Technical New Mambo Yellow with A Problem?

[thelurve]

Dear all,

Collected the new 1.2 Dynamic Air Con from Perrys of Aylesbury on 1st Sept. She looked fab . Service from the dealership overall was very good (although a slight delay in the agreed pick-up time - can excuse them for this as it was the new reg date).

All was well on the return journey to South London - like most of you here very impressed with this little car's numerous talents on various roads.

The other half loved the little mambo yellow Panda as soon as she set eyes on it and drove it with ease. However, earlier in the day (and in good sunlight) she made me aware of several blemishes she had noticed on the paintwork. You have to look closely but they are definitely there. The best way to describe them are they look like small yellow dots / drips (and yes, same colour as the car). They appear in various places on the bodywork but mostly on part of the roof and part of the bonnet. Now I didn't attempt to clean, polish etc. as it could have made matters worse and as mentioned earlier they seem to be paint spots!

Did anyone else have these or indeed still have them (look closely)? I'm thinkng either poor finish and quality control at the factory or not a thorough enough PDI by Perrys (hopefully the latter). However, not sure what could be done???

Have already sent urgent email to dealer advising them of the problem and expect a call shortly. Depending what it actually is my immediate thoughts are to reject the car (if it is indeed a defect of some sort). However, I'm guessing they'll ask me to drive it back to have it inspected (some 70 miles).

All feedback greatly appreciated.....

 

[thelurve]

Minor update: After thinking about it further, I'm convinced they are air bubbles as a result of poor quality control during painting. Time to call Fiat Customer Careline as this is wholly unacceptable....

 

[ian grant]

Congrats on the new car, it looks very nice indeed

Sorry to hear of your problem, but i suspect youve already done the best thing by (a) not having a go at it yourself and (b) getting straight in touch with the supplying dealer.

Chances are they will ask you to take it back to them to rectify, which can be a bit of a pain if you are a few miles away. This is part of the problem with getting the cheapest possible deal - the dealers are not always on your doorstep.

I had a similar issue when I bought my new Panda this June from a dealer about 40 miles away from home. Although I had a really good look around the car before signing the paperwork it wasnt until I got it home that I noticed a couple of tiny imperfections (not the same as yours I dont think).

However, the dealer was very obliging and put it straight immediately (they do normally want people to go away happy) and I'm sure yours will be exactly the same.

Dont let it spoil your new car expreience, I'm sure it'l be sorted in no time

 

[thelurve]

Chances are they will ask you to take it back to them to rectify, which can be a bit of a pain if you are a few miles away.

Yes, they asked for it to be returned for inspection in their body-shop. Told them paintwork covered by Fiat UK and can be inspected at any main dealer. They agreed.

This is part of the problem with getting the cheapest possible deal - the dealers are not always on your doorstep.

Yes, fully aware of issues when buying at distance. However, it's supposed to be 'brand new' - or so I was led to believe! For info, I did offer my local dealer the opportunity to meet me halfway on price difference (some £300 if I remember correctly). They preferred to lose the sale...

Don't let it spoil your new car experience

Difficult for it not to. TBH it has ruined the new car experience. I did ask them why these imperfections were not identified as part of the PDI - seems pointless doing one otherwise!! They have not yet responded...:bang:

Have therefore formally rejected the car - supplying something that is not as originally advertised i.e. brand new and free from imperfections and defects. Seeking a replacement car - not interested in any repairs, re-sprays or the like (see other forums for horror stories of blemished paintwork being 'repaired' and coming back worse!!).

Have also informed Fiat UK via Customer Care of same.

Peace out....

 

[doctorchris]

It would be interesting if you could post some close-up photos of these blemishes on the forum since as a body of knowledgeable people we've probably seen every paint problem possible on a car.
I understand your anger and resentment at this fault but you will have a better outcome if you stay calm towards the dealer and give them the opportunity to rectify matters. In addition, if you keep them on your side they will be much more helpful over matters such a loan car if yours needs prolonged attention.
I do not think that you have a case to reject the car although i have not seen the nature or extent of the paint problem. The dealer has to be given the chance to rectify matters however.
The distance you need to travel is a big issue here. Often savings made by buying from a distant rather than local dealer are negated by the hassle of travelling to deal with problems.
You have bought a fine car that will give years of ecnomical and reliable motoring if my experience of 2 Pandas in the family is anything to go by. Try to stick with this car. The local dealers will be happy to have your business for servicing and will deal with any future warranty issues (of which there may be very few, my daughter's 1.1 Active has clocked up 30,000 miles without a single fault). I'm now onto my third dealer with a 3 year old Panda as a result of local dealers closing or giving up the Fiat franchise!

 

[thelurve]

It would be interesting if you could post some close-up photos of these blemishes on the forum since as a body of knowledgeable people we've probably seen every paint problem possible on a car.

Will do if I get the chance (and the rain stops). I've assisted my brother in the motor trade business for almost 20yrs now. I'd guess he and I are pretty knowledgeable also regarding these kind of things!!

I understand your anger and resentment at this fault...

Ooops, didn't mean to appear angry....purely business. Say what you do and do what you say, simple really

I do not think that you have a case to reject the car although i have not seen the nature or extent of the paint problem. The dealer has to be given the chance to rectify matters however.

Hmmm, we'll see. If you purchased a TV that had blemishes to the casing I'm sure you would demand a replcement and not a repair. Interesting this thinking behind warranty 'repairs'. You see, nothing has been broken - this is a manufacturing fault that has resulted in a defective car that should not have been sold as 'brand new'. This is a paint problem from manufacture and nothing to do with the dealer per se (hence their agreement to me going to any Fiat delaer for inspection).

The distance you need to travel is a big issue here. Often savings made by buying from a distant rather than local dealer are negated by the hassle of travelling to deal with problems.

Yes but I'm hoping the massive £s saved will not be eaten up by continuous trips up the A41!!!

Best regards...

 

[deeyup]

Not been de-waxed properly maybe.
My old GP sporting was delivered like that. It looked like spots and runs in the paint.