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Confronting a body shop about shitty work?
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Alright my car was backed into about 1 year ago. It was hit on the rear drivers side door/quarter panel. It caused about $2,000 worth of damage to my car and the other persons insurance paid for everything. I was given the option of going through the insurances body shops or picking my own. After searching in my area I found a shop that had good reviews and everything. So I got the body work done at the shop I chose. They fixed it quickly and did a good job (or so I thought). About 2 days after picking up my car I noticed a spot where the paint had chipped off around the bumper. So I went back and asked why they hadn't fixed that spot. The owner of the shop took my complaint as insult and start saying that was there before and definitely wasn't happy I brought up the issue. I just gave up trying to argue and was fine living with a small spot of missing clear coat.
Fast forward to now, over a year later. I notice I have a large crack where the body work was performed. They used bondo and did not to a great job. I took my car to another shop to get a second opinion. They told me the body shop that fixed it used too thick of a body filler which caused it to crack. So now I'm wondering how do I confront the owner of the bodyshop without sounding like a dick but also making them fix it? It's obviously going to need to be refilled in with body filler and painted so it won't be cheap. They say the have a warranty up to 3 years later but I'm sure they'll try any possible way to get out of the situation. I'm also 19 so no one ever takes me seriously.
Sparknotes- Had bodywork done to car over a year ago. They did a shitty job and now it is fucked. How do I get them to fix it without coming off as an asshole and threatening them?
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If they set the warranty for 3 years then they have to abide, unless you missed some fine print or something.
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Its a year later, you have no way of proving that the crack was from them instead of you running into something. I'd give it a shot and be really nice about it when you go to see them, but good luck...
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If its clearly due to the work they did and there is a 3 year warranty then they are pretty obligated.
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That was the main concern. It's been over a year and the only thing in my defense was that a large reputable body shop/dealer specifically stated that crack was due to poor craftsmanship. It's not like a tiny crack either. It sticks out from the rest of the paint by at least 2mm. I've honestly tried to think of every way possible about how I could of caused it but it's just too big for me to of done something to cause it. I'm just wondering the best way possible to ask them about it. I don't want to barge in and be like "why the fuck is my body work cracking? I went to so and so and they said it was your fault" I'm just not trying to get shafted. The only reason I bring up this issue is because I'm looking to sell my car soon and having that crack will significantly decrease the value.
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I agree with Rowen. It'll be very difficult to make them do anything... I had a similar problem with my front headlight. It was going on and off so I went to get it inspected and the shop said it was faulty and needed to be replaced. When I went back to get my car the plastic lamp casing was cracked severely and there were numerous deep gashes on the front hood. I noticed it immediately and told them about it but they just said it was already like that... and there was no way I could prove otherwise. Good luck getting them to do something a year later, your only hope is to try to find a way to prove that it was their fault, and that can be tricky. Best of luck though man, thats a sticky situation
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Yea dude, if you can get a professionals word on the fact that it's their fault (Other reputable shop owners stating that the crack came from filling that was too thick), then you're set I'd say
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See if you can get the bodyshop that said it was because of shity work write that down and sign it and bring it to the body shop that did the work. If they refuse to fix it tell them you are going to bring them to small claims court, and then hopefully the judge will rule in your favor.
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Thanks for the suggestions so far. The other body shop I had look at it is a very large dealership and auto body place so I think having a written statement might help my case. I'm really surprised this even happened because they had good reviews from a few people and they were very polite when I brought the car in. I'm sure they don't remember me complaining the first time. I just don't want to have to threaten them with taking them to court or spreading a bad word. But I'll keep this thread updated once I go talk to them.
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