What should I do about my Suzuki Jimny's poor paint job?
QUESTION
Hi John,
My name is Karla and I am writing to hopefully gain some information regarding my 2019 Suzuki Jimny paint issues.
My vehicle has been well maintained through its short life yet despite this and the paint protect purchased through my dealership I have 3 different areas of damage as well as the paint literally peeling from my mirrors.
I have been battling my dealership for 6 months, Suzuki Australia has rejected my claim under warranty claiming the issue is caused by bird droppings and the mirrors are cause by stone chips; both of course being my fault. Suzuki Australia have now closed my case and refuse to discuss the matter further unless I go through a third party.
The paint protection company the dealership used (prior to me taking ownership of the car) has said the issue is within the clear coat, yet Suzuki Australia won’t take their opinion.
I have also found bits on my car while assessing my paintwork that are literally lightly sprinkled with paint. When raising this issue I was told this is expected wear and tear. Despite the areas being on the exposed, underside of my door and still covered in clear coat so obviously not ‘wear and tear’.
I will be getting the car assessed by a paint professional but would really value your opinion on the matter.
Attached are pictures of the various issues on my poor Jimny.
I would appreciate any advice you would be able to offer.
Many thanks,
Karla
AutoExpert DISCOUNT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
If you’re sick of paying through the neck for roadside assistance I’ve teamed up with 24/7 to offer AutoExpert readers nationwide roadside assistance from just $69 annually.
Plus there’s NO JOINING FEE. Full details >>
AutoExpert DISCOUNT OLIGHT TORCHES
These flashlights are awesome. I carry the Olight Warrior Mini 2 every day - it’s tiny, robust, and super useful in the field or in the workshop. Olight is a terrific supporter of AutoExpert.
Use the code AEJC for a 12% discount >>
ANSWER
Karla,
My opinion is that they’re trying to bully you. (They are arseholes; it’s why I don’t recommend Nissan or Suzuki…)
You need to plonk yourself in front of a decent local solicitor and take their advice. Get a ’no shit’ assessment as to the cost of winning a claim against them, then you can compare it to the cost of repairing the defect independently. Take all relevant paperwork with you. Prints of e-mails, etc.
It shouldn’t be like this - unfortunately, it is. It’s probably going to cost you about $300 for initial legal advice, which should only take 30-60 minutes.
You’re reasonably highly articulate (I’m inferring from your high-level literacy below, well above Aussie average, sadly) and therefore with some coaching you may be able to represent yourself in consumer court (without shooting yourself in the foot).
Typically, parties bear their own costs in consumer courts. (Unless the opposition are especially egregious arseholes.) You will need a paint expert.
Pro tip: Bird droppings, salt water, environmental fallout, etc., are not examples of things car companies can hide behind. They represent a normal operating environment for a car. Yours even has ‘paint protection'… (Allegedly.) You might want to brush up on your consumer law knowledge as a basic principle here. Knowing how consumer law is supposed to work will get you in the right mind frame to tackle these dealership/carmaker bullies.
Stone chips are another matter - they are wear and tear, and thus not covered.
Hope this helps.
JC
More reports
The all-new Kia Tasman 4X4 dual-cab ute is finally coming to Australia in mid-2025. The covers are off, too. Here’s everything we know so far