Damage caused by Dealer what would you do?

[EyesOnly]

Hi All,

Today my beloved Leon FR 2.0 TDi (150) went into my local Dealership to have the bottom section of the drivers seat replaced under warranty, as a section of the Leather had split near the seam.

Annoyingly when I was inspecting my car when I got it home I noticed damage to the corner of the plastic moulding that runs along the base of the vehicle which you step over as you get into the car. It looks as though the front to rear adjustment rails on the underside of the seat have dug into the moulding.

Paranoid that such damage could occur, I took photo's of the entire area surrounding the seat before it went in, so I have evidence that the damage must have occurred during the seat replacement.

I am going to report the issue to the Dealer and see what they offer to do, but given that the moulding runs the entire length of the interior I am worried that other more noticeable damage could occur to the seats, dash moulding etc if they do replace it. So my question to you all is what would you do?

Thanks

Mat.

 

[mk4 cupra]

Play up hell that's whats I'd do

 

[Shiners]

Very simple - you have the evidence so up to dealer to sort. If they don't or make a hash of repair then SEAT CS and perhaps some free publicity for dealer on here...?
Also, keep gathering the evidence as required until it's sorted to your satisfaction. Good luck!

 

[Nath.]

It's easy. Make them fully aware that you expect the job to be done with no damage. Ask them to do a damage report on the car before you give them the keys. They will treat it with care and probably give the job to a techie without ham fists.

I make my dealer do a damage report every time I take my car to them. They probably think I'm a tit but my car comes back in perfect condition so I'm happy.

 

[EyesOnly]

Hi All, thanks for taking the time to offer your opinions!

I've just reviewed the before and after photo's and it's clear there was no damage before, so I am about to e-mail the Dealer making my case.

Thanks again, I'll keep you all updated.....

 

[DeanC]

I had this with time stamped evidence and am still battling. SEAT UK were no help even once I got the exec team on it.

 

[Shiners]

I had this with time stamped evidence and am still battling. SEAT UK were no help even once I got the exec team on it.

Ramp it up give the culprits some publicity. The motoring press usually like getting their teeth into this stuff and the manufacturers hate it.

 

[EyesOnly]

Hi Dean, I've sent an e-mail to the Dealer stating that I have discovered damage following the work they have done and that I have photographic evidence proving the damage was not present before they worked on the vehicle. I've asked them to contact me to arrange a time convenient to myself when the damaged moulding can be replaced, I'll just have to wait and see what they come back with.....

Just out of curiosity, how did you go about escalating your case to the Exec Team of Seat CS?

Hopefully it won't come to that, but forewarned is forearmed after all!

 

[DeanC]

^^ Mines a wider set of issues. It was when I said they can have the car back under thhe sale of goods act - "an item must be as described, of reasonable quality and fit for purpose" - none of which it was.

 

[EyesOnly]

Oh okay Wow, that doesn't sound good.... well i certainly hope you eventually get it sorted! ! !

I hate having something like this hanging over me as it starts to spoil my enjoyment of the car. So to make sure that doesn't happen this time i've been in Sport mode ever since and even just looking at the red glow from the doors brings a smile to face now.

 

[marty_34]

Had this with my old car, took up with dealer principal he saw damage to my car and it was sorted! I did my nut when i discovered extent of damage initially

Seat UK are powerless are dealers are franchised

 

[rcopus]

Seat UK are powerless are dealers are franchised

It's usually the opposite. My experience (okay not with cars but don't see why they should be any different) that when you complain or raise an issue with the franchise/brand owner they either fold themselves or make the retailer do as they say.
At the end of the day dealers/retailers/franchisee's can all ruin SEAT's reputation, so I'd expect SEAT UK to override.

 

[dephead2004]

In my case the dealer had to get the warranty bumper replacement £1000 (?) approved by SEAT UK.

 

[andycupra]

stick to your guns, be firm but polite and reasonable.
If you go too hard and say its terrible how they have dealt with it etc and they know you will never be back they have less reason to go the extra mile.
If they still think you are on reasonable terms, but see you as simply wanting it corrected properly they will more likely go the extra mile to keep you as a potential continuing customer.