I had some minor rear bumper damage from an SUV recently, so I took the cabrio to a body shop a week ago to get it repaired. After picking it up, I noticed some scratches that I didn't like in the fresh paint, and returned it so they could be buffed out.

When I picked the car up this evening, I noticed that they washed the entire car, (something I would not have wanted) and also detailed the tires and plastic fender trim with some shiny crap. Upon closer inspection, I was horrified to see very visible swirling along the doors, and front and rear quarter panels--something I KNOW wasn't there before. I'm telling you, it looks like they washed it with a gallon bucket filled with dirty water and an old shop rag. It was so different-looking and noticeable, I saw it IMMEDIATELY, with little straining. Needless to say, I was furious.

I'm extremely meticulous and PICKY about washing and detailing the MINI, and I prided myself on the way it still looked--VERY few scratches and swirl marks for it being an 05. Now, to me, the car is ruined.

What next? The car was picked up after hours, so I have to take it up with them tomorrow, but can it be fixed? Does anyone know what the body shop is responsible for? Can I prove it? This couldn't be any worse for me.
I don't think I'm overreacting, this is pretty bad.

 

I always tell anyone who works on my car, whether its the dealer or an independent, to not wash it. Damage done now though so I would just talk it over with them in the morning.

 

You're not kidding, I had no idea they would wash it. It infuriates me.

 

I totally understand! I have had nothing but trouble when it comes to "trusting" someone else to work on my car. I ran into trouble with the major Denver MINI dealer! They treated my car and myself like crap. Scratches in the hood, into primer, different parts put on my car than told, extra charges they were going to pay, rental car.
I know you take a chance when you hand over that key, but I expected to at least be treated somewhat well. Not the case.
I hope your experience is better! Maybe they will at least try to make it right!

 

What happened, were you compensated for the damage? Did they fix it?
Yes its shocking when you take your car to a place that centers it business around making your car look its best, and it comes back literally looking worse than it ever has. I'm going in the morning to very politely and calmly raise hell. We'll see what happens.

 

Too bad you can't get a bunch of other MINI's to go with you! That would at least get their attention....
As far as the dealer problems, I pretty much got screwed. I messed up by not getting everything in writing before they did the work. At least my MINI is in almost perfect shape, and I learned the lesson of finding a GOOD MINI mechanic. But, I understand, you do what you gotta do sometimes. You have to take the chance. I have been back to a dealer since. MINI of Loveland, and they were outstanding. I had to get the throttle assembly replaced, and they did it in about 2 hours. They even hand washed my car! They treated me like I had a brand new MINI, and mine is 10 years old!
I guess you just have to find the right places to go, just wish there was some way to make places do the right thing!
Good luck not strangling anyone tomorrow!

 

I alway make sure who ever works on my car "Do Not Wash My Car" I have them write that on the service ticket. I can not imagine that happening to my car.