Help! What do you guys think a fair compensation is?
09-25-2010, 04:42 PM
#1
Help! What do you guys think a fair compensation is?
Apology in advance for the long post, but please read and give suggestions and opinions. Here’s the story:
I bought an OEM rear spoiler from a reputable Infiniti dealer, and went in for the install today. I fiddled around with the idea to install myself, seeing what WIlminton310 did recently; but with the drilling and needing my car this afternoon, I did not want to take the chance with any mishaps.
About 1.5 hours into the install (the service advisor estimated about 2 hours), I was called into the advisor’s office.
“We need to get you a loaner.”
I was surprised and asked why. The advisor told me that they drilled the hole in the wrong place, and need to fix it on Monday once the body shop they use opens.
I was shocked as this is the exact reason why I came to the dealer for the install.
I went to look at the damage and was awed as to how far off the hole was (see pix below). It was at least 4~5 inches from where it is suppose to be on the right. The left side has a dent, which I guess the incompetent tech caught himself or was stopped before he could finish. I asked the advisor if this was even fixable, he said the body shop would probably sand it down, patch it up, and re-paint the whole trunk. I mentioned that with a paint meter or anyone in the car industry with experience would be able to tell that it was re-painted, and that was not acceptable. The advisor said even if he gave me a brand new trunk, it would have to be painted. I asked if there’s anything he could do for me, and at 1st he said “We would pay for the repairs, you do not have to pay for any out of your pocket.”
I said I think that is the least they can do, then he replied that he would not charge me for the install of the spoiler. We tentatively agreed on that and the advisor said he would call me on Monday once he gets a hold of the body shop, to go over what is to be done and not do anything until I agree.
The advisor then got me a loaner and I was on my way. I calmed down a bit on my way home and started to think. I do not think it is fair for him to cover just the install of the spoiler, as people can easily knock 1k off cars with a repair report (my car’s been perfect thus far … knock on wood).
I am thinking either:
Option 1: To restore my car to the way it was:
• Get me a new trunk, paint, install.
• Cover the cost of the installation of the spoiler as a courtesy for my time lost. This particular dealer is about 40 miles away from me, as oppose to the 2 closer Infiniti dealer I frequent are 5 and 20 (5 from work) miles away, respectively.
Option2: Let them fix it but with more freebies (I think the cost out of the dealer would still be cheaper than option 1)
• Fix the trunk to my satisfaction (sand, patch, paint, blend, blah blah blah).
• Pay for the part and install of the new spoiler.
• Pay for the part and install of interior rear deck without 3rd brake light (how Gs with spoiler come from factory) as a courtesy.
• Maybe even throw in paint of lettering on the back to matte black.
What do you guys think? I don’t think I am being unreasonable with what I listed above, but I am still pissed and shocked as to what happened. Any suggestions and opinions are welcome. Thanks for reading the long post.
Hole on right:
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5023486183_f79617f2fb_z.jpg" >
How far off the hole is:
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5023484089_4aab0c064e_b.jpg" />
Dent on left:
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5023482667_b014619bc6_b.jpg" />
I bought an OEM rear spoiler from a reputable Infiniti dealer, and went in for the install today. I fiddled around with the idea to install myself, seeing what WIlminton310 did recently; but with the drilling and needing my car this afternoon, I did not want to take the chance with any mishaps.
About 1.5 hours into the install (the service advisor estimated about 2 hours), I was called into the advisor’s office.
“We need to get you a loaner.”
I was surprised and asked why. The advisor told me that they drilled the hole in the wrong place, and need to fix it on Monday once the body shop they use opens.
I was shocked as this is the exact reason why I came to the dealer for the install. I went to look at the damage and was awed as to how far off the hole was (see pix below). It was at least 4~5 inches from where it is suppose to be on the right. The left side has a dent, which I guess the incompetent tech caught himself or was stopped before he could finish. I asked the advisor if this was even fixable, he said the body shop would probably sand it down, patch it up, and re-paint the whole trunk. I mentioned that with a paint meter or anyone in the car industry with experience would be able to tell that it was re-painted, and that was not acceptable. The advisor said even if he gave me a brand new trunk, it would have to be painted. I asked if there’s anything he could do for me, and at 1st he said “We would pay for the repairs, you do not have to pay for any out of your pocket.”
I said I think that is the least they can do, then he replied that he would not charge me for the install of the spoiler. We tentatively agreed on that and the advisor said he would call me on Monday once he gets a hold of the body shop, to go over what is to be done and not do anything until I agree. The advisor then got me a loaner and I was on my way. I calmed down a bit on my way home and started to think. I do not think it is fair for him to cover just the install of the spoiler, as people can easily knock 1k off cars with a repair report (my car’s been perfect thus far … knock on wood).
I am thinking either:
Option 1: To restore my car to the way it was:
• Get me a new trunk, paint, install.
• Cover the cost of the installation of the spoiler as a courtesy for my time lost. This particular dealer is about 40 miles away from me, as oppose to the 2 closer Infiniti dealer I frequent are 5 and 20 (5 from work) miles away, respectively.
Option2: Let them fix it but with more freebies (I think the cost out of the dealer would still be cheaper than option 1)
• Fix the trunk to my satisfaction (sand, patch, paint, blend, blah blah blah).
• Pay for the part and install of the new spoiler.
• Pay for the part and install of interior rear deck without 3rd brake light (how Gs with spoiler come from factory) as a courtesy.
• Maybe even throw in paint of lettering on the back to matte black.
What do you guys think? I don’t think I am being unreasonable with what I listed above, but I am still pissed and shocked as to what happened. Any suggestions and opinions are welcome. Thanks for reading the long post.
Hole on right:
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5023486183_f79617f2fb_z.jpg" >
How far off the hole is:
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5023484089_4aab0c064e_b.jpg" />
Dent on left:
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5023482667_b014619bc6_b.jpg" />
09-25-2010, 07:42 PM
#5
I'm sorry to hear that. Did you take it to Cerritos?
As for what they should do, have them give you a NEW trunk. You might be able to tell the patch work the body shop will do. That is unless, the hole is within the area which will be covered by the OEM spoiler. Additionally, have the dealer give you a free install and maybe even a free oil change.
As for what they should do, have them give you a NEW trunk. You might be able to tell the patch work the body shop will do. That is unless, the hole is within the area which will be covered by the OEM spoiler. Additionally, have the dealer give you a free install and maybe even a free oil change.
09-25-2010, 08:11 PM
#7
I'd say have the body shop patch it up, then when it's ready go inspect the trunk and if ur not happy with it then have them give u a new trunk and have them eat up the cost of the spoiler install. No charge to u of course. They shouldn't have taken the job in the first place if they didn't know what they were doing.
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09-25-2010, 08:14 PM
#9
Absolutely without question they need to give you a brand new trunk and install the spoiler for free. That is unacceptable.
But definitely don't go into the dealership screaming. Calmly explain what you want and why they NEED to do it for you, screaming and being pissed off won't get you anywhere. I'm really sorry to see this happen
But definitely don't go into the dealership screaming. Calmly explain what you want and why they NEED to do it for you, screaming and being pissed off won't get you anywhere. I'm really sorry to see this happen
09-25-2010, 08:18 PM
#11
Like I mentioned, it is a reputable dealer on this forum, that is why I was so shocked to see what happened. I'll give the dealer a chance to do the right thing before I bash them on the forum. But i'll PM you guys the dealer.
Heck, if they do the right thing, this might even make them look good . . . in the customer service front . . .
Heck, if they do the right thing, this might even make them look good . . . in the customer service front . . .
09-25-2010, 08:23 PM
#12
Absolutely without question they need to give you a brand new trunk and install the spoiler for free. That is unacceptable.
But definitely don't go into the dealership screaming. Calmly explain what you want and why they NEED to do it for you, screaming and being pissed off won't get you anywhere. I'm really sorry to see this happen
But definitely don't go into the dealership screaming. Calmly explain what you want and why they NEED to do it for you, screaming and being pissed off won't get you anywhere. I'm really sorry to see this happen
09-25-2010, 08:27 PM
#13
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I agree that patch it up with a good touch up paint job is better than a new trunk b/c they will need to paint the trunk and blend the surrounding area.
09-25-2010, 08:33 PM
#14
I doubt they can just pull a trunk from a new car plus the color might be a little off if your car is more than a year old.
I agree that patch it up with a good touch up paint is better than a new trunk b/c they will need to paint the trunk and blend the surrounding area.
I agree that patch it up with a good touch up paint is better than a new trunk b/c they will need to paint the trunk and blend the surrounding area.
Sigh, this whole situation just sux.
09-25-2010, 08:39 PM
#15
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Good call on the color match. However, I don't think touch up paint would do as there's a hole there drilled through the trunk. And I am guessing this repair work would probably show up on carfax when its time to sale. So with a new trunk, I can at least show the work order to the buyer and show them that it was a brand new trunk.
Sigh, this whole situation just sux.
Sigh, this whole situation just sux.