Paint Advice for Taking Delivery
 

Some on this forum recommended having your car delivered with the shipping wrap still on the car (to protect the paint, to prevent the dealer from washing the car, and to ensure the paint's health before performing services like Opti-Coat).

Do NOT do this. I took delivery of my car with the shipping wrap on, and removed the wrap at the dealer to inspect the car. Because of the unwashed condition of the paint and perhaps because of the weather, I did not notice two small dents on the car until after I washed the car later that day. The dealership took care of one dent perfectly with their PDR guy, but the other spot still has a small ripple in the sheet metal on the trunk lid.

Now the dealer is telling me that they are unable to get a new trunk lid because I accepted the car with the shipping wrap still on. The delivery inspection of the vehicle didn't show any dents because of the wrap, and as such it cannot be covered by SoA as a manufacture's defect.

I have a brand new damaged car and no course of action to remedy it - all because of my attempt to protect it. Let the dealership remove the shipping wrap!

Actually the dealer shouldn't even let you leave with the wrap still on, i believe thats part of their pre-delivery check list..however you can tell them not to wash it or anything.

I left the lot after removing the wrap. Because of the conditions I was unable to spot any damage. Nobody from Subaru inspected the car after I removed the wrap.

My dealership let me drive the car off the lot with the car still wrapped. They did however give me a call and tell me to unwrap it as soon as possible to prevent any accidents. Personal preference - I didn't want them "detailing" my car.

OP makes a good point though it is easier to spot imperfections with the wrap off.

Sorry to hear about this OP, that sucks.

My car is being shipped to me but I had them take the wrap off for PDI but no washing which is probably the best bet for people who are going to do a treatment like opticoat etc.

My one concern now in reading this is that my car is being shipped 1600 miles and i'm sure it'll be exposed to the elements and I wonder who is responsible in the even a rock files up into it. I guessing it's on me and I haven't even seen the car yet.

Don't worry. Every single 86 are being shipped from a tiny island in the far east thousands of miles away and most get here in mint condition lol.