BAD PAINT...working with dealer?

bckpack · 09-15-04, 01:37

I've noticed a few paint imperfections on the hood of my 2004 Toyota Tacoma. Right now they're about the size of a pencil eraser and there are 3 total. It looks like groups of small cracks and from a little research I've deduced that it's some sort of clear coat failure.

It was one of the first 2004 models available in my area and I've only had it for 11 months. I'm going to contact the dealer to see what can be done. My question is, has anyone else gone through something like this? I anticipate trying to get this resolved will be a huge pain. I'm sure they'll blame it on acid rain or something out of their control. Does anyone have any tips on how to proceed? Thanks.

JDookie · 09-15-04, 01:44

I would say to go with a loaded gun............not literally, of course!

What I mean by that is go to as many local body shops and/or professional detail shops and get them to give you an estimate or some kind of letter that states what the problem is and what it would cost to fix. Basically, you are going to have to leave them no room to make excuses or be able to blame shift it back on you. Some companies may charge you a fee to assess your paint but most shouldn't. If you don't get any satisfaction from your dealer, and this problem is in fact a manufacturing defect, look in your manual. There should be a customer service number. Call and complain to them, but only after you have tried to resolve your issue with the dealer. Good luck!

bckpack · 09-15-04, 08:39

Yeah, I guess a body shop or two would be the best place to start.

Has anyone had a positive experience getting a dealer or manufacturer to acknowledge/remedy this type of situation? From what I've heard, it is usually an uphill battle.

JDookie · 09-16-04, 10:04

A buddy of mine bought an 03' Mustang GT and after two months of owning the car, the hood started flaking. That's right, within one month half of the hood was primer grey. The dealer didn't ask a single question, and repainted the hood.

As long as it is, in fact, a manufacturer defect you shouldn't have any problems.

mgm121499 · 09-16-04, 10:09

Might want to search for any TSB's (Technical Service Bullitins) on your truck to see if there are any paint defect problems. This is also useful information to arm yourself with at the dealers.

Check out
http://www.mycarstats.com/auto_TSBs/TOYOTA_TSBs.asp

Malibu · 09-16-04, 11:37

Well, this is why you buy a new car, right, for the warranty that covers problems like this? In theory, you should probably not have any issues, but an assessment by an independent body shop (perhaps call your insurance company and get a recommendation) might not be a bad idea before going to the dealer. If the dealer doesn't prove satisfactory to deal with, you can get a manufacturer's rep to come out and look at it. I used to own an Explorer that was starting to have clearcoat failure on the hood. Took it to a dealer, got it inspected by the Ford regional rep and they OK'd a repaint of the hood, no questions asked.

Mike

DaGonz · 09-16-04, 11:50

The hood might have been repainted. I know of an auto body shop that specializes in transit damage repair for a few of the dealerships in the area. They do excellent work... but in your situation... maybe the delaer went "on the cheap" to increase the profit margin.

groebuck · 09-16-04, 02:12

I had bad acid rain damage on my brand new TL-S Acura and the dealer repainted it - which was a nightmare in itself.

If you get to repainted - ask to choose the body shop, make them give you a loaner car while it is being done and when you pick a shop make them guarantee no swirl marks, or defects and ask if they offer any kind of guarantee.

BikeFreak · 09-16-04, 02:28

A also have a 2004 Tacoma, but only 4 months old. A couple other web sites to check out and ask around are...

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/

http://www.customtacos.com/

Dave N · 09-18-04, 06:50

Is your Tacoma black? I had a red Tacoma for about 3 years and read the tacomaterriroty forum a lot. Several people on there were having trouble similar to what you're describing with black Tacos. I never heard of any similar trouble with any other color though. Like BikeFreak said, check out those two forums.

bckpack · 09-18-04, 08:40

Yep, my Tacoma is black. I hung out at TTORA a bunch up until a few months ago. I just got tired of all of the "I'm better than you" crap. That's why I spend my time at Autopia now. Much better.

I'll make my way back over to TTORA to search the archives. Thanks.