Ford dealer caused damage... Final update video**

[Scott R Nelson]

Yeah, my local dealer did this to my Mustang. Took them two months to finally get it fixed right. At least they knocked a few hundred off of the extensive maintenance/repair work that I was having them do.

I should have asked for a replacement car to drive while they had it, but didn't because I have two other cars for only two drivers. It would have given them an additional incentive to hurry it up. It cost the dealer more to fix that door than I paid for the rather expensive stuff they were supposed to do. At least they told me about it rather than letting me stumble onto it myself.

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[mcinfantry]

Let the dealer perform the repair, but show up at the body shop with doughnuts. When you go to pick it up, if it isn't perfect then refuse to accept the vehicle back and call your insurance company and place a claim for "loss of value" due to the damage.

Also, take better photos of the damage with a ruler in view to show scale.

Damn in Maine you can sue your own insurance for diminished value? Thats crazy. In my state if you use your insurance there is no diminished value claim.

 

[milojah]

Damn in Maine you can sue your own insurance for diminished value? Thats crazy. In my state if you use your insurance there is no diminished value claim.

I had the same thing happen, but it was in Florida, and it was a VW. The body shop told me to do exactly as I posted. I got $3k from the dealer, $2k from insurance and then VW took the vehicle back in trade for a new one.

Don't skip the doughnuts.

 

[OCNORB1974]

A decent shop should be able to match white no problem. I had a repair on a car with pearl white tricoat and the shop got the match better than factory on the plastic bumper.

How do you make it ‘better than factory’ when that’s what you’re matching. Your comment makes no sense at all.

 

[a.smith]

How do you make it ‘better than factory’ when that’s what you’re matching. Your comment makes no sense at all.

Painted plastic often doesn't look exactly the same as painted metal on a car. Brand new cars will often have bumpers that aren't exactly the same color as the rest of the car.

 

[OCNORB1974]

“Heavy” damage? Heavy damage would be falling off a lift or t-bonong a car on a test drive. Of you consider this to be heavy, I would hate to see you after a fender bender.

 

[Hunger&SharkTooth]

Wowzer that is very frustrating. Sorry you had to experience

 

[ColeTrain84]

Keep an eye out for them just touching it up. Take bets thats what they try and do?

 

[Maverickxj]

Alright, after reading through everyone's responses, I decided to go with the consensus and let the dealership attempt to repair the Bronco.

A month after the initial damage I dropped off the Bronco and got the F150 loaner. It had been a week and a half and I got the call to go pick it up.

Arrived and saw the Bronco parked in the lot and was eager to check it out. Immediately I notice the hue of the driver rear door being warmer than the rest of the Bronco. I dig deeper.... There are literal RUNS in the paint. lol. I don't know what else to do at this point other than laugh at the idiocy of the dealership.

Besides that, the driver door was untouched and original chips not repaired. The rear fender looks like they tried to hit it with a paint pen and the chip is still there. There's also overspray on the soft top.

Here are some pictures. I'm at a loss at this point and the options seem to be let them "fix it again" as the manager suggested or.... talk to my insurance company and see about taking it to another body shop. I told the manager that I had zero faith in their body shop and he said he can't approve repairs anywhere else.

Ford corporate was zero help and said I can call around and see if another dealer can fix it. Anyways.... feel free to chime in as we journey through this mess together.

PICS

 

[Maverickxj]

“Heavy” damage? Heavy damage would be falling off a lift or t-bonong a car on a test drive. Of you consider this to be heavy, I would hate to see you after a fender bender.

I mean ok, not HEAVY... but so far it has cost the dealership over $2000 for the repair. In my mind that's a lot of damage to adjust a hinge. lol.

 

[395N]

Good lord brother. The repaint looks like dog shit.
Frankly if it was me I'd just pay of pocket and bring to your trusted bodyshop and leave a very honest review for that dealership.

 

[Maverickxj]

Good lord brother. The repaint looks like dog shit.
Frankly if it was me I'd just pay of pocket and bring to your trusted bodyshop and leave a very honest review for that dealership.

Doesn't it? I didn't realize how horrendous the match was till I looked at the pics. Seriously considering something like that. It just feels awful having only taken it in for light warranty work/recalls..

 

[67BroncoG1]

Turn it into your insurance. pick your body shop and the insurance will go after the dealership for damages. You won’t even pay the deductible once the dealership pays your insurance.

 

[395N]

Doesn't it? I didn't realize how horrendous the match was till I looked at the pics. Seriously considering something like that. It just feels awful having only taken it in for light warranty work/recalls..

I can tell you from a Jeep perspective I never bring my Wrangler to the dealership unless it's major motor/electrical/tranny work that I am certain will covered under warranty. Otherwise I do the work myself or bring to a trusted indie Jeep shop and pay out of pocket.

 

[Maverickxj]

Turn it into your insurance. pick your body shop and the insurance will go after the dealership for damages. You won’t even pay the deductible once the dealership pays your insurance.

I think this is the way. And maybe a "diminished value" claim as mentioned above. Live and learn I guess.

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