Dealership Damage

Make sure you get things in writing - with the damage in question detailed in photographs. Otherwise, they will most likely take you for a ride.

 

Almost all of them will agree to repair but go the cheapest route. My Mustang was once damaged while being serviced and they insisted on using body filler. I refused, but that became moot later as it got into an accident.

 

No, it got into an accident later and the same area was damaged. Insurance took care of it.

 

It was at the dealer for about a week getting a new engine (right before the warranty expired at 60k, thankfully) and I got it back with a crack in the left fender. Probably from careless parking or moving around during that time. I was lucky that the accident smashed up that area instead.

If the scratches aren't deep and can be buffed out, I'd go for that route. It's better to preserve the original paint whenever possible.

 

My opinion is to NEVER let the dealer wash or detail your car. They tend to use very cheap products and are trying to get cars turned around as fast as possible. They are not in it for return business like a normal detailer.

 

Replacing the parts wouldn't make any sense. Body parts come unpainted, they would have to be painted to match your car, and the parts you have can be refinished to the same condition.

Can you feel the scratches with your fingernail?

 

Why did you accept delivery of the car? I would (and did) decline to accept the car until it was fixed to my satisfaction. While it is on their lot & they own it it is still their problem and they have an incentive to get it fixed right and fast. If their body shop is good (and it should be) you won't even know the car was damaged. I doubt you'll be able to get new body panels.

 

Finally, someone caught the "replace" problem. Without a question, replacing parts and matching paint may open a whole new can of repair worms. I definitely would let the dealer try to buff out and/or touch up. By the way, I would FYI your dealer's Toyota service rep. You never know what support you might get.

Happy Motoring,

Tom

 

I thought you meant scratches on the exterior paint. Yes, they should definitely be replaced and it's easy enough to do it. What exactly did the dealer want to do as they can't be easily repaired?

 

AH! If its the interior then yes, they should replace the scratched panels...

 

You're absolutely right, the OP should of never accepted delivery of the vehicle until it was in pristine shape. Accept delivery, on the vehicle YOU want...not a vehicle they promise you it will become.

But...people have varying degrees of experience dealing with salespeople and dealerships. They are "mostly" evil. They are good at making YOU feel like you're being unreasonable, and/or making even something as major as scratches and bodywork seem like it's just "normal"...

There is a car buying "Ether" state that many buyers fall into, and dealerships/salespeople take advantage.

I hope the OP can work it out. I hope the dealership is supportive and eventually make's it all right.

I'd recommend just working through the dealership...they get the chance to make it right...and hopefully you will ultimately have no reason to escalate anything beyond that level.

I would also recommend extensive documentation of any promises made, any and all damage existing and created...signed statements and pictures....in case things are NOT resolved to your satisfaction. Because the next esculation would be working through Toyota Customer Service....and then perhaps (lightening strike)...a Lawyer.

Take it one step at a time and hope for the best. Scratches can be repaired, panels replaced...and hopefully it will all be done to your satisfaction.