Used car with bird damage. Pls advise!
Discussion
Hi All.
Think I already know the answer to this one, but just checking.
I bought a 2011 Ford Fiesta with 8000 miles at the weekend from a big Ford dealer for around 9.5K.
When I inspected it looked brilliant and the dealer didn't mention any flaws. It looked great in the bright sun, drove well and was clean inside. When I got it home gave it a wash the following day. This took off most of the wax and polish that was on the car and I noticed that the car paintwork is not in the best condition.
The main problem is that the car appears to have been kept under a tree with a bird, or set of birds. These birds must have had dysentery cause they have ruined the roof (and spoiler to a lesser extent). All over the roof there are patches larger than 50p coins where the paint has been eaten right down to the base coat. I could not believe it when I saw it, I didn't even know that was possible.
When waxed it is really hard to see as it shines up the matt basecoat to a gloss. The car is metallic panther black.
I've learned from the experience (will run a finger over everything next time), but I am wondering if I have any case to get the car repaired by the dealer? (I think paint work is not covered though after a year by warrenty, but how can a car get so damaged to quickly?).
Just a bit peeved as the dealer did not mention these blemishes to me. Someone must have noticed it when it was cleaned!
If you all think I'm being too picky (it is a used car) and I was an idiot for missing the damage then I'll book the car into a good body shop, plonk a grand on it and see what they can do. I'm hoping because the roof is a separate part not connected with paint to any of the pillars it is an easyish respray.
Just can't live with paint with these marks. I spent ages looking for a car in good condition and I thought I had found it. Otherwise, I love the way it handles and drives, the alloys are unmarked and the interior is great.
Thanks!
Think I already know the answer to this one, but just checking.
I bought a 2011 Ford Fiesta with 8000 miles at the weekend from a big Ford dealer for around 9.5K.
When I inspected it looked brilliant and the dealer didn't mention any flaws. It looked great in the bright sun, drove well and was clean inside. When I got it home gave it a wash the following day. This took off most of the wax and polish that was on the car and I noticed that the car paintwork is not in the best condition.
The main problem is that the car appears to have been kept under a tree with a bird, or set of birds. These birds must have had dysentery cause they have ruined the roof (and spoiler to a lesser extent). All over the roof there are patches larger than 50p coins where the paint has been eaten right down to the base coat. I could not believe it when I saw it, I didn't even know that was possible.
When waxed it is really hard to see as it shines up the matt basecoat to a gloss. The car is metallic panther black.
I've learned from the experience (will run a finger over everything next time), but I am wondering if I have any case to get the car repaired by the dealer? (I think paint work is not covered though after a year by warrenty, but how can a car get so damaged to quickly?).
Just a bit peeved as the dealer did not mention these blemishes to me. Someone must have noticed it when it was cleaned!
If you all think I'm being too picky (it is a used car) and I was an idiot for missing the damage then I'll book the car into a good body shop, plonk a grand on it and see what they can do. I'm hoping because the roof is a separate part not connected with paint to any of the pillars it is an easyish respray.
Just can't live with paint with these marks. I spent ages looking for a car in good condition and I thought I had found it. Otherwise, I love the way it handles and drives, the alloys are unmarked and the interior is great.
Thanks!
Edited by greypianosflying on Monday 20th May 22:10
greypianosflying said:
When I got it home gave it a wash the following day. This took off most of the wax and polish that was on the car ...
What on earth did you wash it with?Is there a 30 day return policy? Even if you don't want to return it, you could use it as a lever to see if they'll sort it out. Although if it's a bad as you say then it sounds like it'll need a lot of paint.
It's worth giving it a rub by hand with some meguiars ultimate compound. You can pick it up at halfords. Usually this gets the etched-in bird poop out. Unless it's really bad, in which case the bodyshop is an option.
With the spolier, if it is plastic try some Poorboy's Bird Sh#t remover, or maybe consult the experts over at detailingworld forums for advice on plastics (they might recommend a good plastic product from gtechniq for example).
With the spolier, if it is plastic try some Poorboy's Bird Sh#t remover, or maybe consult the experts over at detailingworld forums for advice on plastics (they might recommend a good plastic product from gtechniq for example).
Edited by nixon1 on Monday 20th May 22:23
No refund policy I'm afraid. There is a 14 day exchange, but there is nothing from them that I want.
I'm afraid there is no way any polish is going to fix this issue, it's all the way to the base coat.
Think I'll just have to chalk it down to being stupid and pay the $$$ to get the roof resprayed. Joy.
Oh, I just washed it with a car shampoo with wax in it, but I didn't but if. The dull wax left over has settled in the etched parts left by the bird etching which contrasts against the glossier clear coat above. This makes it visible. Also, once I found one spot I quickly found loads more. Strange how that works!
I'm afraid there is no way any polish is going to fix this issue, it's all the way to the base coat.
Think I'll just have to chalk it down to being stupid and pay the $$$ to get the roof resprayed. Joy.
Oh, I just washed it with a car shampoo with wax in it, but I didn't but if. The dull wax left over has settled in the etched parts left by the bird etching which contrasts against the glossier clear coat above. This makes it visible. Also, once I found one spot I quickly found loads more. Strange how that works!
Doesn't the manufacturer typically guarantee paint/bodywork for a fairly long time (around 12 years)? If this is knackered after only 2, I'd suggest taking it up with a Ford dealership?
My own car has been crapped on a fair amount, and I've never seen paintwork damage as a result (my car is 11 years old now). Even if I've been on holiday for a month and come back to find it coated in the stuff.
My own car has been crapped on a fair amount, and I've never seen paintwork damage as a result (my car is 11 years old now). Even if I've been on holiday for a month and come back to find it coated in the stuff.
greypianosflying said:
No refund policy I'm afraid. There is a 14 day exchange, but there is nothing from them that I want.
I'm afraid there is no way any polish is going to fix this issue, it's all the way to the base coat.
Think I'll just have to chalk it down to being stupid and pay the $$$ to get the roof resprayed. Joy.
Oh, I just washed it with a car shampoo with wax in it, but I didn't but if. The dull wax left over has settled in the etched parts left by the bird etching which contrasts against the glossier clear coat above. This makes it visible. Also, once I found one spot I quickly found loads more. Strange how that works!
That doesn't sound right. As a company, they aren't supposed to misrepresent the things they sell, and hiding damaged paintwork with a heavy coat of wax would certainly come under that. I would contact them and see what they want to do about it before you undertake any work; they might pleasantly surprise you.I'm afraid there is no way any polish is going to fix this issue, it's all the way to the base coat.
Think I'll just have to chalk it down to being stupid and pay the $$$ to get the roof resprayed. Joy.
Oh, I just washed it with a car shampoo with wax in it, but I didn't but if. The dull wax left over has settled in the etched parts left by the bird etching which contrasts against the glossier clear coat above. This makes it visible. Also, once I found one spot I quickly found loads more. Strange how that works!
Don't go round quoting SOGA at them yet.
Go back to the dealer and say what happened when you washed it. Take the shampoo you used with you in case they ask you what you washed it with. Then ask how they can sort this out - so that it doesn't come back next time you wash it. They should agree to rrepeat it, or at least correct it properly.
Go back to the dealer and say what happened when you washed it. Take the shampoo you used with you in case they ask you what you washed it with. Then ask how they can sort this out - so that it doesn't come back next time you wash it. They should agree to rrepeat it, or at least correct it properly.
davepoth said:
greypianosflying said:
No refund policy I'm afraid. There is a 14 day exchange, but there is nothing from them that I want.
I'm afraid there is no way any polish is going to fix this issue, it's all the way to the base coat.
Think I'll just have to chalk it down to being stupid and pay the $$$ to get the roof resprayed. Joy.
Oh, I just washed it with a car shampoo with wax in it, but I didn't but if. The dull wax left over has settled in the etched parts left by the bird etching which contrasts against the glossier clear coat above. This makes it visible. Also, once I found one spot I quickly found loads more. Strange how that works!
That doesn't sound right. As a company, they aren't supposed to misrepresent the things they sell, and hiding damaged paintwork with a heavy coat of wax would certainly come under that. I would contact them and see what they want to do about it before you undertake any work; they might pleasantly surprise you.I'm afraid there is no way any polish is going to fix this issue, it's all the way to the base coat.
Think I'll just have to chalk it down to being stupid and pay the $$$ to get the roof resprayed. Joy.
Oh, I just washed it with a car shampoo with wax in it, but I didn't but if. The dull wax left over has settled in the etched parts left by the bird etching which contrasts against the glossier clear coat above. This makes it visible. Also, once I found one spot I quickly found loads more. Strange how that works!
talksthetalk said:
Don't go round quoting SOGA at them yet.
Go back to the dealer and say what happened when you washed it. Take the shampoo you used with you in case they ask you what you washed it with. Then ask how they can sort this out - so that it doesn't come back next time you wash it. They should agree to rrepeat it, or at least correct it properly.
+1Go back to the dealer and say what happened when you washed it. Take the shampoo you used with you in case they ask you what you washed it with. Then ask how they can sort this out - so that it doesn't come back next time you wash it. They should agree to rrepeat it, or at least correct it properly.
I know for a fact that some main dealer sales staff will attempt to sell a car with paint problems by hiding the issue. This just plain wrong!
I have first-hand evidence of such shenanigans - a sales guy I know at a top Mazda dealership actually admitted spraying a used car with water prior to a booked visit from a prospective buyer, and even parking said vehicle close to a wall so it was not too easy to see the affected panel....
He traded (see what I did there?) on the fact that the great British public do not like to make a fuss! ...and unfortunately it works often!
Doesn't/ couldn't happen?... Oh yes it does! Suffice to say, I would never buy a car off him!
Whenever I go to look at a new or used car, I always have the mindset that whoever the Sales guys, he is out to fleece me if he can, so it is hand-to-hand combat from the start. I am always polite, but with a massive pinch of cynicism. If my sales person can get one over he will....
I have first-hand evidence of such shenanigans - a sales guy I know at a top Mazda dealership actually admitted spraying a used car with water prior to a booked visit from a prospective buyer, and even parking said vehicle close to a wall so it was not too easy to see the affected panel....
He traded (see what I did there?) on the fact that the great British public do not like to make a fuss! ...and unfortunately it works often!
Doesn't/ couldn't happen?... Oh yes it does! Suffice to say, I would never buy a car off him!
Whenever I go to look at a new or used car, I always have the mindset that whoever the Sales guys, he is out to fleece me if he can, so it is hand-to-hand combat from the start. I am always polite, but with a massive pinch of cynicism. If my sales person can get one over he will....
Edited by 3Dee on Tuesday 21st May 09:05
3Dee said:
Whenever I go to look at a new or used car, I always have the mindset that whoever the Sales guys, he is out to fleece me if he can, so it is hand-to-hand combat from the start. I am always polite, but with a massive pinch of cynicism. If my sales person can get one over he will....
Go in with an attitude, you'll be met with an attitude, and it will always cost you.To the OP, if it wasn't visible under wax then the simple answer is to wax it back up.
Paintwork warranty usually specifically excludes damage caused by contaminants such as bird s
t, it's nasty stuff and particularly eats into modern water based paints, much more so than the older lead paints.You've got no chance of claiming it was not of satisfactory quality under SOGA (it was merchantable until 1995) as it doesn't materially affect the car or its use.
Matt_N said:
Have you not read the bit that says it's down to the basecoat?
How can you wet sand that out?
The bird lime has physically removed the topcoat in places, it'll need repainting.
I have read it, and I'm approaching it with a bit of skepticism. What some people see as absolutely ruined, other people see as relatively straightforward to fix. Given that the OP has just parted with their money without really giving a rat's ass what it was they were getting, and now they're pissed off, I'm going with over-reacting to etchings rather than down to the basecoat (how the fHow can you wet sand that out?
The bird lime has physically removed the topcoat in places, it'll need repainting.
k do you not spot grey spots all over the car?)Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff