My car arrived at the dealer yesterday and I went to look at it tonight. Besides being filthy dirty, there are several scratches in it. Is this just some kind of protective coating on the car that gets scratches in it, or am I going to have a problem? Has anybody else had this experience?

Its kind of disappointing to see the new Audi's completely wrapped in protective plastic and then look at the new Minis that are covered with dirt and grit.

 

I can only guess...

I think the fenders are covered in plastic when they leave the factory. These pieces may be removed once the cars reach the port - although I'm not sure. I don't think any car companies still use cosmolene (spelling?).

Most scratches can be buffed out by your dealer's detailing department prior to delivery, but this approach may remove more clearcoat overall than needed. As removal of the clearcoat can bail you out of trouble down the road, you may want to save the polishing/scratch removal to yourself or a trusted professional. Save as many mils of clearcoat as you can!

Hope this helps.

 

Unless they've changed the procedures, the MINIs ARE covered in cosmolene for the journey overseas. When you take delivery, you may still have a little residue under the bonnet, a yellowish-brownish goo.

Ask about the scratches right away! Hopefully, it's only a scratched protective covering.


Clover

 

I think your car will be just fine. You are doing good by noticing the condition right away. When it's ready for delivery take a VERY close look for scratches and/or dents so as to get them fixed, (hopefully there won't be any after preparation), right away. If you miss something you may have to deal with the dreaded, "you should have said something when you picked it up" comment.

There were whiteish looking spots on both doors of my CR car, almost as if some sort of wrapping had rubbed on them. It buffed out OK.