Just had a call from the service manager at the garage.

He's been off for a while & is horrified to see what's been done to the car.

He is going to arrange a meeting with the paint assesor & is going to try to find out who said "there is nothing wrong with the paint" even though no one at the garage has seen it yet.

Mark the garage that did that paint job should be truly ashamed of themselves it's a disgrace, and anyone saying that is acceptable needs sectioning. I could do a better job with some emulsion and a roller. I really feel for you and just hope it get's sorted, if I were you I wouldn't accept anything less than a replacement car.

andy armitage said:

if I were you I wouldn't accept anything less than a replacement car.

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That is the way it's heading, if the paint inspector chap agrees that the work is sub standard, Fiat UK have said they need to get the dealer to replace the car.

Mark Elvin said:

That is the way it's heading, if the paint inspector chap agrees that the work is sub standard, Fiat UK have said they need to get the dealer to replace the car.

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Cool, hope it works all for the best.
Would you change anything in the spec of the replacement car?

Had the chance to read this post....

To say I'm appalled and aghast is an understatement. The finish is pretty dreadful and not fit to pass any quality standard examination.

I have seen your 500 at Auto Italia and I can remember how superb the paintwork looked. My car was part of the 4-car 500 display on the Fiat Forum area.

I sincerely hope this will be resolved. Not over my dead body will I accept such a 500 with sub-standard paintwork as bad as that.

RobW said:

Cool, hope it works all for the best.
Would you change anything in the spec of the replacement car?

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No, not really, although if/when it's replaced I don't think asking of A/C to be fitted FOC is asking too much, given the fight I have had to get this sorted.

To be honest, it's not going to cost Fiat that much to replace the car anyway, they could retail mine for about £8000 I'd guess, and the replacement car (with A/C fitted) comes out at about £9600, so even at retail prices that's only £1600. Then take into account the price FIAT UK pay FIAT Italy for the car, you are probably looking at unde £1000 to replace, certainly cheaper than re-painting it and offering compensation.

Just need to arrange a mutually convenient time for the assesor to look at the paint, I just hope there's no silly rules such as "it's not visible from a distance of 3 metres" or something (although some of it actually is).

Mark, if you get no joy then you are entitled to get your own independent inspector to look at it, I believe that this would pavet he way for an interesting discussion in the small claims court. Any retail outlet would want to avoid such action.

This is a nasty thread sorry for all the hassle your having.

Its obvious to even a lay person that the finnish is way below acceptable standards. The interesting thing now is what will FCC do about it.

Good luck

Pleased to see it looks like you will get a replacement car, which seems right in the circs. If they don't come through then I would advise you to sue them. Get someone from here who is a a bodywork pro to assess the car write an expert report and charge for it and then issue a writ against the garage.

I had one of Fiats paint inspectors look over a Panda once, they are very thorough but you must point out everything and stress how annoyed you really are...
I hope you do get what you are after in the end Mark.

nuovapanda said:

I had one of Fiats paint inspectors look over a Panda once, they are very thorough but you must point out everything and stress how annoyed you really are...
I hope you do get what you are after in the end Mark.

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Mmmm, the garage are telling me the inspector does not want me there, he has to be independant, even though he'll be at their premises & really not independant at all.

Its pretty laughable a paint inspector is needed, are Fiat morons too blind to see the the issues themselves, they should just do the decent thing and give a new car.

The car is booked in at the garage for inspection on Monday, the garage have even sorted a hire car as they have no courtasy cars available.

I'm going to make up some masking tape labels to stck on before I drop it off, so they can see the more serious flaws in the paint easier.

Mark Elvin said:

Mmmm, the garage are telling me the inspector does not want me there, he has to be independant, even though he'll be at their premises & really not independant at all.

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lets hope he doesen't come issued with Rose-tinted Spectacles too...

Thats utter crap Mark, you have every right to be there when the inspector comes. I insisted I was and Fiat were happy to let me, I think they are taking you for a ride

nuovapanda said:

Thats utter crap Mark, you have every right to be there when the inspector comes. I insisted I was and Fiat were happy to let me, I think they are taking you for a ride

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I know, but there you go.

Instead I'm taking it along all masking taped up & parking it right out the front of the showroom!!!!!

Good for you, its very sad when this happens but all too common in these days where no one gives a stuff anymore.

Mark Elvin said:

I know, but there you go.

Instead I'm taking it along all masking taped up & parking it right out the front of the showroom!!!!!

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Good luck and hope you get your new 500 soon

I have st e-mailed Fiat Customer Care to clarify that.....

1. The new car will be the same spec as my existing car.

2. Will no be pre-registered as my 500 was my first brand new car & I would not be happy being the second owner on the V5.

3. To confirm I will also get some form of compensation as I have spent hours trying to get this sorted & it's been bloody hard work (I suggested free A/C be chucked in).

Bloody hell!