Dealerership Responsible?

calhoun1

calhoun1

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So I had my car in the dealer this past weekend for warranty work. I get the keys after signing the paperwork and get to the car. The car is wet. The dealership WASHED my car.

Now I have had both of my cars in multiple times and have never gotten a wash. I even asked and was told they don't do washes any more (about 6 months back).

And of course they swirled the S&*% out of the black paint. I am talking looks like they ran a Brillo pad across the paint. And just last month I gave the car its winter detail so it still was 90% swirl free from that.

In no way am I going to let them offer to "detail" it. They already proved with the wash that they will never be touching the paint of any of my cars again.

The damage they did will take a full detail to take out. And with a PC it takes about 12 hours to get that done. If I were to pay for a detail it would be $200-$300 to fix.

I just want the dealership to understand what they did to my car and I am not happy.

So my question, is there any way to get the dealership to pay for a detail?

Has this happened to anyone else and have you had any success?
 
Truly sorry to hear they did that.

I have no experience with getting them to pay.

But threads like these are why I make signs saying do not wash and I stay outside to wait for my car because I can view the wash area.
 
I think just as important as getting them to pay you for your time to correct the paintwork, I'd be demanding to know why the car was washed if they "don't do washes any more" as standard procedure.

In other words, in the course of servicing the vehicle mechanically did something out of the ordinary occur that necessitated a wash, and if so, what was it?
 
Same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago after I winter prepped my car. They offered me they can have their detail guy detail my car... Long story short I got free mud flaps guards.

I would talk to the service manager and explained to him that you spent 10+ hours detailing it and you guys ruined it in less then 10 mins. And that it will take another 10+ hours to fix it.

They will usually offer you a couple free oil change, and you might be able to get some accessories. Since your car is black the swirls will show a lot more then my car.

Good luck and let us know what happens.
 
Try to get them to pay for a reputable detailer to fix it. You spent your time prepping your car for winter and they essentially made your time worthless.

Time is money, and they need to pay up IMO.
 
Did it to my car earlier this summer. Took all of my Memorial Day to fix. Yelled at the Service Rep, complained on the surveys, emailed the corp office, etc. Other than the "free" detail offer, they didn't care. Talked to my salesman - he cared but, by that time, I had fixed it.

Now, I hang a "DO NOT WASH // NO LAVAR EL CARRO" sign from my steering wheel and they haven't done it since.
 
I would also take pictures to show that it truely was damaged. Proof of action.
If you do not get any satisfaction and it was a new vehicle purchase you may have some luck with the regional rep. for your area. Check with the car manufacturer for this.
(Some people have also had luck with filing a claim with the better business bureau. If the dealership says no way, the BBB referee may rule in your favor and they have to pay).
Just my two cents. Hope it helps.
 
Just my 2 cents,
Yes, they were wrong but had good intentions.At this point maybe it's better to move on , do your own detailing and more important is keep good relations with your dealer. As far as getting any money from them,,IMPOSSIBLE.
 
I've never had any luck getting anything from the dealerships in this area. Normally it's just here is a free oil change or some other free service that I typically don't want.

I always hang signs in my car and ensure the service rep I deal with knows that I don't want it washed.

I would definitely let the service manager know and ensure they have a note in your file of your compliant.

Other than that dealerships I swear just don't care about their customers. Once your out that door with your car all the caring goes with it!
 
I had a similar issue right after i bought my car i noticed a leak, brought to bmw... they checked it out then washed it.... swirled the heck out if it .... i complained on the spot...they didnt care, got an email survey, i complained... service manager called offering apologies, then district manager called offering apologies and "when you return call me directly ill make sure you are taken care of" but i was already turned off by the lack of giveadam by the floor people i wont be returning.
 
calhoun1 said:
So my question, is there any way to get the dealership to pay for a detail?
Click to expand...


Most the people that work at dealerships have no clue as to how "we" think about the finish on our cars.

Seriously, you would think they have a clue but take my word for it they don't. They think swirls are an appearance feature that showcases the body lines of the car.

This article I wrote completely explains everything...

The difference between a swirl and squirrel

For clarification...

This is a Squirrel
ScottsVetteScratch011.jpg



These are Swirls
CobwebSwirls001.jpg



Whatever you do...

DON'T give them a chance to make it right by detailing your car. There are only "Horror Stories" about the quality of work done at dealerships, I for the life of me cannot think of a single thread on any forum where a person took their car back to let the dealership fix a problem they caused that turned out right.

If you can get some money out of them to pay an independent detailer to undo their damage go for it. Having great before pictures of your car and now "after" pictures after they washed it would be powerful.

Showing them this thread might help...


Good luck to you... hate reading horror stories like this...


:)
 
Thanks for the response. My intention is to give them a call today. I am going to approach them nicely and see what happens. An angry call will never get anything accomplished. Just want to explain my position. I don't have high expectations of getting anything, but will give it a shot.

I understand the intention was good, but unfortunately the outcome was far from good. I will keep you guys updated if I get anything from them.
 
calhoun1 said:
Thanks for the response. My intention is to give them a call today. I am going to approach them nicely and see what happens. An angry call will never get anything accomplished. Just want to explain my position. I don't have high expectations of getting anything, but will give it a shot.

I understand the intention was good, but unfortunately the outcome was far from good. I will keep you guys updated if I get anything from them.
Click to expand...

Being nice with these clowns will get you nothing but a free oil change
 
If I were you I would go up there in person

Its easier for someone to say NO over the phone then it is in person

You "gotta" be firm dealing with these ppl. If not, they'll have you apologizing to them before its all over with
 
Flash Gordon said:
If I were you I would go up there in person

Its easier for someone to say NO over the phone then it is in person

You "gotta" be firm dealing with these ppl. If not, they'll have you apologizing to them before its all over with
Click to expand...

I agree. Don't barge in their and start demanding but be firm with the fact that you would like to be compensated for something like this.
 
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