On 19 Aug, 16:33, "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
Pal has a near new Suzuki. In bright red. It collected a scratch on the
tailgate. About 12 inches long. Probably vandalism.

The dealer said 300 quid to sort it, so I offered to have a go at buffing
it out. Didn't look to have gone through the paint - but the dealer said
it had. Pal decided not to bother.

Then asked the dealer about a cheaper repair. They offered one for 80
quid. Which was a mess.

So with it now looking far worse than the scratch did, had to go for the
300 quid one. Took a week. Came back the wrong colour (I didn't see this
one)

Back in to be done by a different paint shop. This time the paint matched
and my pal happy.

Saw the repair today for the first time. Another pal present. He says 'why
is there paint on the number plate, and why are there marks at the side of
it?'

Examination showed what looked like deep chips in the original paint which
had been painted over. Three of them. Biggest about the size of a 5p.

The paint finish in the numberplate recess looked straight out of the gun
- not the glassy smooth like the rest of it. With a couple of fish eyes
too.

So back into the main dealer for attempt number four. They're also going
to upgrade the sound system and fit reversing sensors, so watch this space
for more tales of woe. ;-)


FWIW I observed and had excellent results from a "chips away" type
block a couple of years ago - so good that he promptly became area
manager and then emigrated - the ******* ;))

He sorted a nasty scuff on a wheelarch, scratches on a door, scuffed
bumper on another, and other smaller bits and bobs - was here most of
a day, used my elec... but I thought it was £200 well spent - the
repairs were *undetectable*...

Jim K