I just picked up my 2010 Prius and noticed dents on the underside of the rocker panels. One dent on each side. They are towards the rear of the car but anterior to the rear triangular grooves on the underside of the rocker panels. I was furious but my wife suggested I ask Priuschat if this is a common occurance with Prius. Thanks
I don't have them. If it is the same on both sides, it seems like the car must have come down on something relatively sharp...
I wouldn't consider this normal - perhaps shipping damage or damage from the dealer's lift during PDI?
If you didn't bring this to the attention of the dealer while it was on the lot it may be too late but notify them Monday anyway. If they won't do anything report this on the survey.
I would definitely take this up with the dealer. Possibly someone put it up on a car lift incorrectly at the port where it was received? Especially if there were port installed options. But maybe some newbie at the dealership positioned the lift arms incorrectly.
Definately shipping damage. This may be one of those things that is better left alone. Is it worth having repainted rocker panels to you? Infuriating absolutely...but how noticable is it?
You're right it's not very noticable but heck I just paid a lot of money for the car. I took it back to the dealer today and they said they would fix it. Should I demand that the rocker panels be replaced? I'm not sure if replacing them is such good for the car in the long run (breaking original seals, etc).
If they offer I would take new panels (in fact request it)! I suspect they will try another method... cheaper. Don't worry about seals, if there is any, they will do the right thing.
My answer is it's not normal. Something happened either in transit or at the dealership. As for the repair, It would depend on how much involved, if it would be with the lower rocker panel area only, or somehow get into the lower door areas. etc. If they could reapir it and your happy fine. So be it. If they have to go beyond the Rocker Panel area for any reason, have it repaired without touching the other painted surfaces... My only concern is overspray etc...
What is PDI? The dealer said he will replace the panels by taking it off one of the cars on the lot and I should have the car ready by tomorrow. Now I got a stupid Corolla in my driveway (no offense if you have a Corolla)
I would take a look the underside of the car to see if there are any more damage to the undercarriage, exhaust pipe or scratched paint etc before taking to dealer.
