|
BRZ First-Gen (2012+) -- General Topics All discussions about the first-gen Subaru BRZ coupe |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
11-03-2016, 04:29 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Drives: 2023 BRZ
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 208
Thanks: 174
Thanked 219 Times in 90 Posts
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
Subaru dealer damaged my car - What is a fair expectation?
Hi all,
Set foot in my local Subaru dealer for the first time to get my 6k free oil change and ended up going back home in a brand new Accord (mmm so comfy). A very young looking dealer employee drove my car into another parked Subaru and damaged the front bumper and fender. They are currently working with a repair center to give me a time estimate. They will cover all repair costs and use OEM parts for repairs. They also gave me a brand new rental car. To sum up, they seem to be doing everything to correct their mistake. On the other hand, the only thing I received in return for this whole trouble and possible diminished resale value is a free oil change coupon and a "Sorry man, that is actually my favourite car". I first offered that they fix some other cosmetic blemishes with the car while they were at it as a goodwill gesture on their part, but the managers just refused. Then I suggested that they provide me a statement in writing confirming that they wouldn't use the current incident to lower my car's trade in value if I decide to trade it in for something else in the future, which they accepted (I haven't received anything yet though). I am trying not to make a big deal out of it, but wondering what you guys would consider as "fair"? Is it enough that they just fix their mess up and I don't have an "original" car anymore? Should I look for a "diminished value appraisal" when picking the car up? |
The Following User Says Thank You to OND For This Useful Post: | Tcoat (11-03-2016) |
11-03-2016, 04:32 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Drives: '13 BRZ
Location: Texas
Posts: 362
Thanks: 179
Thanked 235 Times in 149 Posts
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
If it shows up on a history report as an accident, the value will drop regardless of what they give you in writing.
|
The Following User Says Thank You to BRZoomTX For This Useful Post: | OND (11-03-2016) |
11-03-2016, 04:47 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Drives: 2023 BRZ
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 208
Thanks: 174
Thanked 219 Times in 90 Posts
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
Yeah, that whole thing stemmed from me asking them rhetorically "Would you value this car the same as a no accident car if I wanted to trade it in today?" and the lady replied "Yes". That's why I asked for it in writing to see if they can back up their claim or just making stuff up on the phone. I am aware any statement that they give me doesn't mean anything for any other buyer.
|
11-03-2016, 05:08 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Drives: 2016 Subaru BRZ
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 208
Thanks: 24
Thanked 70 Times in 51 Posts
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
If it won't show up on a car fax, I wouldn't worry about it.
If it will, I'd be demanding an even trade for a similar car, lol. |
11-03-2016, 06:26 PM | #5 |
Geezer
Join Date: Feb 2016
Drives: 2016 Subaru BRZ Sport Tech
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 276
Thanks: 133
Thanked 190 Times in 111 Posts
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
But seriously, your incident is my nightmare.
I always try to bring my car in on a nice weather day with it freshly detailed just hoping beyond hope that the persons entrusted with its care might notice, and treat 'er accordingly. And so far I've been lucky . . . or my plan works. It sounds like you're being looked after pretty well. |
The Following User Says Thank You to geezerbrzeezer For This Useful Post: | OND (11-03-2016) |
11-03-2016, 06:26 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Drives: '14 981CS, '99 NB1
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,274
Thanks: 1,234
Thanked 1,201 Times in 631 Posts
Mentioned: 114 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
|
Regardless of Carfax - if it involves replacing entire panels (bumper, fender, etc) - you'll lose the OEM VIN tags on those body panels. You _WILL_ have diminished value upon sale or trade in. These VIN tags are common knowledge now and every buyer looking at a car that is more expensive than your random junker Civic is going to check for those. I've seen it over and over (I've owned 20 cars, sold all of them except for 2 at this point). If one of those tags is missing - your car is automatically worth thousands less. Also, you won't be able to tell your prospective buyer that your car has never been in an accident or had paint/body work done - unless you like bad karma.
Tell them about this, tell them that you know it. Tell them that you demand a check from their insurance company for the diminished value differential after they completely fix it to like new condition with OEM parts. They screwed up, they damaged your car. Treat this like any auto accident where you are not at fault. You have all the power here, take it. |
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to johan For This Useful Post: |
11-03-2016, 06:31 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Drives: Flying in a Blue Dream
Location: California
Posts: 224
Thanks: 205
Thanked 123 Times in 75 Posts
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
|
|
11-03-2016, 07:45 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Drives: '19 M2 Comp, '20 GR Supra
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 1,904
Thanks: 109
Thanked 2,153 Times in 986 Posts
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 3 Thread(s)
|
As mentioned in previous posts, if you're worried about monetary loss, you'll have to claim diminished value from their insurance (good luck though as its always a fun fight through this process). I'd be hesitant to only deal with their dealership as no loss in trade in (I mean, do you know 100% that your next car is going to be a subaru)? In the end, it's up to you what you think is "right." If you decide you're driving this car to the ground, then it wouldn't really matter in the long run, but if you do decide to switch cars in the next few years, than you'd be taking the financial hit.
As for the car, be weary of the repairs that our done. OEM parts is one thing, but quality of work is what matters first and foremost. Make sure the paint matching is accurate, no corners were cut. Especially since the dealership is doing this at their cost, it's all the more reason for them to get the job done quick and dirty.
__________________
@dsomegax.cars
2013 Subaru BRZ Limited | WRB | STI tS Build Thread [SOLD] 2019 BMW M2 Competition | LBB | ///M Performance Build Thread 2020 Toyota GR Supra | Turbulence | TRD | Build Thread |
11-03-2016, 08:03 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Drives: 15FRS, 05MustangGT, 85Toyota truck
Location: Eureka, Ca.
Posts: 574
Thanks: 672
Thanked 590 Times in 279 Posts
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
|
Extremely sorry for you that this happened...
My Opinion... Find out who is the General manager, or better yet, owner of that dealership. Contact him/her and use this little word in any sentence : Lawyer. Often helps quite a bit...and best used in a written letter from yourself. In a dealership, believe it or not, the shit flows to the top. Owners/top management often are the ones dealing with real customer complaints. So, screw the chain of command...go to the top immediately. They owe you , at this point...either a new car now, or a cash payment for diminished value, in addition to them paying for repairing the car to your satisfaction. Last edited by ToySub1946; 11-03-2016 at 08:14 PM. |
11-03-2016, 08:12 PM | #10 | ||
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Drives: 2023 BRZ
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 208
Thanks: 174
Thanked 219 Times in 90 Posts
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
Quote:
Quote:
|
||
11-03-2016, 08:31 PM | #11 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Drives: 2023 BRZ
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 208
Thanks: 174
Thanked 219 Times in 90 Posts
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
Quote:
Honestly, I would probably say "sh*t happens" and move on if the service manager and the service "liaison" (whatever the f that means) sounded sincere in their apologies and told me that due to this and that reason they couldn't help me further, but their attitude in handling the situation is getting to my nerves. |
|
11-03-2016, 08:57 PM | #12 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2016
Drives: 2019 MX-5 RF
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 601
Thanks: 829
Thanked 241 Times in 153 Posts
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
life is crappy
|
11-03-2016, 09:00 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Drives: 15FRS, 05MustangGT, 85Toyota truck
Location: Eureka, Ca.
Posts: 574
Thanks: 672
Thanked 590 Times in 279 Posts
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
|
"Honestly, I would probably say "sh*t happens" and move on if the service manager and the service "liaison" (whatever the f that means) sounded sincere in their apologies and told me that due to this and that reason they couldn't help me further, but their attitude in handling the situation is getting to my nerves."
Additional thoughts on my part: As I've stated before, best to deal with General manager of dealership or owner of dealership. A way which often works best...Have a sit down, with this person, privately, office door closed, with no one else within hear shot. This can be accomplished either by appointment, or walk-in by yourself. Call their receptionist, find out just when that management person will be in house. Amazing what happens in a face to face situation in which both parties are calm. Arm yourself with questions written down. Other option...Call your own insurance company. It's just like someone else hit your car, and they are insured. Your company may be willing to deal with the 'accident' without charge, easier than you paying for a lawyer. |
11-03-2016, 09:24 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Drives: 2017 Subaru BRZ PP
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,525
Thanks: 1,702
Thanked 646 Times in 317 Posts
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
|
That's why I try to avoid dealers/repair shops at all costs and do stuff like oil changes myself. Honestly, I don't think there's ever been a time where I walked out of a shop without other issues created by the service people.
__________________
Toyota + Subaru =
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Bristecom For This Useful Post: | OND (11-03-2016) |
|
|
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
How many keys did you get from Subaru dealer? | DuMa | BRZ First-Gen (2012+) -- General Topics | 41 | 05-01-2016 07:18 PM |
Damaged Subaru BRZ Headunit | kilohercas | Electronics | Audio | NAV | Infotainment | 0 | 01-11-2016 08:15 AM |
Cams, 2 years from release a good expectation? | Superhatch | Engine, Exhaust, Transmission | 12 | 12-13-2013 10:20 PM |
Servicing my FR-S at Subaru dealer rather than Scion dealer | dnL | Mechanical Maintenance (Oil, Fluids, Break-In, Servicing) | 25 | 08-28-2012 07:25 AM |