So how was your Ford experience today?

[Kristian87]

Guys, had a paint inspection with Gtechniq at their studios in Northampton. They have advised Full Correction as marrings is densely spread across the body. Full correction for a car like Stang is 4 days - 33 hours and will cost £1155 (excl VAT). Any product (serum or so) on top of it will be extra (I am happy to fund this part). They have taken paint readings and its bit uneven on the surfaces, say on bonnet - it ranges from 116 to 130 (depends on how much dealer valeteer has cut. Seems, they have used rotary 3m polisher to do the mop-up.

I'll be given a inspection report and advisory correction process/quote tomorrow for dealer. Unfortunately, the next earliest slot available for correction is in mid August (considering auto shows etc, its the busiest time for any serious detailer). I have booked the slot tentatively.

Dealer will definitely say NO to fund the entire cost of correction in the first instance considering its £1000+. Guys, could you please advise how should I play with this, so as to get the full or near to full cost of paint correction funded by them? I should pick the way to battle which has more probability to win.

I havent spoken to dealer yet, just waiting for paint inspection report.

It's good to have a rough idea on costs, although that does seem a little high to me, unless Ford did really f*ck up the paint that badly.

If I were you, go back to the dealership manager, the group have their own complaints dept too I believe if you need to escalate, if the manager doesn't play ball. Make it very black & white for them - you would like a refund for the failed attempt at the lifeshine application & for them to fund the work needed to correct. If you don't get anywhere with ThinkFord, then raise a formal complaint with Ford customer services - you'll have to kick up a fuss if you want a quick turnaround (and do include Andy Barratt), and threaten pursuing the Motor Ombudsman Service. For me - that option (for the Ombudsman) came from a complaint to Ford Credit (who are separate to Ford UK), as my complaint was around not having the mustang for X weeks whilst I was still paying my full finance. I believe they have 8 weeks to make you an offer, in which time you can dispute/challenge whatever they offer, after 8 weeks you are free to go to the Motor Ombudsman & get them involved, which from what I understand can be a long process.

Do give Maverick Detailing a shout if you want another opinion - he may have better availability and be less costly, which could be beneficial if you have to fork out for the work initially.

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[marks]

Send the report to the dealership. In the meantime Id get a report from another paint correction company, may as well get another quote as well, as they'll probably want this. Ask their reasons for not covering the entire cost? Keep evidence of correspondence, especially if they admit to a problem but maybe disagree on quantum. If not getting anywhere with dealer take it to head of franchise (can't remember which francise you're using) and Ford UK. If still not getting anywhere go to the independent arbitration organisation. You could go to a solicitor for advice but I expect the initial advice won't be particularly helpful and I wouldn't pay a penny till Ive at least done the groundwork. Anyway that's what I would do, but don't listen to a word I say!

 

[hinch]

if he's gone to gtechniq themselves he's not going to get a more accurate or cheaper report from another detailer if they use gtechniq stuff themselves anyway and from those pictures it really does look like they've jsut stuck sandpaper on the pad and gone at it that looks terrible.

 

[pr8196]

Thank you Kristian87, Marks, and Hinch . I have now sent the paint inspection report to the Sales Rep@ThinkFord Guildford, who has forwarded it to his manager. I keep you updated, how it progresses. I could also check with other Detailers in the mean time. Any suggestions of experienced detailers ideally in and around Newport Pagnell/Milton Keynes/Bedford area?
I did go for Gtechniq for paint inspection as to be honest, I only have one chance to get this paint correct. I cant afford more cuts.

Kristian87 - I shall give a call to Maverick Detailing for second opinion, but from their website--> Services offered, seems like Full correction for deep marrings and scratches (3 stage correction) would take 3-4 working days.

Thanks again.

 

[pr8196]

Guys, had a first official response from Sales Director at ThnikFord Guildford (not a positive one, trying to wash off their hands):
"
I am sorry that you feel unsatisfied with the paintwork of your Mustang but understand that you wish to have your car professionally detailed which is not a service we would provide to our retail customers.

As discussed when you collected your car I am prepared to refund the cost of the Lifeshine (£399)as a gesture of goodwill .

We are not able to consider any further contribution as we feel the car has been prepared in line with our service standards.

Please forward me your bank details and I will arrange the refund"

What should be my next step? - Should I speak to Dealership manager or open an official complaint with Group1auto and Ford UK (at same time). Obviously, I have to reject the offer citing reasons and putting the facts/events chronologically correct.

 

[AstroKeith]

Oh dear. Having dealt with TF Guildford, I'm not surprised.

I would certainly go as official as you can, but I stick with my recommendation of a week ago - show you mean business and engage a solicitor.

For him to say "it means their service standards' is I think to your advantage, given the photos and the quotes from professionals to put it right. He has basically damned their quality standards. Ford UK won't like that at all.

 

[W111BOB]

Sorry to be a broken record here (and with apologies to Marks) ... you need to engage a solicitor... now!

 

[pr8196]

Thanks Guys. For solicitors, should I speak to few local ones with expertise in dispute resolution and motor traders? Any recommendations in Milton Keynes and around area?

 

[Lowrider Lincoln]

I feel for you, they have ruined the paintwork on your car. Now offering a refund for paint protection !
You were given some good advice last week from W111BOB re, finding a solicitor. Perhaps now is the time to reconsider.
I have previously used a solicitor make a claim against an insurance co... My advice is to find a solicitor that specialises in auto claims, not the no win, no fee type. A professional (the more expensive the better) experience law firm. They will listen, asses and advise you of the law. If you have a case they will be able to give an honest forecast of any outcome... You probably find that it will only take one or two letters to resolve this. The dealership and Ford themselves will understand they cannot ignore or lie to you. All correspondence must go through your legal representative. When they give a written reason for not covering your claim, that is then written in stone, they cannot change to an other excuse later.
My advice to you is, get a solicitor.

 

[marks]

I didn't say don't engage a solicitor I said do the groundwork first. You wouldn't have wanted to be charged a fee for what you've done so far. Some things can be resolved without legal representation.
Ford Guildford saying that you wish to have your car detailed and is not something they cover is absurd. You're only going to repair the damage they did!

 

[W111BOB]

 

[Kristian87]

I didn't say don't engage a solicitor I said do the groundwork first. You wouldn't have wanted to be charged a fee for what you've done so far. Some things can be resolved without legal representation.
Ford Guildford saying that you wish to have your car detailed and is not something they cover is absurd. You're only going to repair the damage they did!

For what its worth, i achieved what i consider to be great results off my own back - it was a long process, but my patience paid off. Major effort on my part was keeping a detailed account of what went on and putting that all in to emails. Could i have got more with a solicitor involved? Most likely yea, but I didn’t want the extra time, effort and hassle of going down that route.

@pr8196 happy to forward you my complaint emails to Ford if that helps mate, just pm me your email address

 

[marks]

Exactly, depends on the type of person you are

 

[pr8196]

Just to update, branch manager has refused to pay for detailer cost to fix the marring. He reckon, I am fussy and marring are ok and car paint is not damaged (is in acceptable standards).

 

[hinch]

Why not just clean the car, clay bar it and give it a coat of wax? I'm sure it will come up a treat and you will be shot of the dealer.

because that amount of swirling and scratching needs more than just a wash and a clay bar it needs cutting back and probably quite aggressively and then layers of protection building up after that and sealing properly.

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