Who should repair rust spots on my new car?
QUESTION
Good afternoon John,
Seeking information/advice on where I might stand with a warranty claim and Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL).
I took delivery of a new Pajero Sport QF Exceed 14 days ago, when washing the car (4 days ago) I noticed a rust spot on the roof. This area of rust is <1mm across and appears to have penetrated the clear coat and base layer. I can provide imagery if you're interested.
I've taken this up with the dealer, and while they've forwarded this claim on to MMAL they stated "they don't like my chances", as it may have been damage from a rock and "cars can rust quickly" (which probably violates reasonable durability). Am I pushing the proverbial up hill?
Now, I could give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they're not making promises they can't keep, or are trying to look like heroes if MMAL honours the warranty, but I'd like to be armed with more information as a fall back.
All accessories (incl. roof tray) were fitted by the dealer. No load of description had been carried on the roof, nor has it been driven through a hailstorm, carwash, the ocean or to Dingo Piss creek.
I have not taken this up directly with MMAL yet, and I'm awaiting a response through the dealer.
Overall, I've enjoyed my first two weeks with the vehicle and hope MMAL will come to the party on this.
Kind regards,
Dan
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ANSWER
Dan,
Modern cars are galvanised. They don’t rust because of the cathodic protection. It’s chemically impossible. (There might be the smallest amount of inconsequential surface corrision, but it won’t grow. It can’t.)
This quote from them about cars rusting pretty quickly is bullshit. They don’t.
There’s a trivial paint defect on the roof. Get the dealer to fix it in conjunction with the local panel shop, at no cost to you.
(Bear in mind some goodwill will be required by them. If they’re arseholes about it, you cannot prove that the chip didn’t occur after you took delivery. So try to be diplomatic about it, huh?)
And you have to put this in perspective. It’s a purely cosmetic defect less than 1mm in size, under the roof tray… Probably not worth drawing your sword over.
JC
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