How do I stand with a luxury car manufacturer approved dealership that undertook work to my car and the standard of finish is really bad and is now in dispute?
The garage messed up several times and carried out some rectification works that they claim have been satisfactory however as well as the finish being below standard the car has come back with further damage each time.
The car went in for paint to the front and rear bumpers and fronts of the wings but because they messed up with the paint- fingerprints on the lacquer no less - the car had to have the entire front wings repainted and the finish still has flaws.
The first time the chrome radiator was scratched and they replaced it. The mascot on the radiator didn't retract properly so this had to be later adjusted by another main dealer. On inspecting the new radiator myself and the other dealership noticed a small dent on it which is still present.
The headlamps were replaced because they're plastic and became crazed probably as a result of the car going into an oven. They had to heat up and refit a plastic wheel arch liner because that had become buckled due to excess heat. Again this work was carried out at a different dealership because I'd completely lost faith in the first.
There is really bad overspray everywhere. The car was covered the second time they presented it to me and even white specks of paint over the chrome tailpipes.
They replaced two tyres and damaged one of the wheels. They have not commented on this.
The car came back after the second time and it had been raining heavily so I couldn't properly inspect the car but I paid the bill after it had been dried off thinking it was fine. I then later discover scratches on the rear wing. They do not admit liability to this.
They did say that they would pay for a detailer to go over the car and he has spent two days on it but he wasn't able to remove all of the overspray especially in the door shuts, etc. So far they haven't paid him for his work...
Too many things to list here and I also need to state that the car manufacturer have also become involved but have now withdrawn. I did tweet but it wasn't anything that wasn't true. They state that my contract is with the dealership and have completely closed ranks as they assume this will go to court.
When the dealership came to my home last week to inspect they did recognise some issues and the detailer also submitted a damning report - which they declare is one sided as I know the detailer. After two inspections and after both identified varying degrees of issues they are now demanding that i find 3 court approved paint and bodywork specialists and that we both jointly decide on one to inspect my car so that it can be assessed and they're asking me to go 50/50 on the cost - I would assume for legal reasons. Is this fair?
My car has been substantially devalued as a result of this work and there doesn't seem to be a clear path for me to follow. How do I find a specialist and I'm assuming there must be solicitors who specialise in this field?
I paid a lot for this car and it was largely pristine apart from some minor marks to the front which I'd hoped they could sort out but the car has come back far worse than it ever was with dame in virtually every area.
Obviously I went to a main dealership because I wanted the car to go to the best place for this work but the whole situation has turned on me through no fault of my own. They have the brand but certainly not the quality.
The car in question is right at the top of the tree but for legal reasons I don't wish to name them at this stage.
They are pushing hard for this independent inspection but I'm concerned that whoever inspects the car will be limited in the respect that they may not be able to offer comment regarding exactly how and when the car became damaged.
I have to stress that this is a very high end car well exceeding six figures hence why I don't feel any court approved inspector would be able to adequately assess the damage to my vehicle.
I'm based in London and the dealership is based in Hampshire.
Any advice would be welcomed.
The garage messed up several times and carried out some rectification works that they claim have been satisfactory however as well as the finish being below standard the car has come back with further damage each time.
The car went in for paint to the front and rear bumpers and fronts of the wings but because they messed up with the paint- fingerprints on the lacquer no less - the car had to have the entire front wings repainted and the finish still has flaws.
The first time the chrome radiator was scratched and they replaced it. The mascot on the radiator didn't retract properly so this had to be later adjusted by another main dealer. On inspecting the new radiator myself and the other dealership noticed a small dent on it which is still present.
The headlamps were replaced because they're plastic and became crazed probably as a result of the car going into an oven. They had to heat up and refit a plastic wheel arch liner because that had become buckled due to excess heat. Again this work was carried out at a different dealership because I'd completely lost faith in the first.
There is really bad overspray everywhere. The car was covered the second time they presented it to me and even white specks of paint over the chrome tailpipes.
They replaced two tyres and damaged one of the wheels. They have not commented on this.
The car came back after the second time and it had been raining heavily so I couldn't properly inspect the car but I paid the bill after it had been dried off thinking it was fine. I then later discover scratches on the rear wing. They do not admit liability to this.
They did say that they would pay for a detailer to go over the car and he has spent two days on it but he wasn't able to remove all of the overspray especially in the door shuts, etc. So far they haven't paid him for his work...
Too many things to list here and I also need to state that the car manufacturer have also become involved but have now withdrawn. I did tweet but it wasn't anything that wasn't true. They state that my contract is with the dealership and have completely closed ranks as they assume this will go to court.
When the dealership came to my home last week to inspect they did recognise some issues and the detailer also submitted a damning report - which they declare is one sided as I know the detailer. After two inspections and after both identified varying degrees of issues they are now demanding that i find 3 court approved paint and bodywork specialists and that we both jointly decide on one to inspect my car so that it can be assessed and they're asking me to go 50/50 on the cost - I would assume for legal reasons. Is this fair?
My car has been substantially devalued as a result of this work and there doesn't seem to be a clear path for me to follow. How do I find a specialist and I'm assuming there must be solicitors who specialise in this field?
I paid a lot for this car and it was largely pristine apart from some minor marks to the front which I'd hoped they could sort out but the car has come back far worse than it ever was with dame in virtually every area.
Obviously I went to a main dealership because I wanted the car to go to the best place for this work but the whole situation has turned on me through no fault of my own. They have the brand but certainly not the quality.
The car in question is right at the top of the tree but for legal reasons I don't wish to name them at this stage.
They are pushing hard for this independent inspection but I'm concerned that whoever inspects the car will be limited in the respect that they may not be able to offer comment regarding exactly how and when the car became damaged.
I have to stress that this is a very high end car well exceeding six figures hence why I don't feel any court approved inspector would be able to adequately assess the damage to my vehicle.
I'm based in London and the dealership is based in Hampshire.
Any advice would be welcomed.