Dealer scratched my Prius

I'm feeling better about the situation. I was disheartened but calm when it happened, but the guy was such a cocky jerk, I got myself pretty worked up that day and the day after. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he were to give me the run around on Monday -he did not want to do anything for me, but I'm even reconsidering if I want to bother now. I spent two hours+ that night polishing out the greater of the fine scratches followed by a good coat of wax and when I saw her today I was amazed - looks gorgeous. As for the deep scratch, I have to think about it. While it's in a highly visible spot on the door, the buffing did make a huge difference so that it's harder to spot if you didn't know it was there. I still think it's in my right to have them fix it, but I'm reconsidering if it's worth the hassle. Idk, I have the weekend to think about it.

 

Thanks for the warning. I was actually wondering how the prius would fare in the desert crosswinds while I was driving back from Santa Anna tonight. I'm thinking it did well for the conditions. I really hate driving through those winds, especially when you have to pass a big semi. And I'm sure it will be harder in the prius than my old Integra due to the height and light weight of the prius. :/


Well, I'm happy to say that I'm no longer concerned about my mileage. My car definitely had a break-in period. I did a loop from the 8 up to the 5, across the 78, down the 15 and back practically driving 50mph (late at night) guaging myself by the meter on the display about a month ago and got low 40s. Here are my numbers and weighted averages of my start and stops on this weekend's Santa Anna trip (miles*mpg):

Miles mpg product
93.7 * 57.4 = 5378.38 North to Santa Anna
56.2 * 55.4 = 3113.48 East to Canyon Lake
4.2 * 40.1 = 168.42 in town
60.08 * 58.4 = 3508.672 South to SD
14.3 * 71 = 1015.3 Mira Mesa to home
13184.25product / 228.48miles
= 57.70
-2.5 estimated inflation based on last tank
55.20 total trip mpg

My speed ranged from 50 (dropped speeds on long inclines) to 78+ catching speed downhills. On flat stretches I stayed around 65 or so. I'm simply amazed. On the drive back, I forgot to use Eco mode until the last 14 mile stretch. I'm confident I would have gained an extra 5mpg+ had I used it.

 

duplicate post - won't let me delete

 

Monday has arrived and I decided to take my car in. The service rep was pleasant with me today and didn't give me any hassles; offered me a courtesy shuttle home. We did a complete walk around first this time and put the no car wash sign in the window. My car is at their body shop now. We'll see how it looks in a few hours!

 

Update: It rained that Monday so I picked up the car and post-poned till a sunny day. I dropped it back to the dealer yesterday at 11am and they called and said it wouldn't be ready by the end of the day, so they picked me up and put me in a rental (free of charge) for the day. I called today and they said the paint is curing now, but said it would not be done today, but tomorrow afternoon so that they can buff it, etc after it cures. Not sure what the normal procedure is but it seems like a long time to touch up a scratch. Not complaining, but just curious. How long does something like this take? As stated earlier in the thread, it was a deep 3/4 inch or so scratch/gash.

How's everyone else's dealer mishaps shaping up?

 

P.S. They put me in a Toyota Corolla. And not to sound like a snob, but I miss my car!!!

 

No one's responded on this one lately, I hope someone will offer some feedback.. please.

I picked up my car on Friday Feb 24th and the car had several paint bubbles/runs(?) where they painted, the scrape was painted over but can still see an indent, there were new scratches and scuffs, and some damage to the edge of the plastic applique on the d-side passenger door. The service guy supported me this time when they denied responsibility. They were able to repair all on the spot, except the applique (oh, and I didn't mention the scrape imprint). I attached a pic of the applique (I do not have one of the initial scrape). They said they would order a new applique and then I'd have to leave it with them another day or two. NO WAY!

So, here's my question. I'm a DIYer, though I don't have bodywork experience. Would this be a difficult or time consuming process to do myself? Anyone know the procedure or can point me in the right direction? I could just have them give me the ordered part. I tried touch up paint but it didn't work on the plastic.

If it's not feasible to do it myself or an extensive process, I was thinking of telling them that either I need to be present when the car is being repaired or that Toyota pay a repair shop of my choosing to do the work. Or perhaps it can be done at another Toyota Dealership? if anyone has any recommendations for SD (they all have poor reviews), maybe the OC? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
FC