Paintwork damage - what are my rights? | Ask Honest John

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Paintwork damage - what are my rights?

I bought my car new from a dealer four years ago. However, a year ago, the paintwork started bubbling on one of the doors. The dealership looked at the car, and claimed it had been resprayed - which is untrue. Eventually, they asked me to show the car to a nearby bodywork specialist, to get their opinion. The bodywork specialist suggested that the bubbling effect was not my fault, but rather it was occurring under the outer paintwork. The specialist was to report back to the dealership.

Neither have contacted me regarding this, and have ignored my emails etc. I wonder if anyone could offer me some advice/guidance?

Asked on 26 July 2016 by Mandy

Answered by Honest John

The car will have a paint warranty that is usually for three years (check the service and warranty documentation). But if there is evidence that the car was originally delivered to you with a fault, then the supplying dealer has a case to answer. Minor damage to a car in production is corrected at the end of the production line. Minor damage from transportation of the car to the dealer is corrected by the dealer. But this does not absolve the dealer of responsibility. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/

Tags: paint and bodywork legal and consumer advice

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