I got my '08 Solstice in September of '08. Within the first few days of purchasing the car, I noticed that the front bumper was a bit out of alignment and that there were scratches on the underside of the bumper, only visible if you actually put your head on the ground and look up at the underside of the bumper.
I hadn't noticed this right away because the bumper is only very slightly out of alignment (the gaps between the bumper and the fenders are a bit too large).
So, my thinking was that somewhere along in the line in the vehicle's 300KM life before I bought it, someone at the dealership or during a test drive cranked the bumper against the ground while unloading the car or driving up to a curb or something. In any case, I know without a doubt that it was not me. I have always been extremely conscientious about the ground clearance of the front bumper and have always known to be very careful when going up inclines, driveways and pulling up to curbs.
I originally called the dealership for a service appointment and described the issue back in December of '08. They scheduled an appointment to bring the car in, but I was unable to make the appointment. Due to a busy life and the fact that the bumper mis-alignment isn't horribly noticeable, and that the dealership is a pain for me to get to, I never got around to bringing it back in, until just now. I brought the car in today and the service guy just left a message on my voice mail saying that they won't fix the bumper under warranty because the mis-alignment is due to "impact damage", or in other words, "we think you broke it".
On one hand, I'm blaming myself for not going over the car with a fine tooth comb before driving it off the lot initially, including checking the underside of the bumper and making sure EVERY square inch of the car was in 100% pristine condition. On the other hand, someone else damaged the bumper either at the dealership or en route to the dealership from the factory.
Does anyone think I have a chance in hell in getting them to fix this or should I just chalk it up as a lesson learned?
Last edited by brandon272 : 11-19-2009 at 07:53 PM.
I got my '08 Solstice in September of '08. Within the first few days of purchasing the car, I noticed that the front bumper was a bit out of alignment and that there were scratches on the underside of the bumper, only visible if you actually put your head on the ground and look up at the underside of the bumper.
I hadn't noticed this right away because the bumper is only very slightly out of alignment (the gaps between the bumper and the fenders are a bit too large).
So, my thinking was that somewhere along in the line in the vehicle's 300KM life before I bought it, someone at the dealership or during a test drive cranked the bumper against the ground while unloading the car or driving up to a curb or something. In any case, I know without a doubt that it was not me. I have always been extremely conscientious about the ground clearance of the front bumper and have always known to be very careful when going up inclines, driveways and pulling up to curbs.
I originally called the dealership for a service appointment and described the issue back in December of '08. They scheduled an appointment to bring the car in, but I was unable to make the appointment. Due to a busy life and the fact that the bumper mis-alignment isn't horribly noticeable, and that the dealership is a pain for me to get to, I never got around to bringing it back in, until just now. I brought the car in today and the service guy just left a message on my voice mail saying that they won't fix the bumper under warranty because the mis-alignment is due to "impact damage", or in other words, "we think you broke it".
On one hand, I'm blaming myself for not going over the car with a fine tooth comb before driving it off the lot initially, including checking the underside of the bumper and making sure EVERY square inch of the car was in 100% pristine condition. On the other hand, someone else damaged the bumper either at the dealership or en route to the dealership from the factory.
Does anyone think I have a chance in hell in getting them to fix this or should I just chalk it up as a lesson learned?
Pretty sure there is no chance of you getting it fixed for free since you waited for so long. It might have been fixed for free if you brought it back around the time you just purchased it but after driving it for over a year there would be no chance.
Sounds exactly like my story when I picked up my car. I had heard about scratches that can be found under the front fender. So I looked and sure enough it has some. I got all high and mighty demanding they repaint the whole bumper. BIG mistake! They did a ****ty job and i later found out that no paint job will be as good as the factory. So, preserve your factory paint as best as you can. Just sayin!
__________________
Trifecta Tune
Dejon Intercooler
Dejon Intercooler Pipes
Solo High Flow Cat
Solo RCD Exhaust
K&N filter
JPM Interior Parts
DDM Backbone
Aftershock Front Side Panels
Norms Rear Diffuser
Cobalt 2dr Spoiler
Pioneer AVIC F900 Nav/stereo system
ZOK Sway Bars
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires
I actually don't care about the scratches under the bumper because you can't see them. The only thing I asked them to fix was the gaps between the bumper and the fenders.
Pretty sure there is no chance of you getting it fixed for free since you waited for so long. It might have been fixed for free if you brought it back around the time you just purchased it but after driving it for over a year there would be no chance.
As I mentioned, I reported the issue to the dealership a few months after I purchased the car and made an appointment but had to cancel on that particular day (back in January).
I realize that there is some level of risk in just taking your customer's "word for it" when they say that their vehicle's damage occurred before they even purchased it, but I think the dealer also has a responsibility to stand behind their product and ensure that their vehicles are delivered to and remain undamaged while located on their premises.
Last edited by brandon272 : 11-19-2009 at 10:55 PM.
The body panels are adjustable. Can you take a picture of the gap so we can see how significant it is? then Maybe I can tell you which screws/bolts to adjust so that you can close up the gaps? I am also very aware of the body panel imperfections, and have adjusted here and there to keep the gap lines even.
As I mentioned, I reported the issue to the dealership a few months after I purchased the car and made an appointment but had to cancel on that particular day (back in January).
I realize that there is some level of risk in just taking your customer's "word for it" when they say that their vehicle's damage occurred before they even purchased it, but I think the dealer also has a responsibility to stand behind their product and ensure that their vehicles are delivered to and remain undamaged while located on their premises.
While I understand how you feel, reporting the issue a few months after purchase....
My experience with buying used (or new for that matter) from a dealership is that such damage reported within a week or so of purchase stands a fairly good chance of some consideration on their part, especially if you've done business with them in the past. But beyond that I wouldn't blame a dealer for not doing the repairs for free.
Anything can happen on the way home. A week's grace period is generous on the part of the dealer. A few months later? Can't see it. Over a year before the dealer can actually see the damage? No surprise at their decision.
You buy something, you should really go over it with a fine tooth comb before handing over the bucks and driving it off the lot.
You buy something, you should really go over it with a fine tooth comb before handing over the bucks and driving it off the lot.
I guess it's a bit of a cautionary tale, and I know I'll be a lot more conscientious in the future that the new vehicle I'm buying may not be damage free and inspect appropriately.
With that said, if adjusting these slightly wide gaps is an issue of adjusting a few bolts, as mentioned, then it seems odd to me that the dealer wouldn't just make the adjustments instead of accusing me of both lying and trying to scam them out of warranty repair, particularly when I've bought all of my vehicles from their dealership and been nothing but an honest, loyal customer. I've never even haggled over price.
Unfortunately, it seems the Solstice will be the last one they sell me. Customer/dealer/brand trust and loyalty is a two way street!
I drove my car 20 miles back home after buying and after cleaning the dust out of it due to it being at a Montana Fair grounds for sale, and realized the radio display had scratches all over it. They wouldn't replace it either.....
I guess it's a bit of a cautionary tale, and I know I'll be a lot more conscientious in the future that the new vehicle I'm buying may not be damage free and inspect appropriately.
With that said, if adjusting these slightly wide gaps is an issue of adjusting a few bolts, as mentioned, then it seems odd to me that the dealer wouldn't just make the adjustments instead of accusing me of both lying and trying to scam them out of warranty repair, particularly when I've bought all of my vehicles from their dealership and been nothing but an honest, loyal customer. I've never even haggled over price.
Unfortunately, it seems the Solstice will be the last one they sell me. Customer/dealer/brand trust and loyalty is a two way street!
Stop complaining, and do something about it, take a picture and let us help you adjust the bolts. All I hear is rant, rant, rant, but nothing signifying action or anything constructive.
Stop complaining, and do something about it, take a picture and let us help you adjust the bolts. All I hear is rant, rant, rant, but nothing signifying action or anything constructive.
No need to push here . . . After all, it did take him a year to get it to the dealer in an attempt to fix it . . .
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
