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malinois38 · 04-10-2018, 12:41 PM

TV was in for servicing & the tech lifted it up too far. Dealership has owned the mistake, however it was not disclosed by them. I discovered it two days after leaving the dealership. Dealership will fix, which requires a NEW roof. I’m now concerned about the structural integrity of my TV? Welcoming any opinions from our resident engineers.
Also, I now have a vehicle that is worth less than it was when I brought it to the dealer. Am I wrong in expecting them to do more that just fix TV? It appears at this point that they are content fixing the damage and calling it even.

CRH · 04-10-2018, 01:13 PM

What else should they do besides fix it?

DBinSD · 04-10-2018, 01:21 PM

Sorry to hear this!

I am also unsure what you are expecting them to do extra? Could you elaborate on what you are thinking would "make it right" so to speak?

SteveSueMac · 04-10-2018, 01:34 PM

Dealer didn't disclose - they admitted after you discovered. How that was returned to you without an apology for the mistake and a date to correct it at their expense is a mystery to me.

As for what else beyond the repair, I'm guessing a loaner while it's in the shop but other than that, there really aren't any damages - except perhaps to their integrity for not being the first to tell you when it happened.

If the repair is done correctly and you're not without transportation during the repair process you should be "whole" I think - no?

Al and Missy · 04-10-2018, 01:41 PM

If the repair is reported to CarFax, it is likely that the reason would not be listed. Typically there is some perceived diminished value associated with body work. Some states allow for that as a component of insurance settlements, particularly when other party is at fault.

Al

Mollysdad · 04-10-2018, 03:17 PM

It could be that the dealership didn't see it. Nobody looks to the roof unless they are very careful. Although that's pretty visible!
However, you should get the car repaired at the place of YOUR choosing and they should pay.
A dent in the roof will not affect the structural integrity, and if you have it repaired at a good body shop, the paint will match perfectly. (This is one reason I stay away from "metal flake" paint colors, they're almost impossible to match.)
New roof? I doubt it. They'll remove the headliner and roll out the roof, then use filler. A new roof would require cutting away the old roof, and to me that's more risky than body work.

mefly2 · 04-10-2018, 03:55 PM

Let your insurance company "fight" for you to get what YOU think is fair from the dealer ...making you whole. That's why you pay for insurance.

Countryboy59 · 04-10-2018, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

It could be that the dealership didn't see it. Nobody looks to the roof unless they are very careful. Although that's pretty visible!
However, you should get the car repaired at the place of YOUR choosing and they should pay.
A dent in the roof will not affect the structural integrity, and if you have it repaired at a good body shop, the paint will match perfectly. (This is one reason I stay away from "metal flake" paint colors, they're almost impossible to match.)
New roof? I doubt it. They'll remove the headliner and roll out the roof, then use filler. A new roof would require cutting away the old roof, and to me that's more risky than body work.

Not all roof panels are welded on. They might replace it. The dent alongside the roof panel will be straightened and filled.

If you’re looking for repair plus money, probably not gonna happen. But I wouldn’t accept the repair unless it looks like it never happened.

malinois38 · 04-10-2018, 06:11 PM

Appreciate the replies. Maybe I expect too much, as customer service is almost nonexistent today.
So, I have to make three more trips to the dealership, estimate, drop off and pick up. I have to drive a Toyota Corolla for two weeks estimated repair time(during camping season). And when I run a carfax on a used vehicle and see the roof has been replaced, I personally would not by it and if someone did, it is worth less than one that has not had panels replaced. None of this would have occurred if it was not for their negligence.
So, my time/trouble/gas and depreciated value of my TV is worth something. I would like to think if I owned the dealership I would offer something for all the troubles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

New roof? I doubt it. They'll remove the headliner and roll out the roof, then use filler. A new roof would require cutting away the old roof, and to me that's more risky than body work.

Yes, a brand new roof will be put in. The dents are not repairable according to the Toyota Certified Collision Repair rep.

badkat · 04-10-2018, 06:55 PM

Is there another dealership to use? These guys just proved they are dishonest. I would expect a comparable rental at least Trust in these guys is over.

I agree with you..they need to do more. If not, then as we say light them up on reviews!

We go to dealerships for quality work.

Moflash · 04-10-2018, 07:23 PM

Tell them you do not want a vehicle with a replaced roof.Ask to speak with the General Manager or dealer principle Have them trade you out into a new vehicle for a great price.A reputable dealership will make it right but only if u speak up to the right person.stand your ground but be calm and polite.

GMFL · 04-10-2018, 07:25 PM

What a shame. I’m dealing with a dishonest deal now myself. What is wrong with these guys and not running a upstanding business.
Are the margins that small that they have to cheat the consumer to get ahead?

vswingfield · 04-10-2018, 07:30 PM

I can't believe they accepted responsibility for it after a couple of days.

My experience has been that if you don't point it out before you drive off the lot, you did it after you left.

It could be worse.

Moflash · 04-10-2018, 08:49 PM

The technician probably did not report this when it happened but owned up to it when questioned.

Wconley · 04-10-2018, 09:50 PM

Talk to the appropriate body shop about “Diminished Value” which you should be compensated for - the difference between what it was worth prior to and after the accident and fix. By appropriate body shop I mean one that is used to representing the consumer and not merely fixing dents. It’s not an easy road to go down. It depends on how new and prior condition.

Ted S. · 04-11-2018, 05:00 AM

Maybe file a police report and call your insurance company to get it documented? It is technically an accident.

DaveP · 04-11-2018, 11:05 AM

My wife had hail damage on the top of her car two years ago. The body shop cut-off the roof along the seams and then welded a new one on. Looks good as new. Cannot tell the difference. Not like the old days when they would fill the dents with body putty (thumbs down).

Rzrbrn · 04-11-2018, 11:52 AM

Not many shops report things to Carfax. Bet mechanic did not report it. Surprised shop accepted your complaint after 3 days. Seems like a good shop to me. Things happen.

Won’t get anything else if you don’t ask. But don’t expect MUCH more.

Why did you wait so long to complain? Did you not see it when you picked it up?

GM Airstream · 04-11-2018, 12:30 PM

depends on what type of vehicle you have... indeed they can replace the roof panel.. and the side rail... its no big thing.. but, they have a hard time matching the paint... most of the time due to sun fade...

Their is nothing else wrong with the vheicle... they won't let you trade up without it costing you more than you probably want to spend...

You can't tell them how to fix it.. they will go with the cheaper way to make it whole again...
about the only thing that they will probably do is provide you with a rental car... with limitations while yours is n the shop.

Its not uncommon down in the southern states to have the roofs damaged by hail... and I have seen some vehicles that the shops fixed... that looked new again...

Too bad it happened.. but good luck in the contest... you will only get what it cost to fix it back to what it was... and a roof panel is not that expensive... about 3-400 bux total... you will spend more in paint work than the panel cost... etc...

As to filling in dents etc... you would be surprised to see what the factory does... if you strip the pain off.. they use a lot of body smoothing.. and hope that they don't fall out in years to come...

again you cant tell 'em how to fix it... they will do what industry standards allow... and if you don't like it.. once fixed... take it to the new car place and trade it in for a new one... actually you might get them to write you out a check for the value of the work required.. and add that to a new vehicle that you choose...

car fax is not a issue here... as the damage is only skin deep... doesn't effect the operation of the vehicle.. but, check it out with 'em...

If you plan on going legal with this.. make sure you take into account the law sharks fee...you could end up with less than you think... or will get otherwise.... no judge is going to give you a new car for the damage shown... sorry...

Mollysdad · 04-11-2018, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malinois38

Yes, a brand new roof will be put in. The dents are not repairable according to the Toyota Certified Collision Repair rep.

Wow! I stand corrected.
Looking at the image, I guess that large section from the windshield to the black side trim pieces could be replaced.
To me the bad dent is the small one above the door where the metal is creased.

There's a company here that does paintless dent repair (Not for your case) He comes to you and attaches a light bar near the dent (I think to see smooth reflections) then using tools inside and heat, he works the metal flat without burning it.
I'm goin to try it for a tiny door ding (My only one!)