Main dealer scratched our car :(

neet87

Hello, myself and my OH are in a bit of a tricky situation. When our old car was slowly giving up the ghost we started saving and brought a 'new to us' car 11 weeks ago (a 05 ford focus estate diesel). After 8 weeks it developed a fault with the central locking, the car was locking and unlocking itself of its own accord while parked and moving.

It came with a 3 month guarantee so went back to the garage to get fixed- they couldn't find anything wrong with it so it went to our local ford dealer. It took them 5 working days to fix (and was with them for 10 days due to the bank holiday weekend) and we finally got it back today. As it was nearing rush hour, we stupidly did not check the car over before leaving but we did when we got home to find noticeable deep scratches over the rear passenger side wheel arch and back door.

These were not there when we dropped the car off- we had carefully checked it after receiving it back from the garage we brought it off and we both are very careful when driving it ourselves- it is the OHs pride and joy, and the most expensive item we have ever purchased! We immediately called the dealer who has said they will look into it, but were very negative and even said if it was in a supermarket car park you would not expect anyone to fix it! (At this point I was rather frustrated as its hardly the same situation!)

Do we have any rights here? The garage we brought it off have confirmed that the scratches were not there when they had it for repair but apart from that we do not have any proof that they were not there when we dropped it off. My initial feeling is that we dont have a leg to stand on if they say they didnt do it, at least we have learnt lesson about checking over cars before driving them off and we know to stick well clear of busseys in the future! Any friendly advice would be appreciated, thanks for reading and for any advice.

Lemonade_Pockets

Have to hope they are feeling nice. Putting up a bit of fight if they intially refuse to sort it might work, ask to see the Dealer Principle etc etc.

However ultimately unless you can prove it (which by the sounds of it you can't) theres !!!!!! all that can be done. I was on the other side of the fence many a time handing over new cars that were perfect when the customer drove them off, but a few days later they'd ring to say they'd found a scratch and it must of been done at the garage.

If worse comes to worse chalk it up as experience and always check before you drive off, same goes for Valet parking at airports etc etc.