Hi

Just a quick one I had the front brakes changed over the weekend but was horrified when I went to pick the car up as the guy showed me two big rust patches on each of the sills at the front wear the mud flaps meet the body work (Both on the front) he siad that will be the mud flaps.

I have rang the dealer this morning whom have said that this is not covered under the perforation warrentty as the rust is from the outside in and not the inside out. I have even explained the hole issue has been cause by The mud flaps that were Genuine Factory fitted parts, but again they have said it doesn't matter.

Anyway from this I have contacted Fiat customer services on 01753 511 431 and explained the car is only 3 and a half years old and my issue they have confirmed it isn't covered under the warrenty but have told me to book it into my local dealer to confirm the issue and have said they will then look into it and see if it will be ellagable for a contribution towards any work required as a good will gesture.

I would want them to pay for the job full stop really when you take into account the age of the car and the fact it is genuine factory parts that have caused the issue.

What do you think my chances are of them getting this sorted for me?

Thanks

Dean

Hi

I'm sorry to say that IMO you have two chances and slim has just left town.

I think they will point out it is a case of maintenance ie washing it and keeping the area clear of stones and dirt and therefore not Fiat's problem.

Keep us posted on you get on.

That was my thought process, but as i said to fiat you don't expect rust on both sills of a 3 years and 9 month old car not in this day an age - (that just made me sound old) expetially when what has caused it, is surpose to protect against it.

The anoying thing is I am actually one of ones thats washing it every week and resin and hard wax every three months or so I like a shiney car.

Anyway booked into the dealer tom morow for them to confirm the rust and its locations, the Fiat uk will obtain a report and make a decision will keep you all updated. 13years loyalty to the fiat brand must count for something or am I just dreaming........

When you compare this to the fact that I have a 13 year old Seicento with factory fitted mudflaps that gets washed "occasionally", and has barely a spot of rust anywhere, I'd say that's a pretty poor show from Fiat.

Hi Guy's


Update so far, I had the car at my local dealer for 8am yesterday they prompley sent me on a 16 mile journey to there approved bodyshop whom came out and assess the damage and took several photos of the car, I am just awaiting them to send a report and quote over to the dealer who can then upload the info onto the fiat system.....

The guy at the bodyshop yesterday said it is the mud flaps that have been rubbing and damaged the paintwork were they meet the sill/ wing that has then in turn caused the corrosion. As I explained they were origional factory fit mud flaps. So my argument with Fiat is there genuine factory fit equipment has caused the damage to the car that has lead to the corrosion.

Let the war begin.........................

Dean

Update: Finally after 3 weeks of waiting I have finally had a call back from the dealer saying that Fiat have requested a copy of my last service invoice and service book with stamps so far. The dealer said they should come back with a decision in the next 24/48 hours. Don't know if asking for the service history is a good or a bad thing.

Verdict is in:


After 4 weeks of arguments and e-mails Fiat yesterday offered to pay a good will contribution of £200 towards the repair cost I must admit I felt quite annoyed and insulted by this as it wasn't even half of the repair cost so I e-mailed the MD for UK Steve Zanlunghi & Director for aftersales service and customer relations Rob Calver, Rob Calver them e-mailed me and escalated it through to Steve Harding the Technical Director for the UK, I have since received a call from the directors office whom have confirmed that warranty have declined the claim as a hole isn't present in ether the panel however after the information provided and a full review of my case as a good will gesture they will meet the full cost of repairs with Fiat UK picking up the bill. Result and all booked in for repairs to start on the 24th of March.


Faith restored in Fiat

As always.. complicated and you must "fight" to have what... you are entitled!

Finally happy for you they pay all, it's normal.