Eis

Hello,

I was checking out a new GS in the dealership today. I see that there is a small door ding by the fuel cap, and some paint is lost on the door.

I tend to avoid buying a new car on display because I hate the idea of people playing around with all the switches, getting the carpet dirty, and getting their finger print all over the place. However, I have never expected that untitled brand new cars can get body damage.

How often do cars get damaged before delivery? How easy is it to get rid of a ding by the fuel cap?

SW17LS

Happens ALL the time.

Door ding can be taken out with PDR. No big deal.

Sevn86

OP you would be surprised. It happens all the time and most times when it's small it goes unreported. I can't remember the amount but in Texas if the damage is below $400 or something like that the dealership doesn't have to tell you about the repair. Also there are so many stories about cars being damaged from transport and getting off the transportation truck.

Eis

Good to know. Thanks!

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Happens more often than you think, I'd be willing to bet that ~50% of 4GS owners on here had a decent scratch on their car that they have no idea about since the dealer polished it out before they purchased it.

Byprodrive

iTrader: (1)

Depends where the ding is!

SW17LS

True, but with a good tech almost every ding is repairable.

jjscsix

I just bought a new A7 that had to have the rear bumper painted due to some gouges in the paint that I actually noticed before I took delivery. The same dealer had put on a new rear bumper that had been damaged in a minor accident on my previous A7. Their paint work was fantastic and I didn't even flinch about them have to paint the new one. As others have said, I have read for years that it is very common.

SW17LS

Same on my LS460, had gouges in the front bumper and was repainted after I took delivery. Repaint is perfect.

Byprodrive

iTrader: (1)

Depends where the ding is!

Makes you wonder why the dealer has not PDR since it's in the showroom!

SW17LS

Dealers do weird things. They may not have even noticed.

I had a ding taken out of my GS right above the fuel filler cap in an area I was sure wouldn't be accessible. So if its around the fuel door, I know for a fact that it can be PDR'd on this car.

Good techs also have options for when they can't get a tool into an area with techniques such as glue pulling, etc.

There are VERY few places on a modern car where a really talented PDR guy can't get a ding out.

tompass

My PDR guy is on speed dial. Did two for me yesterday in rear dear panel. I am extremely careful where I park and still get dinged. Wife is in out shopping centers and parks anywhere. No dings...