efy Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 (edited) Well, this technically is automotive related, but I wasn't sure where else to put it.Two weeks ago, my better half bought a used 2012 Nissan Maxima from a local Mercedes-Benz/BMW dealership (Myrtle Beach Automotive) here in Myrtle Beach, SC. The car had several scratches, chips and paint dings, and the dealership signed an agreement to have those flaws fixed, free of charge. We took it to the first appointment for the repairs and picked it up later that day- it was raining, so we couldn't see the paint very well. However, the next day, we got a better look at the paint, and come to find out, they hadn't touched a single scratch, and had only gotten some touch-up paint and filled in a few chips here and there. It wasn't even a decent touch-up job; it looked like my 5-year-old niece got a hold of it with black nail polish- the major ones and the small rock chips on the front. Completely unacceptable. So, we contacted the salesman, who claimed there was nothing more they could do, but agreed to let us bring it back in. Well, some of the scratches were fixed this time, and fixed well. However, the major paint chips weren't touched from the first time.Upon realizing this, we contacted the general manager of the dealership about the issue, who simply replied that he is satisfied with the job done and that the dealership upheld their obligation. We're now considering going to small claims court to get this resolved.I have attached photos of exactly what the contract to fix the paint said, and also the major imperfection that is most prominent (the picture isn't great- sorry about the reflections- but it's circled in red). It's about an inch and a half long, and is on the rear passenger-side door. Even with the touch-up, it's visible from a mile away. What do you all think should be the next step? We've never dealt with anything like this before, so any pointers would be appreciated. Edited January 23, 2014 by efy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiredMotorCompany Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 Good luck getting sympathy for a Nissan product within Blue Oval News "Off Topic Forums". I ain't got nuttin' for ya! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmccap Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 First mistake I see is "full detail". I would never let a dealer do this to any vehicle I own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal50 Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 You purchased a used Nissan with paint damage and want support advise from a Ford forum ? Seems like two mistakes in a row. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efy Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 I'm a Ford guy... but when Ford offers a vehicle that actually competes with the Maxima, holler at me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiredMotorCompany Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 I'm a Ford guy... but when Ford offers a vehicle that actually competes with the Maxima, holler at me. Try a Nissan forum for support. Us Ford employees don't get all excited about Nissan owner's problems. Not an attack. You bought what you thought was a deal. I just think it's part of the purchase deal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 You really only have 2 choices at this point. First you'll have to fix it yourself regardless. Then you can either eat the cost and chalk it up to experience (my recommendation) or take them to small claims court for reimbursement. The problem with court is your agreement on what they're supposed to fix and how is too vague, so you'll probably lose provided they did something to try and fix it. In the future, you need to do one of two things: Ask for a discount so you can fix the scratches and dings yourself OR Ask them to fix the scratches BEFORE you make the purchase, and then only agree if you're satisfied with the work. The way you did it left you at their mercy for whatever they decided was sufficient. Now next time buy a new Ford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efy Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 It was a used product from a BMW/Mercedes dealership. Nissan didn't make a dime from us. I actually didn't buy it... as stated in the original post. My better half did.And about Ford... I'll likely never own another, after all the issues with my Focus. Two transmissions, electronic gimmicks, interior rattles galore... and not even 50k miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efy Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 (edited) You really only have 2 choices at this point. First you'll have to fix it yourself regardless. Then you can either eat the cost and chalk it up to experience (my recommendation) or take them to small claims court for reimbursement. The problem with court is your agreement on what they're supposed to fix and how is too vague, so you'll probably lose provided they did something to try and fix it. In the future, you need to do one of two things: Ask for a discount so you can fix the scratches and dings yourself OR Ask them to fix the scratches BEFORE you make the purchase, and then only agree if you're satisfied with the work. The way you did it left you at their mercy for whatever they decided was sufficient. Now next time buy a new Ford. "New" is out of the question on either of our budgets; "Ford" may very well be, too, considering the reliability issues I've experienced with both my current and previous Ford. Edited January 23, 2014 by efy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiredMotorCompany Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 "New" is out of the question on either of our budgets; "Ford" may very well be, too, considering the reliability issues I've experienced with both my current and previous Ford. Hopefully you have a Ford employee friend or neighbor who would assist you with an "X-Plan" discount. Beats paying retail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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