Dealer Damage Advice?

"Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
09/05/2018 at 21:09 • Filed to: None

Driver side panel hanging off.

Hey all, I had some warranty work done to my car last week. They replaced some interior door panel that was separating on the driver side. As I was driving the car home (I know I should have checked there but it was a long day) I noticed it looked like one of the exterior panels that guides the front of my driver-side window was coming off. Upon further inspection, it’s definitely coming off, and I saw some scratches on the plastic.

I took some pictures and sent an email to the 2 separate service department employees I’ve dealt with most. It was to the point, I did add some emotion which I’m not proud of but it wasn’t anger, more sad. But basically I just asked, “What do I need to do to get this matter resolved?” and attached pictures. Later this weekend, I noticed there were more of the same scratches on the plastic around the same location on the passenger side.

Now, I mentioned in my email that I thought they might have damaged it while putting the driver side door back together. But, it may be that they did some sort of wash or cleaning or something after the service that caused this. I’m not sure. What I am sure of is that the scratches and the damaged piece were not that way when I dropped the car off. I also take lots of pictures of this car and my most recent are fairly clear without damage from 3-4 days before the service. Nobody has responded to my email yet though. It’s possible both men are out, or even no longer work there for some reason though I’ve only had the car 4 months and have dealt with them pretty recently.

What should I do next? I’ve worked 29 hours the last 2 days and in places without cell-service. So I can’t generally call during work hours until maybe Friday. Should I leave a voice mail? Do I need more proof, or to do something else to make sure I’m not ripped off?

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DISCUSSION (10)

E90M3 > Poor_Sh
09/05/2018 at 21:16

I would at least leave a voice mail. If you can’t get the dealer to do anything, I would call Porsche North America. Porsche seems to treat their customers correctly, so hopefully it doesn’t come to that.

I bought my M3 from a Porsche dealer and that was the best car buying experience I have had. Throughout unnecessary car shopping, they’ve always been the best dealer experience.

Poor_Sh > E90M3
09/05/2018 at 21:19

Yeah they are awesome, especially with how involved they are in PCA and my local events. That’s partially why I’m so sad about this. I want to stay amicable with them, they’re the closest dealer by about an hour and definitely the best one. Thanks though, elevating it is something I hadn’t thought of yet.

E90M3 > Poor_Sh
09/05/2018 at 21:26

Sounds like it might be hard for you to find to take time to bring your car in, but that might be your best bet, without having to escalate it.

You could also try reaching out to the dealership in general and see if someone there wants to help. My experience with BMWs has been pretty positive, it seems dealers in that realm tend to try and take care of their customers.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Poor_Sh
09/05/2018 at 21:28

The GM dealer that replaced my airbag scratched my dash and tried to hit it with some black Krylon. They did not own up to it. I basically don't have any expectation with dealers that they're decent human beings.

Poor_Sh > E90M3
09/05/2018 at 21:37

Yeah I keep having to take time off for these warranty issues. It sucks. I guess I’m still hopeful they’ll be great about it, I’m just worried that I haven’t heard back yet. Good to keep positive as you’re suggesting.

Poor_Sh > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
09/05/2018 at 21:39

That’s really shitty. I’m not trying to keep this thing show-room nice, or even garage nice, but if my car gets scratched or damaged by someone else I want it to be taken care of. I don’t want to post public reviews or oust them online or anything, I just want them to own up and fix it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
09/05/2018 at 22:00

You’re absolutely right with you're expectations. I'm not to be trusted at all!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Poor_Sh
09/05/2018 at 22:01

If they’re halfway decent they’ll take care of it. If they’re better than than that they won’t even ask questions or try to make excuses. If they’re amazing they already have parts on order.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/05/2018 at 22:12

Part of me thinks I get shit work because of how I’m sized up. “Oh this old Pontiac... He’ll never notice. And h ow would be know it wasn’t there before?” Went through similar things at my last home. Trades wouldn’t take of their shoes without being promted (ALWAYS TAKE YOUR SHOES UNLESS YOURE HAULING SOMETHING HEAVY IN WHICH CASE AT LEAST PUT ON BOOTIES) and left butts and sunflower seeds all over my driveway. And that motherfucker of a plumber. They took one look at my street and house and said, “Meh.” I move here and I got people showing up on time and vacuuming after themselves. Hmm.

Mmm sorry, I’ll go back to my usual shtick now.

ur face

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
09/05/2018 at 22:41

Unfortunately you’re absolutely right.

ur face makes people give you bad service