I bought a new mitsubishi 'i' (petrol, not electric) and took delivery in March 2008. It has had three services by Mitsubishi (covered by a service pack purchased with the car) and have recently extended the service pack to cover two more services under mitsubishi's own scheme.

I have had rust on the front bonnet (from stone chips) and the tailgate above the rear window (from a electric garage door which closed on it) and have had these repaired at my own expense using the Mitsubishi approved bodyshop in Beverley.

I wash the car at least monthly and look carefully for any chips.Last weekend, while washing the car, I found that rust had appeared on the front passenger door: I thought there was dirt stuck to the bottom of the door panel, rubbed it with a sponge and found the paint came off. The rust covers an area about the size of a five-pence piece. I took it to the Hull dealership who were unable to photograph it because the battery in their camera was flat, and suggested I contact customer services as the car is just over 3 years old.

I emailed them with photos and have been told 'Please refer to the warranty coverage, terms and conditions part of the service book which came with your vehicle. It states: 'Rust/corrosion other than perforation(rusting through) on sheet metal panels and paint defects are covered under the Basic Warranty Coverage.'

As the manufacturers three year warranty ran out on 28 February unfortunately this cannot be covered. I'm sorry but we cannot assist any further in this.'

The 33 page UK handbook supplement for the i does not have this documented. I never got this warranty terms and conditions booklet they refer to, though looking at the handbooks supplement again, I now notice references to it. The handbook supplement I have mentions a 12 year guarantee but is not so specific.

It mentions that the body should be inspected annually but that part of the service book has not been completed at all.

I have never seen rust on such a new car. I realise that it is difficult to prove how it started. Do I stand any chance of getting Mitsubishi to contribute to the cost of the repair?
Thanks in advance