I just had my midnight blue turbo delivered to the dealer who informs me there was some damage to the front bumper. They sent it off to have the entire bumper repainted. Supposedly this is a top notch paint shop. Question: is this paint ever going to be as good as factory paint? Would you guys still take possession? If so, under what circumstances? Thanks for your help!

 

If leasing -- Yes . I would accept it .
If buying --No .

Why buy a car with damage coming out of the gate ?

 

Its never as good as factory. Can they get a new bumper that's pre-painted from the factory?

 

If the actual color is a match, it will look no different. Make sure they used a factory Glasurit and it will be fine. Most times the dealers choose really good paint shops.

 

you should be fine if it's only the bumper cover. unlike sheetmetal, the value is not affected as far as a dealer is concerned if the bumpercover has been painted. often, when we take in a 3-6 yr old 911 on trade we have the cover refinished as part of reconditioning, to address rock chips and the like. if done properly, you will not be able to tell.

 

Shnapps, does your dealership happen to be in Memphis?

 

No, I'm in KY. Actually, just spoke with a guy in Memphis today. He seemed to think it's no big problem to have the bumper painted. He said he's a Porsche owner and driver instructor. Very friendly.

 

Thanks for all your help, guys.

 

at our store? if so that would have been Tim. he is a PCA and SCCA driving instructor. his office is next to mine.

 

He was extremely friendly. I was actually calling to see if you guys had an allotment for a turbo coupe this year. Doesn't seem like many out there do, which makes me lean toward getting the car I ordered.

Can I ask you, what do you think the dealership should come off the bargained for price of the car, given the damage and paint job???

 

we do have one remaining Turbo Coupe allocation. as far as discount regarding the Bumper, I'm not so sure -- mostly b/c it really depends on the individual. some would be fine knowing that it was repaired properly, others would have a big problem with it. ultimately, I think that is something that you will have to decide.

 

I would be very concerned with color match midnight blue is tricky looks good one angle then not the other especially in the sun. I had a midnight blue turbo and the match was tough. you might be OK if the damage is low and no color is getting near fenders or hood just the clear coat. Also no pre-painted factory bumpers.

 

Last year I purchased a midnight blue metallic 911 cab until my TT arrived. It was returned from a lease agreement that the prev owner changed his mind after a couple of months into his lease. I purchased this cab in January, so I got a great deal.(prev. owner got screwed). When I went to check it out, the bottom of the front bumper was so badly scratched that it had to be repainted. Afterwards, it looked so good that I went ahead and purchased it.(with the knowledge that I would get rid of it when I purchased my TT). I traded it in and the dealer didn't notice it because it looked perfect. Your car on the other hand is new and maybe a keeper. The dealer (IMO) is obligated to take some cash off of your bottom line. If he refuses and you don't buy the car it's a lose-lose situation. He'll have to tell the next prospective buyer of that car about it's less than perfect history. If you take this car without a discount, at least make him throw a $220.00 car cover into the mix. Make sure you check out for yourself exactly what the damage is before they fix it!

 

As long as it is done by a quality shop, you should be fine. Ethics vary by dealer and brand but stuff like this sometimes happens at dealers or at port and it is fixed without disclosure. At least your dealer did not tell you the car was "delayed" and just have it repainted. I remember once at Livermore Audi, several cars were vandalized. They had the key marks repainted and never said a word because the damage was "under $2000." Nice, huh?

Since it is just a bumper cover, is not too big of a deal. You could run over a road hazard next and have to have the whole thing repaired and repainted again. The only drawback is the new paint will be softer for a bit and might be a little more prone to damage. I think a little off ($1500) the price is a fair request.

 

I would be very cautious, but generally it should be fine.