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Dented rocker panel - normal?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by twmark, Dec 26, 2009.

  1. twmark

    twmark New Member

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    I just picked up my 2010 Prius and noticed dents on the underside of the rocker panels. One dent on each side. They are towards the rear of the car but anterior to the rear triangular grooves on the underside of the rocker panels.

    I was furious but my wife suggested I ask Priuschat if this is a common occurance with Prius.

    Thanks
     

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    #1 twmark, Dec 26, 2009
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I don't have them. If it is the same on both sides, it seems like the car must have come down on something relatively sharp...
     
    #2 spiderman, Dec 26, 2009
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    I wouldn't consider this normal - perhaps shipping damage or damage from the dealer's lift during PDI?
     
    #3 HTMLSpinnr, Dec 26, 2009
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    If you didn't bring this to the attention of the dealer while it was on the lot it may be too late but notify them Monday anyway. If they won't do anything report this on the survey.
     
    #4 JimN, Dec 26, 2009
  5. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

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    I would definitely take this up with the dealer. Possibly someone put it up on a car lift incorrectly at the port where it was received? Especially if there were port installed options. But maybe some newbie at the dealership positioned the lift arms incorrectly.
     
    #5 yardman 49, Dec 26, 2009
  6. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Definately shipping damage.

    This may be one of those things that is better left alone. Is it worth having repainted rocker panels to you?

    Infuriating absolutely...but how noticable is it?
     
    #6 SW03ES, Dec 26, 2009
  7. twmark

    twmark New Member

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    You're right it's not very noticable but heck I just paid a lot of money for the car. I took it back to the dealer today and they said they would fix it. Should I demand that the rocker panels be replaced? I'm not sure if replacing them is such good for the car in the long run (breaking original seals, etc).
     
    #7 twmark, Dec 27, 2009
  8. sdleo726

    sdleo726 New Member

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    To answer the original question. I'm 100% certain those dents are not normal.
     
    #8 sdleo726, Dec 27, 2009
  9. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    If they offer I would take new panels (in fact request it)! I suspect they will try another method... cheaper. Don't worry about seals, if there is any, they will do the right thing.
     
    #9 spiderman, Dec 27, 2009
  10. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    My answer is it's not normal. Something happened either in transit or at the dealership.

    As for the repair, It would depend on how much involved, if it would be with the lower rocker panel area only, or somehow get into the lower door areas. etc. If they could reapir it and your happy fine. So be it. If they have to go beyond the Rocker Panel area for any reason, have it repaired without touching the other painted surfaces...

    My only concern is overspray etc...
     
    #10 Bobsprius, Dec 27, 2009
  11. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Agreed.
     
    #11 stream, Dec 27, 2009
  12. twmark

    twmark New Member

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    What is PDI?

    The dealer said he will replace the panels by taking it off one of the cars on the lot and I should have the car ready by tomorrow.

    Now I got a stupid Corolla in my driveway (no offense if you have a Corolla)
     
    #12 twmark, Dec 27, 2009
  13. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    PDI = pre delivery inspection. Glad to hear your dealer stepped up.
     
    #13 stream, Dec 27, 2009
  14. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    I would take a look the underside of the car to see if there are any more damage to the undercarriage, exhaust pipe or scratched paint etc before taking to dealer.
     
    #14 bedrock8x, Dec 27, 2009
  15. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    In NJ the dealer has to disclose repairs & cost on a car delivered as "new".
     
    #15 JimN, Dec 27, 2009
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