Paint Defect On New Car - Looking for Opinions

[spankis]

I recently changed jobs and I'm now paid mileage rather than being provided a company truck, and so I bought a brand new Civic. I bought exactly the car I wanted (sport trim, manual trans, 1.5 Turbo, hatchback) in the metallic color I wanted. Was tough to find without ordering and waiting 3 months and I had to jump through some hoops to get this one. It came in a little over a week ago (made in the UK so some transit involved) and I took delivery without issue.

 

Have not made my first payment yet, and when I went to wash it last weekend, I found a pretty significant drip / bubble in the clearcoat on the hatch, maybe 2 or 3 inches vertically. I did not notice it when we took delivery as our inspection was inside under shitty service​ bay lights.

 

Long story short, took it into the dealer Monday and left it with them, as I was in Florida for training until late today. I called the dealer before they closed to get an update tonight, and I was told the Honda rep visited the dealer yesterday (Wednesday) and confirmed the defect, and suggested the detail guys give it a go.... I wasn't part of this process or discussion obviously, as nobody called me. What they're telling me is that it "mostly buffed out, but not quite" and that they wanted me to come take a look. To me this means there is not enough clear left to polish the rest of the defect away. It was implied that any further improvement would require repainting the hatch.

 

Neither answer is really okay I feel like, given that I paid for a new car without issues, burnt through clear, or dealer body shop applied paint. Not sure what a reasonable answer is, but am considering giving them the car back and having them source another one identical.

 

I am planning to go see it after work tomorrow, but just wanted some other opinions. Just got off a plane and the whole issue was bugging me for the duration of the 2 hour flight. On one hand it's just a Honda Civic and just a daily, but on the other hand it's a brand new car I'm paying for and a car that I like a lot.

 

Thoughts?

[JaronsToy]

I recently changed jobs and I'm now paid mileage rather than being provided a company truck, and so I bought a brand new Civic. I bought exactly the car I wanted (sport trim, manual trans, 1.5 Turbo, hatchback) in the metallic color I wanted. Was tough to find without ordering and waiting 3 months and I had to jump through some hoops to get this one. It came in a little over a week ago (made in the UK so some transit involved) and I took delivery without issue.

 

Have not made my first payment yet, and when I went to wash it last weekend, I found a pretty significant drip / bubble in the clearcoat on the hatch, maybe 2 or 3 inches vertically. I did not notice it when we took delivery as our inspection was inside under shitty service​ bay lights.

 

Long story short, took it into the dealer Monday and left it with them, as I was in Florida for training until late today. I called the dealer before they closed to get an update tonight, and I was told the Honda rep visited the dealer yesterday (Wednesday) and confirmed the defect, and suggested the detail guys give it a go.... I wasn't part of this process or discussion obviously, as nobody called me. What they're telling me is that it "mostly buffed out, but not quite" and that they wanted me to come take a look. To me this means there is not enough clear left to polish the rest of the defect away. It was implied that any further improvement would require repainting the hatch.

 

Neither answer is really okay I feel like, given that I paid for a new car without issues, burnt through clear, or dealer body shop applied paint. Not sure what a reasonable answer is, but am considering giving them the car back and having them source another one identical.

 

I am planning to go see it after work tomorrow, but just wanted some other opinions. Just got off a plane and the whole issue was bugging me for the duration of the 2 hour flight. On one hand it's just a Honda Civic and just a daily, but on the other hand it's a brand new car I'm paying for and a car that I like a lot.

 

Thoughts?

 

Have them fix it as new end of story

[spankis]

Have them fix it as new end of story

 

Should I trust a dealer body shop to prep and paint to factory quality as part of a warranty repair? I suppose more than anything​ that's what I'm struggling with.

[Rustlestiltskin]

I recently changed jobs and I'm now paid mileage rather than being provided a company truck, and so I bought a brand new Civic. I bought exactly the car I wanted (sport trim, manual trans, 1.5 Turbo, hatchback) in the metallic color I wanted. Was tough to find without ordering and waiting 3 months and I had to jump through some hoops to get this one. It came in a little over a week ago (made in the UK so some transit involved) and I took delivery without issue.

 

Have not made my first payment yet, and when I went to wash it last weekend, I found a pretty significant drip / bubble in the clearcoat on the hatch, maybe 2 or 3 inches vertically. I did not notice it when we took delivery as our inspection was inside under shitty service​ bay lights.

 

Long story short, took it into the dealer Monday and left it with them, as I was in Florida for training until late today. I called the dealer before they closed to get an update tonight, and I was told the Honda rep visited the dealer yesterday (Wednesday) and confirmed the defect, and suggested the detail guys give it a go.... I wasn't part of this process or discussion obviously, as nobody called me. What they're telling me is that it "mostly buffed out, but not quite" and that they wanted me to come take a look. To me this means there is not enough clear left to polish the rest of the defect away. It was implied that any further improvement would require repainting the hatch.

 

Neither answer is really okay I feel like, given that I paid for a new car without issues, burnt through clear, or dealer body shop applied paint. Not sure what a reasonable answer is, but am considering giving them the car back and having them source another one identical.

 

I am planning to go see it after work tomorrow, but just wanted some other opinions. Just got off a plane and the whole issue was bugging me for the duration of the 2 hour flight. On one hand it's just a Honda Civic and just a daily, but on the other hand it's a brand new car I'm paying for and a car that I like a lot.

 

Thoughts?

 

Textbook Cuckage

[spankis]

Textbook Cuckage

 

Please elaborate Ruffles.

[2 Sweet]

Should I trust a dealer body shop to prep and paint to factory quality as part of a warranty repair? I suppose more than anything​ that's what I'm struggling with.

 

I would. If they don't do it perfect the first time, tell them to do it again until it's done right. I'm sure they will provide you with a nice rental to drive in the meantime. But it sounds like something any halfway competent dealer could properly fix so I wouldn't worry about it

[STEVE-O]

Proper fix should not be hard at all, sounds like at the top of the drip the clear was becoming to thin to wet sand and buff out. Before they took it further in repair wanted to see if it was enough to satisfy you.

 

They can wetsand the entire lid and clear it then polish it to factory and not have to respeay the color.

[aussiek2000]

Its a civic. Have them repaint the panel/area and be on your way.

[Bam]

Yeah you're way overthinking this.

[Turbs3000]

Honda factory paint is garbage so yes they will respray it to an equal quality as the rest of the car. Have then respray it and call it a day.

 

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[POS VETT]

It is a paint defect and the dealer, along with the Honda representative, seems to be eager to fix it. There is no need of giving the car back for such a minor thing. Let them fix it or have a paint correction specialist do a little work on it.

 

How obvious is this thing? Where is it located?

[iwashmycar]

Yeah if the detail guys cant wet sand it out, they will just have the guy in the van come spray it in the parking lot.

 

At least that is how it seems to have went back in the day when I detailed cars at Lindsay Honda (was Honda East at the time).

 

Detail guy that was there actually really seemed to know his shit. But a lot of cars were painted in the parking lot by the mobile paint guy (used mostly)

 

I'm sure whatever they do it will be just fine. Maybe not by Tim's standards lol but who knows

[RCode04]

They are not going to take the car back either. You own it.

[spankis]

Yeah you're way overthinking this.

 

I had assumed as much. Still pisses me off.

 

Honda factory paint is garbage so yes they will respray it to an equal quality as the rest of the car. Have then respray it and call it a day.

 

Thanks lol

 

It is a paint defect and the dealer, along with the Honda representative, seems to be eager to fix it. There is no need of giving the car back for such a minor thing. Let them fix it or have a paint correction specialist do a little work on it.

 

How obvious is this thing? Where is it located?

 

It was pretty obvious, like a glob of clear. Almost looked like tree sap would if left neglected, but rock hard clear. It was very obvious from the rear for sure, just below the glass, above where the hatch release is. The guy in the service bay described it as "paint peeling" - though it's clearly not that bad.

 

Yeah if the detail guys cant wet sand it out, they will just have the guy in the van come spray it in the parking lot.

 

At least that is how it seems to have went back in the day when I detailed cars at Lindsay Honda (was Honda East at the time).

 

Detail guy that was there actually really seemed to know his shit. But a lot of cars were painted in the parking lot by the mobile paint guy (used mostly)

 

I'm sure whatever they do it will be just fine. Maybe not by Tim's standards lol but who knows

 

If mobile paint guy is the answer that's shit. If they have a booth I'm sure it will be fine.

 

They are not going to take the car back either. You own it.

 

That would be the argument, perhaps. With them working with me it's not an angle I'm likely to pursue anyway. I don't believe I'm without options however.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

[bdhill]

I would escalate this to Honda of North AMerica and get regional rep involved-not acceptable on a new car

[aussiek2000]

I would escalate this to Honda of North AMerica and get regional rep involved-not acceptable on a new car

 

OP had the chance to fully inspect the car before doing paperwork. its on him

[Geeto67]

 

That would be the argument, perhaps. With them working with me it's not an angle I'm likely to pursue anyway. I don't believe I'm without options however.

 

 

They are working on it with you because it is covered under warranty.

 

http://owners.honda.com/Documentum/Warranty/Handbooks/AWL50465.pdf

 

page 9:

 

Warranty Coverage:

 

Honda will repair or replace any part that is defective in material or workmanship under normal use. See Proper Operation on page 34. All repairs/replacements made under this warranty are free of charge. The replaced or repaired parts are covered only until this New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires.

 

This New Vehicle Limited Warranty Does Not Cover:

 

• Normal wear or deterioration of

any part.

• Cleaning and polishing.

• The adding of any fluids, unless

they are needed as part of a

warranty repair.

• Broken, chipped, or scratched

window glass unless it is due to a

defect in material or

workmanship.

• Any item concerning your

vehicle's general appearance that

is not due to a defect in material

or workmanship. Cosmetic flaws

or minor damage to the body,

paint, or other items may occur

during manufacture or shipping of

your vehicle. If you find any

uncorrected flaws or damage on

your new vehicle, notify the

dealer as soon as possible after

delivery.

• Expendable maintenance items

(such as filters, or brake pads/

linings) when replaced due to

normal wear or customer abuse.

Limited Warranty Coverage

 

An uncorrected paint run from the factory is a defect in workmanship. You notified them and they are obligated to work with you on it as part of the warranty. I do not think paint defects are covered under lemon law so I doubt there is anything you can remotely claim to make them buy back the car - but you could certainly sue them for breach of warranty if they refused to fix the paint.

[TTQ B4U]

I'd have to see it to really chime in but I would be inclined to wet-sand, polish and leave it. Worst case, look to them to sand and respray the entire panel with clear and live with that.

[spankis]

OP had the chance to fully inspect the car before doing paperwork. its on him

 

Wrong. If we were in used car dealer as-is no warranty land you would be almost correct. Here though, that perspective is way off.

 

They are working on it with you because it is covered under warranty.

 

An uncorrected paint run from the factory is a defect in workmanship. You notified them and they are obligated to work with you on it as part of the warranty. I do not think paint defects are covered under lemon law so I doubt there is anything you can remotely claim to make them buy back the car - but you could certainly sue them for breach of warranty if they refused to fix the paint.

 

Agreed, I was reading the warranty specs here earlier.

 

I'd have to see it to really chime in but I would be inclined to wet-sand, polish and leave it. Worst case, look to them to sand and respray the entire panel with clear and live with that.

 

So I went by and checked it out about an hour ago, and it looks pretty decent actually. It's probably 95% corrected. What's left is a slight recess in the clear, not through the clear and very slight - no larger than 1/8" in diameter. I honestly had to look hard to see it.

 

I felt like the service manager was giving me the run around though. He acted like something had dripped on it, and the detail guys just cleaned it off, and that was all they did. I explained that it was in the clear and had to be polished out, and he mostly played dumb "we don't have a body shop here or any of the tools to do that, I'm pretty sure they just used wax to get it off."

 

Regardless, he made it clear that the paint is covered under the 3 yr 36k, and that they would repaint the panel if I wanted. He said repeatedly that they don't have a body shop of their own though, and that "most people really don't want to have paintwork done on a new car".

 

I'm going to pick it up later, and want to get it cleaned up well here at home soon. I plan to go over it really well to make sure there aren't other issues. He said the area in question is documented and will be eligible for repaint for the duration of the 3/36 warranty if I prefer.

 

Feeling like if it's the only trouble spot I should be done.

[iwashmycar]

At least you have a solid record of it now. Sounds like good peace of mind.

[El Karacho1647545492]

To make a long story very short, a guy I tried to sell a new car to wanted a config that was only available in Santa Monica. We weren't about to source a car from 2/3 of the country away so he went there and bought it himself. Drove it home. noticed a lot of scratches, not just swirl marks from dirty rags, but actual scratches in the bumper.

 

He got FIAT USA to approve our body shop to do the repair. Never went quite right. After 3rd attempt, FIAT USA approved a reasonable estimate at a non-dealer bodyshop.

 

Buyer was happy, our body shop was not, but whatever. Be firm, be reasonable.

[TTQ B4U]

So I went by and checked it out about an hour ago, and it looks pretty decent actually. It's probably 95% corrected. What's left is a slight recess in the clear, not through the clear and very slight - no larger than 1/8" in diameter. I honestly had to look hard to see it.

 

I felt like the service manager was giving me the run around though. He acted like something had dripped on it, and the detail guys just cleaned it off, and that was all they did. I explained that it was in the clear and had to be polished out, and he mostly played dumb "we don't have a body shop here or any of the tools to do that, I'm pretty sure they just used wax to get it off."

 

Regardless, he made it clear that the paint is covered under the 3 yr 36k, and that they would repaint the panel if I wanted. He said repeatedly that they don't have a body shop of their own though, and that "most people really don't want to have paintwork done on a new car".

 

I'm going to pick it up later, and want to get it cleaned up well here at home soon. I plan to go over it really well to make sure there aren't other issues. He said the area in question is documented and will be eligible for repaint for the duration of the 3/36 warranty if I prefer.

 

Feeling like if it's the only trouble spot I should be done.

 

You're always welcome to swing by my house and we can check it out, and see if there's anything for the can be done.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

[spankis]

To make a long story very short, a guy I tried to sell a new car to wanted a config that was only available in Santa Monica. We weren't about to source a car from 2/3 of the country away so he went there and bought it himself. Drove it home. noticed a lot of scratches, not just swirl marks from dirty rags, but actual scratches in the bumper.

 

He got FIAT USA to approve our body shop to do the repair. Never went quite right. After 3rd attempt, FIAT USA approved a reasonable estimate at a non-dealer bodyshop.

 

Buyer was happy, our body shop was not, but whatever. Be firm, be reasonable.

 

Like I said the staff has been reasonable, but these goobers didn't even re-detail the whole car, and appear to have just cleaned the area in question. If it's as minor as it appeared to be in their lot today (Lindsay Honda btw), I will likely just call it satisfactory... Assuming I don't find similar flaws elsewhere on the car.

 

You're always welcome to swing by my house and we can check it out, and see if there's anything for the can be done.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

Thanks Tim. I appreciate the PM too.

[Clifford Automotive]

Should I trust a dealer body shop to prep and paint to factory quality as part of a warranty repair? I suppose more than anything​ that's what I'm struggling with.

 

 

Yes and no. Lifetime warranty.

 

Have you seen it yet? It should have been able to be blocked and buffed. The detail guy can try but I wouldnt trust him. I painter is who needed to touch the car first.

[Clifford Automotive]

Like I said the staff has been reasonable, but these goobers didn't even re-detail the whole car, and appear to have just cleaned the area in question. If it's as minor as it appeared to be in their lot today (Lindsay Honda btw), I will likely just call it satisfactory... Assuming I don't find similar flaws elsewhere on the car.

 

 

 

Thanks Tim. I appreciate the PM too.

 

I'll be right there tomorrow, late morning early afternoon. If you want to coordinate I can look at the car with you.