Hi All,
My F&^king dealer raised my car on the lift for service and dented my rocker panel. They tried to cover it up with touch up paint. I didn't notice it right away because it's real low and about the size of a quarter. The car has only been to this dealer. I stopped in on Saturday and the sales manager agreed that it is obvious it happened by jacking the car. I need to meet with the service manager tomorrow. I can't believe that they tried to hide it! No integrity. It's certain they will pay to get it fixed. I am pissed because the car has only 5k on it. This is the second time something has happened with the same mechanic. The first time he scratched both by front rims removing the wheel weights with a screwdriver. They gave me new rims and tires. I didn't really mind. But now this is a different story. I will need to have the lower rocker painted. What kind of compensation can I expect beyond repair?

Thanks all,
Anthony

 

None, if they fix it right. You are lucky they are willing to pay for it.

 

Luis993
Why would you say I am lucky? They obviously created the damage of course they are going to pay for it. My car was perfect before this incident. I expect something in return to help soften the blow.

 

I say it because of recent personal dealings with a Porsche dealer that has me a bit bitter. Some of these guys are real class acts. I truly beleive you should be made "whole" but your interpretation of that word and the dealer's will be completely different. As far as they are concerned, if they fix it to "factory specs" it should be more than enough to make you "whole". Your original post sounds like you are looking for some "pain and suffering/hit from resale value" money which I assure you you will not get.

 

That really sucks Anthony. You are lucky that the dealer admitted fault. It's typical dealership for ya. They mess up and try to hide it. Good eye for catching it. Make sure you get some referrals from local body shops and any guys that are in your area. Don't always trust the recommended shops by the dealer. Deals are always struck, and not in your best interest. Have them recommend a few shops and visit the shops and make sure these guys know what they're doing. Good luck. If you have pics, send them and I can give you my opinion on tyoe of repair. I own a detail company in Southern CA and work on Porsches all the time.

 

It's good that it's only the rocker panel and not a door or quarter panel.

Just have it professionally repainted by a reputable shop. Dealer usually has one they use often.

I'd avoid going there again since they've screwed up twice. Drive to another dealer to avoid future hassles.

I can't believe dealer would hide it. You should bring it up to the service manager to have him take corrective measures within shop. It's obvious they have unqualified people there (maybe a rookie tech). Idea for discusssing this isn't about money, it's about letting him know so he can address it. If he doesn't care, then that's his choice bc he will get more screw up to fix later.

 

Luis has a point.

Several years ago, I had taken my car to the shop for a minor issue. The car had less than 5K miles and they dropped it off the lift. It damage the door and floor pan. They told me thye would fix it, but there was no other compensation. I told them I had a car with no prior damage history before I brought it in, now I have a wrecked car. The dealer gave me some crap about it would have been the same if I had been driving......

The bottom line is I traded it through another dealership, told them about the incident, which I am sure I recieved less on the trade, and will NEVER say anything good about the dealer or dealership.

There is no such thing a Customer Satisfication and a auto dealership unless it's an easy and cheap fix for the dealer. They feel they will have others waiting in line after you to do business with them.

Don't even get me started about their factory reps. Florida has a jerk for the Porsche rep.

 

Luis is right. The dealership should be responsible for any damage they inflicted and they agreed to make the car right. Some dealers would have flat denied thay caused the problem.
A few years ago I bought a 2000 millenium edition Porsche coupe. I took it back to the selling dealer for a coolant leak. When I picked up the car 3 days later I went to get inside and saw a three inch+ tear in the driver seat cushion! I went nuts and approached the service manager with my complaint.
He initially denied that any of his techs could have caused the damage. I was livid to say the least.
Long story short...they never admitted to causing the damage but ordered a new cushion at no charge. Took them almost a month for the cushion to arrive.
And, to add insult to injury they never fixed the coolant leak properly.

 

Florindi -

They admitted the mistake and will probably fix it, but why do you believe you deserve compensatory damages for it? Let them fix it and demand they do something about the guy who hid it. Beyond that the dealership owes you nothing but an apology. Move on, It's just a car.

 

Wow you guys are tough! I know it's just a car, but it was perfect before this. If I would have done this myself, well then I would bite the bullet and except it.
The repair will never be perfect. The problem is recreating the same texture on the rocker panel is impossible.

 

Don't shoot the messenger, that is just how car dealers deal with problems.

 

what a cathartic thread. The fix will not be noticable because of the location and texture. What pain in the neck damages would you get if someone hit your car, none.

I do feel much better and so should you, take a long drive and appreciate the great car you have.

 

He cannot be worse than the "midwest rep".

 

That sucks the dealership tried to cover it up. I work at a LR dealership and if something like that happens you have to tell the customer and make amends, simple as that. I agree with most on this post that it's nice the dealership is taking care of the damage, above that I don't think they owe you anything. If by just fixing the problem doesn't sit right with you then take your business elsewhere...that'll hurt the dealership more then anything.

 

I'd ask for a new car.