Repair Process on This OEM Defect

[killercl0wnfish]

after working at a toyota factory for 6 years 3 years in body weld and 3 years in assembly i must tell u this issue might look like its takeing lightly and toyota is not doin much on there end .... but it is not bein takin lightly as far as the factory go's the person on that job on that day will be talked to and this issue will be takin car of ( not fired but spokein to )... as far as replaceing the car 100% .. i dont see why they would its really not a visual eye sore or is it a crash point (delta c) .. as far as the repairs they will do it and make it look like it was never bent ive seen repairs like this and they look awsome when done right....

[Tanuki]

If I wanted a used damaged car, I would have waited and purchased used. I should not e paying for a less than perfect car here. The factory assembly is always going to be better than some body shop. Also every time you pull the car apart you may not break clips and things, but you do stress and ware them. They are not made to continually be removed.

The point is that this car is just a small percentage of their profits, and a huge percentage of my income being spent. I paid full price and they do not haggle pricing. I was given no discounts or extras on a car that is less than perfect. The fact that this car made it to a dealer and the buying customer is the only person who said anything is ridiculous. Many employees would have seen this damage as it was one of the first parts on the car, but Toyota wanted to make a customer deal with it rather than taking care of it at the factory.

Switchlanez is correct, cutting up my brand new car really isn't an option. Making something look as good as new is not the same as being the same as new. This is to them an aesthetic cover up on a structural piece of the frame.

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

That sounds like they need to repaint as in three stage paint process (base coat, mid coat, clear coat). They likely need to cut a section out from the body and weld in an identical section that does not have the defect. They'll need to paint/blend that section of the body surrounding and including the newly welded in body piece.

Also seems like the adjuster might have used vague terminology so as to not raise a red flag and scare you away.

That's probably right. Just what you want right? Paint matched pearl paint? Oh I need sarcasm font.

[Floggin Tires]

It could definitely be repaired to 100% no doubt. Will it be? Don't know.

Myself, think you should have the option of a replacement vehicle.
Is that necessary? Not at all. Not to sound contradictive... but.
Hell, you bought a NEW car. Its not a paint scratch or a dent.
They should be ashamed to let it slip (I'm sure they are).

They should say fuck it, and reply this.
(Hypothetical starts now...
Toyota/Scion says: "My bad, you want us to repair this? We will.
Or you can exchange it for this NEW car. The choice is yours."
Hypothetical ends)

End of story, and mad props to the manufacturer.
Just step up Toyota/Scion.

[MmmHamSandwich]

Pretty concerning a flub like that passed QC. I'd be pretty pissed if I were in OP's shoes.

[Tanuki]

Thanks. If its not a big deal they shouldn't have a hard time reselling it. I am excited to hear from them tomorrow and get moving on with life

[Tanuki]

I was thinking about this today and if they are saying that they need to repaint the metal behind the welds on the car (like the back of the gutter under the trunk lid), that would also mean they would have to paint the outside fender as well. That explains why it has pearl paint in the quote. Something they didnt tell me would be necessary. That makes this even worse. I definitely do not want the body shop paint matching pearl on the body.

I am going to call Scion in the next few minutes and see what the options are now that they have the report from the body shop.

[Nate219BRZ]

New car personally delivered by jack hollis autographed by the head engineer in charge of this car. Done and done. You did say ur basiclly keeping it for future value right.

[Tanuki]

^sentimental future value, yes. I would like it to at least depreciate the same as everyone else's cars though and not faster than theirs.

Alright, so the rep from toyota sales regional just called me and told me I had missed my appointment. He said that it was scheduled at 4, and I hadn't shown up. What really happened was that he told me I was going to meet with a toyota authorized shop to assess the damage. I got out of work early to head up and was on time to be there at 3:30 or so. I called the shop to be sure it would be ok if I came early and they told me it was not a problem. Anyway, it turns out that their guy was supposed to be there as well at 4:00pm and they are claiming they told me the rep would be there (even though that was never mentioned). The shop told me the part had to be cut out and replaced (i have the estimate right here on my desk), but they told toyota they could flatten it out and re tack it on. The rep told me that was my option, and I told him that there is no way for them to make that part look factory OEM and that it was unacceptable. I told him the car needs to be replaced or I will be taking it back based on Utah Lemon laws. He is going to be in contact with toyota and they are supposed to call me again today. I just think it is funny because I have told them numerous times now that the repair is not an option at this point and I need a replacement. I love hoops. If I don't hear back soon with reasonable options, I will be going towards to legal side of this rather than through their corporate contacts.

[alrashwa]

I'd talk to a lawyer. I wish it were not expensive, but it could pay off. My girlfriend works at a law office so it's nice for us. I must say, having one on your side makes things much smoother. Good luck man, keep us posted.

[Tanuki]

I think I will start by posting this progress thread on all of the forums I am on. That will at least spread awareness and hopefully prevent others from having similar issues.

[Tanuki]

The Regional Rep just called me and wants me to go back up to the body shop tomorrow morning so they can go through it again with him there this time.

I sent an email to Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff as well in regards.

[raz0rbladez909]

In my case where I had filed a lemon law claim on my 08 350z, the Lawyer will assess your case free of charge and once it is determined that you have a case will then go after the manufacturer for the lawyer fees so you usually don't come out of pocket. But that is California and you are in Utah so I don't know how it works there.

Either way, I wouldn't want my brand new car going anywhere near a body shop. It may end up being repaired professionally, but the fact will always remain that you know what was there in the first place.

[Tanuki]

Well because they couldn't come to a resolution today and are trying to send me through more hoops, I have started posting this story on other Toyota and Subaru forums to raise awareness as well.