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Honda Complaint - Bad Paint Ignored by Dealer - S2000
S2000 - Complaint
WEST CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY -- I purchased a new Honda S2000 convertible at Honda of Essex in West Caldwell, New Jersey two weeks ago. By the time I got through finance, etc., and took delivery of the car it was almost 10:00 at night, and I didn't get a chance to take a good look at the car. One clue might have been that it was in detail for an unusually long period of time before they gave it to me.
Over the next couple of days while admiring my new car, I noticed a number of chips in the paint, and a number of cloudy areas. Most of the problem exists on the hood and passenger side fender. I brought the car back to Honda of Essex and brought my concern to the attention of one of the sales managers. He asked one of his detail guys to look at the car.
The detail guy looked it over and made a few attempts to cover some of the chips and fish-eyes in the paint. At some point he said there wasn't much more he could do. I was not convinced that more couldn't be done, but I figured he was just trying to blow me off as he received a phone call from his wife and told me he was late for dinner. I figured I would wash the car myself and have it detailed by a professional, and perhaps this would resolve the issue.
I had a body man look at the car. He told me the paint was defective in a number of places; that the dealer attempted to buff out some of the damage; and that the only way to fix the paint would be to repaint the car. He refused to touch the car.
Now I have contacted Honda directly and I am told that a case manager will be in touch with me within two days.
If they don't resolve this properly, I will take further action against the dealer and Honda directly, if necessary. I will also make as many public complaints and statements as possible so that people will know that this dealer is not honorable, and if not resolved, neither is Honda of America.
9/12/07: A case manager from Honda contacted me and recommended I make an appointment with the service department at the dealer, which I did. The service manager looked at the car, and recommended the car be compounded to see if the imperfections in the paint can be buffed out. He said they would also apply touch-up paint to the chipped areas. After that, if I'm still not happy with the paint, he said a representative from Honda would inspect the car and make a further determination.
At least they are taking some action. I'll keep everyone posted.
Over the next couple of days while admiring my new car, I noticed a number of chips in the paint, and a number of cloudy areas. Most of the problem exists on the hood and passenger side fender. I brought the car back to Honda of Essex and brought my concern to the attention of one of the sales managers. He asked one of his detail guys to look at the car.
The detail guy looked it over and made a few attempts to cover some of the chips and fish-eyes in the paint. At some point he said there wasn't much more he could do. I was not convinced that more couldn't be done, but I figured he was just trying to blow me off as he received a phone call from his wife and told me he was late for dinner. I figured I would wash the car myself and have it detailed by a professional, and perhaps this would resolve the issue.
I had a body man look at the car. He told me the paint was defective in a number of places; that the dealer attempted to buff out some of the damage; and that the only way to fix the paint would be to repaint the car. He refused to touch the car.
Now I have contacted Honda directly and I am told that a case manager will be in touch with me within two days.
If they don't resolve this properly, I will take further action against the dealer and Honda directly, if necessary. I will also make as many public complaints and statements as possible so that people will know that this dealer is not honorable, and if not resolved, neither is Honda of America.
9/12/07: A case manager from Honda contacted me and recommended I make an appointment with the service department at the dealer, which I did. The service manager looked at the car, and recommended the car be compounded to see if the imperfections in the paint can be buffed out. He said they would also apply touch-up paint to the chipped areas. After that, if I'm still not happy with the paint, he said a representative from Honda would inspect the car and make a further determination.
At least they are taking some action. I'll keep everyone posted.
Comments:
Posted by HappyJoyBear on 2007-09-10:
This happened on a brand new car? Ouch!
This is hard to proof after you sign all the paperwork and took delivery of the vehicle. Paint chips and swirls are damages to the factory clear-coat/paint. This is not the factory’s fault. Most likely occurred when other customers test-drove this car. Paint chips can be touched-up and rubbing compound can make swirls less noticeable.
The only way to fix it is to repaint the affected areas.
This is hard to proof after you sign all the paperwork and took delivery of the vehicle. Paint chips and swirls are damages to the factory clear-coat/paint. This is not the factory’s fault. Most likely occurred when other customers test-drove this car. Paint chips can be touched-up and rubbing compound can make swirls less noticeable.
The only way to fix it is to repaint the affected areas.
Posted by HappyJoyBear on 2007-09-10:
A mobile paint shop can do it less than traditional body shop. They normally take a few hours instead of days to complete the job. Look for one in your local yellow pages.
Posted by HappyJoyBear on 2007-09-10:
I also vote this OP very helpful. I will not go there for a Honda.
Posted by jktshff1 on 2007-09-10:
voted it helpful, but..why would you purchase an item as expensive as a car, but not taken the time to look it over carefully?
Posted by Too Good To Be True on 2007-09-10:
I voted your review as 'very helpful'.
Posted by HappyJoyBear on 2007-09-10:
You would think that it will be safe to purchase a brand new car. I blame the dealership.
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