RXSF

you cant just ask for a new car since the accident happened at a dealership. if the same thing happened at a hotel valet situation, you wouldnt be asking them for a new car would you? thats not exactly fair since your chances of having a car accident are quite high. i mean taking the environment out of the equation, all you have is a regular accident that happened with someone else behind the wheel. in a situation like this, they are only liable to pay for the damages as well as any depreciation.

so in sum, a new car is not reasonable. i understand its frustrating, but a new car has just as much chance as getting into an accident as an old car. new or not, this coud have happened to anyone, at any time of your ownership experience.

junjdm

wow!!! that really sucks...i would be pissed...they should be on there knees right now!

BLK98GS3

That definitely sucks. Please keep us updated...

EgermPA

Here is an update:

1. I called the Lexus corporate 800 number and spoke to a nice woman who said somebody would get back to me in two days.

2. The manager of the body repair shop gave me the following information:

a. There was a dent on the right rear door and the "dog-leg" of the quarter panel. There are deep scratches on the door and the quarter panel.
b. They fixed the dents and used a slight amount of polyester filler.
c. They sanded down the quarter-panel.
d. They will then apply primer and sealer, followed by a base coat and the clear coat. All of these activities can occur in a single day.

Interestingly, they assured me that this event will not impact the market value of my car, because they are handling the repairs in such a way that it will not show in CarFax or in any other report. I told them that I would tell the truth about the repairs, however.

Here is one picture of my 2009 LS460AWD, five days after its 1,000 mile service:

Johnny

It is correct that the repairs can be withheld from Carfax, devious but correct. Dealers do this all too often - goes to show you what happens behind the scenes. Still, it doesn't relieve them from blame or responsibility, so at the very least be prepared to hit them hard during negotiations. Make certain you are aware of the factory finish requirements of the LS. The car is wet sanded between coats, and there are two coats of clear. Because your car is silver (one of the hardest to match), the metallic coat must match the original paint accurately otherwise you will be able to see the difference using bright lights, and especially sunlight. In fact, I wouldn't sign off on the finished product until you see it in direct sunlight. Bring in a neutral paint expert if you can get your hands on one. His consultation should be paid by the dealer.

Oh and btw, these procedures cannot possibly occur in a single day...

Dave Mac

So much for relying on CarFax. I always wondered about body shops agreeing to not report such repairs.

I had somewhat of an opposite situtation on my last car. I had a bumper that needed repair after a very minor parking lot incident and I took it to the dealership body shop. They wrote an estimate for several thousand dollars - all mounting brackets, shock absorber etc. - since they assumed someone other than me was paying for it even including painting one whole side of the car to repair an unrelated half-inch door ding. Then they simply replaced the bumper skin for $600 after working with the insurance adjuster which was truly all that was needed. Later I saw the inflated damage estimate on a CarFax when I went to trade the car in - same dealership. Luckily I had photographs and the repair invoice, salesman said they see that all the time.

Sorry to hear about your car and hope it works out well.

Dave Mac

woppenhe

Doesn't Lexus stand behind their dealerships. Of course they should get involved, and they would be happy to know the level of service you are receiving, if they expect to sell these vehicles in your area. They have as vested an interest in the dealer as you do. However, a dent is a dent. As long as they fix it a satisfactory manner, that is all they are reallly obligated to do. If you can get more for your inconvenience, fine. New tank of gas, a free service, extesnion of warranty, but you are not entitled. Get real. It is a dangerous world out there.

terrain

Did you ever figure out why the trunk was not closing properly? We are nearing 1K miles and I'm not in any rush to take it into the dealer -- understand that accidents can happen anytime/anywhere...but what a PITA on a brand new car.

Btw - thx for the pic's and add detail.

EgermPA

To respond to woppenhe, I sent an email to Lexus corporate and I called them on Monday. They said they would get back to me. I know it's a difficult week, so I can't yet tell whether they will be helpful. Also, woppenhe, I agree with your comment that it's a dangerous world out there. I guess I've learned that Lexus service is particularly dangerous. My car only needed a 1,000 mile servicing. I wonder what would happen if these same certified technicians had to something really fancy and complicated, like changing the oil.

atw24

Not a really nice story, the behaviour of the dealership reminds me a bit of my experiences in Mexico and other latin american countries, though I'm really surprised the economy transformed an MA Lexus dealership's behaviour that fast.


If I was you I would
- only call and respond to the GM about any action that involves your cars' accident
- hold a friendly personal meeting with GM to assume his personality to prepair your strategy to get what you want
- demand compensation (e.g. 5 % off MSRP or the price you paid) or new car
- if they do not move in any direction, settle up a meeting with the GM and his superior authority and bring a person of your own personal support (attorney, paint specialist, repair value consultant....) to discuss the issue between 4 persons over a cup of tea.

by the way:

Was the car financed/leased/bought cash??

Happy new year

woppenhe

It was a simple adjustment done by removing the covering over the hinge and adjusting the screws. Took 10 minutes, and 5000 miles and a three day delay while they were supposed to be doing it. I finally had to go and retrieve the car from the dealership and drive it over to their body shop with the service manager to get it done. They didn't want to adjust it till I brought it in for the 5K service.

woppenhe

My thought was that these things happen in the modern world, and as long as they are fixed, it is just part of life. To try to get a new car is a lttle bit of a stretch, even thought we all feel that way, and your angst.

Ryeno

iTrader: (3)

I think its kinda obvious the OP isnt the type of person who would go into hard negotiations. For reason i will explain later...
The OP just isnt assertive. He let them tell him that the value wont drop. Its obvious they are working underneath the table on this repair (and truthfully i cant blame them) But if it was me I would extort then for every penny i could get.

That means brand new parts. No bondo filled fenders
And a life-time warranty on the repairs. That way they wouldnt cheep out and use a paint then might fade over time. Then blame you for the paint fading.

OP if your not willing to force your will on people, then they will walk all over you, like this dealership as done.

Johnny

There's only one way to deal with them thar' varmints: SEND IN THE GUNSLINGER!

Lexucan

And Peek-Frean cookies, I hope. Gotta have Peek-Freans if you're going to be discussing your car's repairs over a cup of tea.