Vehicle damage pre-delivery / delivery inspections

[IsDon]

Have a look here.

https://www.myplates.com.au/products/myplates-product-brochure.pdf

It shows the sizes of all the available plates. The normal premiums will fit, however the frame is meant to take a larger Euro pate so the normal plate looks odd. The car frames are 520mm X 110mm.

There's a dedicated thread on here about plates which gives more detail.


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[rees]

Hi all,
Apologies if this topic has already been addressed - I couldn't find any threads.

I've just purchased a new Tiguan 162TSI in Habanero Orange Metallic. I love the colour, but was disappointed to discover some possible paint defects the next day.

These small bubble-like spots cover the majority of the car with the exception of the bonnet and tailgate. I didn't see these when I did the initial dealership inspection as it was done in showroom conditions - but they are definitely visible in direct sunlight.

I'm confident the dealership will do the right thing once they take a look at it, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue and what their experience was with having it resolved. I'd appreciate any tips just in case I'm given the run around.

Grateful if there are any users with experience in paintwork to provide any insight on the embedded images below.

For anyone else waiting on their new Tiguan - for the love of dubs, insist on looking at your new car outside in the sun (unless it's raining obviously). Don't sign off on it until you're satisfied with everything.

I'll be sure to update this as it progresses. Thanks in advance

Update:
I took my new Tiguan to the dealer to have the paintwork assessed today.

The dealer had one of their pre-delivery detail guys polish a section of the car. He claimed the spots were just dry water residue, however the spots were still there after it was polished.

The dealer had told me earlier that a representative from a spray shop would be there to assess it, but in the end I had to insist on the second opinion. The dealer told me he took it to a spray shop and was told it was salt water drops/mist residue from the ship ride over.

I'm sure many of you would be aware that the bonnet, roof, and tailgate/boot is covered by a plastic film during transportation, which is why I'm inclined to think this is a possibility.

I'm still a little unsure about the fragments stuck under the layer, particularly because it doesn't seem to reduce or come off after two washes and a polish.

I'll happily accept that these are characteristics of salt residue if they're able to remove them when they work on it (Thursday), but I'm still curious if anyone else has experienced this.

Is this something I should ask to have recorded for warranty purposes in case the clear coat fails?

On a more positive note, and aside from this issue, I am absolutely in love with my new Tiguan!

For anyone still waiting on their new baby, please save yourself the heartache by making sure you fully check it over outside before you accept it.


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[Mac135]

I'll take a shot of the one blemish on our car tomorrow for you. Looks similar but different. It wouldn't run off/out at the delivery.

[rees]

I'll take a shot of the one blemish on our car tomorrow for you. Looks similar but different. It wouldn't run off/out at the delivery.

Thanks! I'm definitely interested to see what blemish you've got on yours. Mine is completely peppered down the sides and bumpers with spots.

Has the dealer indicated whether they'll tend to the issue?

I've heard of some limited success with certain paint correction and clay bar processes, but I'm completely ignorant and paranoid when it comes to this stuff.

I trust that the dealer won't do a dodgy masking of the issue, but I want to protect myself at the same time.


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[Pussbak]

Mate try the clay bar process. Its works wonders where polishing and buffing (although a brand new car wouldnt require buffing) is not sufficient.
I clay bar my car at least quarterly and that takes of the environmental grit deposits.
Even removes fine overspray.
Also if the car has been washed under the hot sun the water dries too quickly before the chamois gets to it causing water/ detergent spots.

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[Mac135]

Has the dealer indicated whether they'll tend to the issue?

Yes, absolutely and very apologetic. We picked it up during the delivery and they tried to remedy it before leaving the show room but that didn't work. Have agreed that it will be dealt with at the first service.

[rees]

Mate try the clay bar process. Its works wonders where polishing and buffing (although a brand new car wouldnt require buffing) is not sufficient.
I clay bar my car at least quarterly and that takes of the environmental grit deposits.
Even removes fine overspray.
Also if the car has been washed under the hot sun the water dries too quickly before the chamois gets to it causing water/ detergent spots.

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Good to know! I'm definitely open to the clay bar if they can fix it with that. I was concerned because under a magnifying glass it did look like air bubbles, and I would rather them be responsible in case it is a defective clear coat.

I'm crossing my fingers it is a simple fix

Yes, absolutely and very apologetic. We picked it up during the delivery and they tried to remedy it before leaving the show room but that didn't work. Have agreed that it will be dealt with at the first service.

Oh that's good to hear! My dealer was quite hesitant to acknowledge the issue this morning, but finally did when I went back this afternoon. They're yet to extend an apology, but I'm not really surprised.. the customer service could do with a little improvement in general.

Glad to hear your experience has been a bit more positive.


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[Mac135]

Good to know! I'm definitely open to the clay bar if they can fix it with that. I was concerned because under a magnifying glass it did look like air bubbles, and I would rather them be responsible in case it is a defective clear coat.

I'm crossing my fingers it is a simple fix




Oh that's good to hear! My dealer was quite hesitant to acknowledge the issue this morning, but finally did when I went back this afternoon. They're yet to extend an apology, but I'm not really surprised.. the customer service could do with a little improvement in general.

Glad to hear your experience has been a bit more positive.


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i have purchased several cars from this dealer and perhaps the fact that I have an Audi S3 sedan on order from their sister dealership might help.

[kacak]

Hi all,
Apologies if this topic has already been addressed - I couldn't find any threads.

I've just purchased a new Tiguan 162TSI in Habanero Orange Metallic. I love the colour, but was disappointed to discover some possible paint defects the next day.

These small bubble-like spots cover the majority of the car with the exception of the bonnet and tailgate. I didn't see these when I did the initial dealership inspection as it was done in showroom conditions - but they are definitely visible in direct sunlight.

I'm confident the dealership will do the right thing once they take a look at it, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue and what their experience was with having it resolved. I'd appreciate any tips just in case I'm given the run around.

Grateful if there are any users with experience in paintwork to provide any insight on the embedded images below.

For anyone else waiting on their new Tiguan - for the love of dubs, insist on looking at your new car outside in the sun (unless it's raining obviously). Don't sign off on it until you're satisfied with everything.

I'll be sure to update this as it progresses. Thanks in advance

That's EXACTLY what I've seen on my black Tiguan too, and in my case it's all over multiple panels except the bonnet and roof, which makes me strongly suspect it occurred in transit. Have already shown it to the service manager but need to bring it in again for more detailed inspection at the body shop. I'm not looking forward to the process - please keep us informed on your progress.

[Regdop]

in my case it's all over multiple panels except the bonnet and roof, which makes me strongly suspect it occurred in transit.

Just curious.... did the Tigs with the dodgy paint finish all come over on the same boat? Might be worth looking at?

[rees]

That's EXACTLY what I've seen on my black Tiguan too, and in my case it's all over multiple panels except the bonnet and roof, which makes me strongly suspect it occurred in transit. Have already shown it to the service manager but need to bring it in again for more detailed inspection at the body shop. I'm not looking forward to the process - please keep us informed on your progress.

It's disappointing! I couldn't see any on the roof either. Hopefully it is just the salt issue.

I read elsewhere that some car makers spray a coating onto the car to reduce any risk of corrosion in preparation for shipment. The dealers for those cars are responsible for chemically removing that coating.

I'll definitely post an update throughout the process. My dealer is looking at mine on Thursday and they seem relatively confident it will be fixed the same day.

I'm still contemplating getting a second opinion just in case. My concern is that it won't be recorded anywhere, and if it ever returns or gets worse it'll be a pain to sort out.

Just curious.... did the Tigs with the dodgy paint finish all come over on the same boat? Might be worth looking at?

I took delivery in Canberra last Friday, the compliance plate is dated 01/2017. I believe it arrived about 2.5 weeks ago, but I'm not sure which ship it arrived on. Is there anyway to easily track this info down?


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[IsDon]

If the affected cars have these spots on everything except the bonnet and roof, which is covered in paper leaving the factory, it seems likely that something's been sprayed on them inadvertently after leaving the factory. Most likely on the boat.

I doubt it's salt spray. Even the most rudimentary of pre-delivery clean should have removed salt spray. More likely something more toxic like a cleaning chemical used on board to clean the deck has resulted in overspray on your vehicles. When left for an extended period without being removed, this chemical has leached into the clear coat.

If this were my car I would be getting a second opinion before allowing the dealer to fix the problem. Fore warned is fore armed.

A clay bar will remove surface bonded contamination without cutting into the clear coat. If it's something deeper than what a clay bar can remove then it will require a cutting compound. A cutting compound is an abrasive. By cutting the clear coat to the point that the marks are removed you have to remove some of the clear coat. If the contaminant is deep into the clear coat then a large amount of clear coat will have to be removed.

The clear coat is the protectant layer put on in the factory to protect the finish for the life of the vehicle. Cutting away a large proportion of this layer to remove this contaminant may leave you with a nice finish now, but in 5 years time, who knows? The dealer won't care as your warranty will be up by then.

I would take the car to someone like Definitive Car Detailing for their opinion. There are similar professional detailers like these in each state. Or even better, a panel beater you know and trust. Get their appraisal of the problem. If it requires an extensive cut, (anything more than what a clay bar can remove) I wouldn't be allowing the dealer to fix it. They would just cut the clear until the problem goes away for a short term fix. You're then left with potentially long term issues.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it's documented not just with the dealer but with VW Australia. Everyone with this issue should make VW Australia aware so they may be able to track it down to a common cause. It may also protect you in the future if problems arise.


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[kacak]

It's disappointing! I couldn't see any on the roof either. Hopefully it is just the salt issue.

I read elsewhere that some car makers spray a coating onto the car to reduce any risk of corrosion in preparation for shipment. The dealers for those cars are responsible for chemically removing that coating.

I'll definitely post an update throughout the process. My dealer is looking at mine on Thursday and they seem relatively confident it will be fixed the same day.

I'm still contemplating getting a second opinion just in case. My concern is that it won't be recorded anywhere, and if it ever returns or gets worse it'll be a pain to sort out.



I took delivery in Canberra last Friday, the compliance plate is dated 01/2017. I believe it arrived about 2.5 weeks ago, but I'm not sure which ship it arrived on. Is there anyway to easily track this info down?


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My delivery was in Oct 2016 (I booked it before the official launch) and believe mine was on the 2nd boat here.

[Wolfgang]

Hi all,
Apologies if this topic has already been addressed - I couldn't find any threads.

I've just purchased a new Tiguan 162TSI in Habanero Orange Metallic. I love the colour, but was disappointed to discover some possible paint defects the next day.

These small bubble-like spots cover the majority of the car with the exception of the bonnet and tailgate. I didn't see these when I did the initial dealership inspection as it was done in showroom conditions - but they are definitely visible in direct sunlight.

I'm confident the dealership will do the right thing once they take a look at it, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue and what their experience was with having it resolved. I'd appreciate any tips just in case I'm given the run around.

Grateful if there are any users with experience in paintwork to provide any insight on the embedded images below.

For anyone else waiting on their new Tiguan - for the love of dubs, insist on looking at your new car outside in the sun (unless it's raining obviously). Don't sign off on it until you're satisfied with everything.

I'll be sure to update this as it progresses. Thanks in advance

It's hard to tell from the photos, but it appears you have water spotting. Tap water being allowed to dry on the car during or after washing in pre-delivery is most likely the cause. As the water dries the minerals in the water etch into the clear coat. A dedicated mineral deposit remover may remove it, but if has sat for a while it has most likely etched the clear coat and machine polishing is your only option.

If it was me, I'd have the dealership pay for a professional detailer to address the problem. Dealership detailers have a large quantity of cars to detail in a day, they probably won't have time to properly sort it out for you.

[rees]

If the affected cars have these spots on everything except the bonnet and roof, which is covered in paper leaving the factory, it seems likely that something's been sprayed on them inadvertently after leaving the factory. Most likely on the boat.

I doubt it's salt spray. Even the most rudimentary of pre-delivery clean should have removed salt spray. More likely something more toxic like a cleaning chemical used on board to clean the deck has resulted in overspray on your vehicles. When left for an extended period without being removed, this chemical has leached into the clear coat.

If this were my car I would be getting a second opinion before allowing the dealer to fix the problem. Fore warned is fore armed.

A clay bar will remove surface bonded contamination without cutting into the clear coat. If it's something deeper than what a clay bar can remove then it will require a cutting compound. A cutting compound is an abrasive. By cutting the clear coat to the point that the marks are removed you have to remove some of the clear coat. If the contaminant is deep into the clear coat then a large amount of clear coat will have to be removed.

The clear coat is the protectant layer put on in the factory to protect the finish for the life of the vehicle. Cutting away a large proportion of this layer to remove this contaminant may leave you with a nice finish now, but in 5 years time, who knows? The dealer won't care as your warranty will be up by then.

I would take the car to someone like Definitive Car Detailing for their opinion. There are similar professional detailers like these in each state. Or even better, a panel beater you know and trust. Get their appraisal of the problem. If it requires an extensive cut, (anything more than what a clay bar can remove) I wouldn't be allowing the dealer to fix it. They would just cut the clear until the problem goes away for a short term fix. You're then left with potentially long term issues.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it's documented not just with the dealer but with VW Australia. Everyone with this issue should make VW Australia aware so they may be able to track it down to a common cause. It may also protect you in the future if problems arise.


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Thanks so much for the informative reply. Much appreciated

I spoke to two independent detailers today who have both indicated it's a case of dry water spots that have been left to etch the surface. The dealer has arranged for one of them conduct the repair on Thursday.

It turns out it's a close family friend of mine who will be doing the repair, so I have a bit more trust now.

I've also been in touch with VW Australia and have notified them of the fault to ensure its recorded against the VIN. Hopefully there's no future issues as a result of it, but I definitely wanted to make sure I'd be looked after if anything happened. Thanks for the tip!

It's hard to tell from the photos, but it appears you have water spotting. Tap water being allowed to dry on the car during or after washing in pre-delivery is most likely the cause. As the water dries the minerals in the water etch into the clear coat. A dedicated mineral deposit remover may remove it, but if has sat for a while it has most likely etched the clear coat and machine polishing is your only option.

If it was me, I'd have the dealership pay for a professional detailer to address the problem. Dealership detailers have a large quantity of cars to detail in a day, they probably won't have time to properly sort it out for you.

You're right on the money from what two detailers told me today. I feel much better now that I know that it's unlikely to be a major defect that would require a respray.

The dealer is getting an independent pro to handle it after I pointed out another issue with a scratch their own detailer had tried to fix (but failed) prior to delivery. Both should be resolved on Thursday, then fingers crossed it'll be case closed.


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