Factory Paint Problems?

[jimvw57]

I have a small paint chip (?) right next to the windshield that was caused by a rock bouncing off the Tridon cell. It did get through the paint and since the cell is Black, it does show up pretty good. Sounds like I would be better off using some black touch up than trying to get it matched up.

I'd go back to the dealer and get the defect repaired as it was on the car when you picked it up. Someday when you go to trade it in, that paint mark will cost on the resale value.

[Okiesmrt]

Lets see some pics. What if the OP is making a mountain out of a couple pin holes in the powder coat?

[jimvw57]

I would think the size of the problem is not as important as the fact that the customer is unhappy. I know that there are some people that can not be appeased, but most customers can be worked with to get a satisfactory outcome. From what the post reads, it sounds like the dealer tried to involve the local rep and the rep didn't follow through to a satifactory result. At that point, it should be escalated to the next higher up.

Just my opinion...

[Okiesmrt]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

I would think the size of the problem is not as important as the fact that the customer is unhappy. I know that there are some people that can not be appeased, but most customers can be worked with to get a satisfactory outcome. From what the post reads, it sounds like the dealer tried to involve the local rep and the rep didn't follow through to a satifactory result. At that point, it should be escalated to the next higher up.

Just my opinion...

That's what just happened. The dealer realized it was so minuscule he couldn't warranty it. So to follow through he passed the issue to the factory rep. I drive a $80,000 car that has less than perfect paint...no paint job is perfect or expected to be unless you just threw down $20k for Chip Foose to do a custom job.

[Karl Roth]

Why is this thread titled "paint" problems?
karl

[Bamawama]

Been out of town without my laptop so I'm just now checking in.
Thanks for the responses everyone.
To those who think I may be making something out of nothing I disagree. When both the sales and service mgrs agree there is an issue I can't be totally wrong. As I said before I'm a very mellow woman who isn't easily ruffled but the factory rep was way out of line on this one. I really got the feeling of being steamrolled and swept under the carpet as a nuisance.
I've not yet heard back from Smart but I guess that's no real surprise. Thanks fpage 77 for the info. about Dave. I'll definitely contact him.
To those who are supportive, thank you for validating my feeling on this.
Stay tuned for Chapter 2.