of the windscreen.

        • Sleeqb7 on 16/02/2022 - 15:18
          +1

          Yes, but that space is already full, and I am still in possession of more leaves that require transportation.

          • MS Paint on 16/02/2022 - 15:23

            @Sleeqb7: Do you have any leaves in the shape of a chicken?

            You know, the ones from the poll tree.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 16/02/2022 - 10:50
    +6

    I would be guessing you got the bonnet protector (and paint protection) because you plan to keep this car as long as possible. If this is true, then the unnoticeable dents would remain unnoticed. Give it a few weeks (or a few months) and you will get dings in your car (likely from other car doors bumping into your car at the shopping centre), scratches from washing your car because you give up on the two-bucket-system after a few washes, or even going to the random car wash place.

    I say, enjoy your car, maintain the engine regularly and as for the inside, keep it nice and tidy and cared for inside - because the outside, a lot of will be out of your control and you learn to live with it and appreciate it.

    • Hybroid on 16/02/2022 - 10:55
      +5

      This is absolutely true. The first scratch on a brand new car hurts a lot. After that, you stop caring really on a daily driver. You'll pick up so many dents and scratches from the road alone flicking up stones and other debris. No protection fully protects you.

      • DJR9000 on 16/02/2022 - 10:57
        +3

        I'm guessing this is OP's first new car. Been there, done that. You eventually realise it doesn't matter especially if you are keeping the car for as long as possible

    • iamherenow on 16/02/2022 - 11:28

      Disagree. My car is almost 10 years old, and managed to keep it ding free. Until some (profanity) opened their door on me with so much force it made real damage. But the difference here is that in my case I have to look at it each time I get in the car.

  • Ocker on 16/02/2022 - 11:01

    The dents would have required a fair old whack to create that sort of damage. Maybe the detailer needed to level off the protector?

  • MS Paint on 16/02/2022 - 11:32
    +1

    The damage looks equidistant to each standoff so I'm guessing the dealership f#$ked up the install procedure. Probably some 1st week unsupervised apprentice.

    Looks like a soul red Mazda or is it an MG? If it's an MG that metal is really soft.

    Also…

    Whose at Fault

    Who's at fault?

  • Seraphin7 on 16/02/2022 - 12:03
    +3

    The probabilities are the dealer caused the dents … but once you drive it off the lot, you own it, and any damage (as opposed to defects) is on you.

    Hard, but that's the reality of it.

  • Drakesy on 16/02/2022 - 12:33
    +3

    Unfortunately as you didn't flag it in the pickup inspection it's on you.

    I would think the detailer would cover it up if they caused it rather than raising it with you.

  • Mechz on 16/02/2022 - 14:57

    I guess if the dealer won't do anything, complain to HO about them and never take your car back for servicing, find somewhere else for that and try to forget about it.

  • payless69 on 16/02/2022 - 15:39

    Ask John Cadogan, he changed his love towards Mazda.

  • bobbified on 16/02/2022 - 21:42

    It looks like someone has sat (or leaned most of their weight) on the bonnet protector (like this) and the rubber "feet" has pressed down onto the metal. I see a lot of people sit on bonnets like that, even if it's not their car. It could've been anyone at the dealer or detailer or even if you've parked it somewhere.

  • eaj2809 on 17/02/2022 - 09:54

    As a finality to this saga, I just like to extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed. cheers and HAGD

    • ZachBlasphemy on 17/02/2022 - 10:07
      +1

      Just remember that it was 100% the person who installed that bonnet protector that damaged your car. Now you know that the dealership has lied to you.

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